newpainting

First Impressions and what they can say about you.

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:30:41 GMT

First Impressions and what they can say about you.

A "paint job first impression" refers to the initial visual perception someone gets of a property or object based on the quality and appearance of its paintwork, often indicating whether it is well-maintained, cared for, and professional, significantly impacting the overall impression before further inspection; a fresh, even, and color-coordinated paint job creates a positive first impression, while a poorly done one suggests neglect or poor quality.

Key points about paint job first impressions:

· Visual impact:

The most immediate impression comes from the color choice, consistency of the paint application, and overall neatness of the paint job.

· Professionalism:

A clean, well-executed paint job suggests professionalism and attention to detail, enhancing the perceived value of a property or business.

· Neglect indicator:

Conversely, peeling paint, uneven coverage, or obvious brush strokes can signal neglect or poor maintenance, creating a negative first impression.

· Curb appeal:

For homes, a fresh exterior paint job is crucial for boosting curb appeal and attracting potential buyers.

· Brand image:

In commercial settings, a well-painted storefront directly reflects the company's image and professionalism.

Factors influencing a paint job first impression:

Color selection: Choosing colors that are appropriate for the property style and surrounding environment
Paint quality: Using high-quality paint for a smooth, even finish
Preparation: Proper surface preparation, including sanding and priming, leads to a better final result
Application technique: Skilled application with minimal brush strokes and drips
Attention to detail: Covering trim, windows, and doors precisely

CHEAP?

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:28:18 GMT

CHEAP?

Cheap" refers to painting at a low price, often indicating lower quality paints, no prep work, and low painting skills while "quality" indicates painting with superior materials, professional prep work, and craftsmanship, usually at a higher price. It can also mean you are not protected by contractor insurance, a license to do business is absent, taxes are not being paid, etc.

Who wants to hire a cheap painter that does awful work that will require annual maintenance? Not to mention, the appearance of your home determines its value. Your home is the most expensive asset you have and a quality paint job will last much longer than the annual work a cheap job costs in the long run. Professional prep work makes the painting work last longer.

We get plenty of calls to help homeowners repair the mess and damage caused by their cheap painter. Would you have heart surgery done by the best surgeon? Or course you would! What kind of car to you drive? I will bet it is a nice one that does not embarrass you and wasn’t your cheapest option, right? My point is quite simple: Cheap costs you much more over time and it rarely looks as good as a skilled painter can offer.

Common signs of a cheap painter are:

Truck or car without their business name stenciled on it. Magnetic signs usually indicate a part time contractor, or an unlicensed/uninsured contractor. Insured contractors protect you if anyone, including themselves, get injured or your home gets banged up by a falling ladder, etc. If they do not have insurance, then you become the general contractor and all damage and injuries are only covered by your homeowner’s insurance. This can cost you a lot of money and can result in your homeowner’s insurance being cancelled since you put them at risk by hiring an uninsured painter. If you google “uninsured contractors getting injured on your property consequences” you will have nightmares. Cheap can cost a whole lot of money. Why risk it?

Yes, we do get a lot of calls from people we gave quotes to, and went the cheap route, to come back and fix the results of hiring cheap. Most of the time we must remove what was/was not done so we can do the “skipped prep” work and give them the quality and detailed look their largest investment needed. We are never the cheapest however our workmanship will cost you less in the long run and will add value to your home at the same time.

Securing references for your contractor

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:23:26 GMT

The following guideline for securing references for your contractor was written by Paige Bennett.

https://www.angi.com/articles/author/paige-bennett

Paige Bennett

Contributing Writer

Paige is a freelance editor and writer with over six years of professional experience covering design, DIY projects, food, health, and travel. Her work appears on Insider, Eat This, Not That!, EuroCheapo, Dailybreak, Buzzfeed, Thrillist, and more. She graduated from Ohio University with honors and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism. In her education, Paige specialized in gender studies and sustainability.

Originally from rural Ohio, Paige now calls sunny Los Angeles home. When she isn't working, Paige can often be found shopping online for home decor, trying out new recipes, or crafting. She's especially passionate about drawing, painting, urban gardening, and making renter-friendly upgrades to her apartment.

Hometown: Ohio

Passions: Gardening, painting, sustainability, cleaning, decorating

Favorite design style: Mid-century modern

When you need a project done, and done right, it’s crucial to ask a contractor for references. Hiring the right contractor with trustworthy references can help to ensure your job is in good hands. Online reviews can be a good place to start, but checking contractor references will give you better insight into what it will be like working with them.

Why You Need References

There are many reasons to ask a contractor for references. Sure, you can look at online reviews to avoid hiring a contractor that abandons projects halfway through, but online reviews only tell so much. Oftentimes they are only posted by the most disgruntled or overjoyed clients, meaning they can be skewed and less reflective of the average experience.

Plus, asking for references for projects similar to your own will be more reflective of what your experience will be like, unlike online reviews that could be referencing a wide variety of projects.

References can tell you if the contractor stuck with the timeline, if there were any issues with the payment process, and the overall quality of their work, even after the project has wrapped.

Checking references can also help you get a sense of if a contractor is trustworthy and plays by the book. What if clients regularly have issues with a contractor not pulling appropriate permits? You can save yourself a headache down the road by checking with references.

How to Ask a Contractor for References

Asking a contractor for references might feel awkward, but a trustworthy contractor should be more than happy to provide them. When searching for a contractor, ask for references with the quote. You should get quotes and ask for references from about three contractors .

If the contractor is apprehensive about sharing references, look elsewhere. The Contractors State License Board even suggests asking contractors for client references, so it is standard in the industry.

A contractor who doesn’t cut corners, communicates clearly, and puts quality and safety at the top of their priorities won’t be afraid to share a solid list of references with you.

How Many References To Check

Ask each contractor on your shortlist for at least three references , and you should reach out to them by phone.

Once you are talking with a reference, be sure to verify that the reference is valid. To do so, discuss your project and confirm that the contractor completed similar work for the client. You don’t want a reference who had commercial work done when dealing with a residential project, as the experiences could be quite different in terms of pricing, timelines, and paperwork.

Quotes and timelines may vary, but always make sure your contractor provides the appropriate paperwork to avoid any legal issues.

What to Ask When Checking References for Contractors

Now it’s time to dial those references’ numbers and start gathering information. Jot down open-ended questions that will encourage the reference to respond with more than just a “yes” or “no.” Here are some general topics to focus on during the conversation.

· Timeline

· Price

· Quality of Job

· Issues Afterward

· Handling the Unexpected

· Communication

· Project Satisfaction and Rehiring

Timeline

Construction projects are frequently delayed. Small delays aren’t necessarily a cause for alarm and shouldn’t completely deter you from hiring the contractor in question, but it’s good to get an idea of what kind of delays came up along the way. Did the reference have any issues with the timeline? If the contractor extended the project, what reason did they provide? Did this impact the project cost? The answers to these questions are especially important to know for general contractors with hourly rates.

Price

Did the project stay on budget? If not, why did the price increase? If it came in under budget, does it seem like the contractor cut corners or asked the client to make some sacrifices to reduce costs?

Quality of Job

Is the finished product up to the reference’s standards? Did the contractor maintain safety standards throughout the project and clean up the area at the end of the day? What did the reference think of the quality from start to finish?

Issues Afterward

Even after the project wraps up, issues can arise later on. If there was a leak a month after a contractor finishes a roofing project for the client, did the contractor come back to fix it? While it’s not uncommon to have issues come up after the contractor completes the work, many references won’t have any issues to speak of. That’s good news.

Handling the Unexpected

With construction work, many different issues can pop up unexpectedly. A good contractor will be prepared anyway and can address surprises head-on. Ask the reference if any roadblocks came up during the project. If so, how did the contractor respond? If the issue wasn’t in their expertise, did they hire subcontractors? Is the reference satisfied with how the subcontractors handled the issue?

Communication

Did the contractor handle all the appropriate paperwork? Verify that the contractor pulled necessary permits, provided contracts for the client to sign and proof of licensing and insurance. If the project led to issues or delays (it’s construction, after all!), did the contractor inform the client in a timely manner?

Project Satisfaction and Rehiring

Is the client happy with the completed work? Would they hire the contractor for other projects in the future, and would they recommend the contractor to friends or family? There are bound to be drawbacks with any construction project, but if the contractor has excellent customer service and high-quality work, a reference’s willingness to rehire the contractor speaks volumes.

On the other hand, if the reference wouldn’t rehire the contractor, ask why. Perhaps the cost was too high, although the quality was excellent. Even if a reference wouldn’t rehire the contractor, their reasons will help determine if you should also rule out this contractor for your project.

Check References for a Better Contractor Experience

Asking a contractor for references and then reaching out to those references can be a little intimidating, but when it comes to your home, you can’t be too careful. Reaching out to references can give you peace of mind and help you find the best contractor for your project.

Professional Paint Job vs. Common Mistakes

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:34:06 GMT

Professional Paint Job vs. Common Mistakes

25 bits of information for our clients. Brush up on painting, the easiest, most economical way to change your home's look and feel, both inside and out.

1. Inside or out, it is smart to try out colors before painting. Buy a quart, paint it onto cardboard, and hang it on the wall to see how it looks with its surroundings and in various lighting situations. Test decorative finishes the same way.

2. A home's setting should affect color choices. Shady areas make colors appear darker; lively colors can be too bright in well-lit areas. To play down a two-story home among single-story houses, paint the upper half or dormers a darker hue.

3. Painting in cool weather? Use low-temperature exterior paint, which can tolerate temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit within 24—48 hours of painting. Most paints handle temperatures only as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. The right paint brush is as critical to a good paint job as quality paint. For oil base paint, China bristle paint brushes, which leave few brush marks, are a good choice, but the bristles might break when used on rough surfaces. For acrylics and high-quality latex paints, nylon paint brushes are best. Nylon-polyester blends and 100-percent-polyester brushes work with any paint. Expect to spend at least $9 for a quality 3-inch paint brush.

5. For the best paint application, select a roller cover with the appropriate nap size. In general, the rougher the surface, the longer the nap required.

6. Front doors, the center of onlookers' attention, deserve special thought. In general, doors with high-gloss paint finishes look dramatic and punchy, while those with natural wood finishes are welcoming and warm.

7. When stored properly, a can of paint lasts three to five years. Store paint between 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and avoid placing cans on concrete floors, where they rust more quickly. Write on the can or a piece of tape to indicate the color of the paint, date of purchase, and how much paint remains in the can.

Get free interior painting or staining estimates from local professionals.

8. Paint provides a quick fix for many decorating problems, including painting wood paneling, which seems to plague American basements. Here's how to do it:

Use a strong household cleaner to remove dirt or wax buildup on the paneling. Rinse off the cleaner, then dull the glossy paneling surface with sandpaper. Wipe it down with a damp rag and coat the surface with stain-blocking primer. Let it dry overnight and top it off with a flat, satin, or semigloss latex.

9. If you hire professional painters, ask about the brand of paint they use. If you have a brand in mind, make sure they're willing to use it. Quality and colors vary by brand, and even slight color differences among brands can be dramatic when applied to an entire house.

10. To buy the right amount of paint, use this formula: Add up the widths of the walls, then multiply that figure by the room's ceiling height and divide by 350 (the typical square footage one gallon covers). The result is roughly the number of gallons of paint you need. The formula doesn't account for windows and doors, so you should have plenty of paint for touch-ups. If you use a sprayer, a gallon covers about 250 square feet.

11. Most paint failures come from poor surface preparation. Ensure a long-lasting paint job by taking time to assess the condition of your home's exterior and then washing, scraping, sanding, caulking, and treating stains as necessary.

12. When hiring professional painters, look for licensed pros who have liability insurance and guarantee their work. Ask about painters' experience with your house style, peruse portfolios, and get references. Drive by homes they painted two or three years ago so you can see how the paint job has weathered. Look for drips, overspray on the roof and windows, and rough surfaces that reveal inadequate scraping and prep work.

13. Honor a historically significant home's heritage by choosing era-appropriate hues, such as Valspar's American Tradition line.

14. Consider these questions when matching colors to the character of your home:

What elements do you like best about your home? Architectural features? Windows? Porches? What do you like least? Style? Size? Proportions? Answers to these questions will help you decide which elements to highlight, which areas to dress up with materials such as stone or shingles, and which areas to downplay with a darker hue.

15. In 1978, the government banned lead as a paint ingredient because of its health risks, but most homes built before 1978—about 57 million of them—still have lead paint somewhere in them. There's little risk from paint in fine condition, but peeling and flaking lead paint is hazardous, especially to young children and pregnant women. Home test kits for lead paint are available, but the government recommends hiring professionals for accurate testing and safe paint removal. Call the National Lead Information Center at 800/424-5323 with questions and 800/5323394 to request printed materials.

16. Think of exterior color schemes in terms of threes: one color for the main body, one for the trim, and a third color for punch to accentuate doors and shutters.

17. Paint can help cut energy costs. When applied under your roof deck, low emissivity (low-E) paint can cut heat transfer by 5-8 percent, producing annual energy savings up to 15 percent. Try Sherwin-Williams' Radiance low-E attic and decking radiant barrier paint.

18. Chalkboard paint transforms walls, floors, and tabletops into the perfect place to give kids' creative impulses free rein. The latex formula of chalkboard paint requires no special primers or sealers.

19. Magnetic primer is an easy way to make walls interactive in kid-friendly spaces. Just apply the magnetic primer, wait until it's dry, and then add a topcoat in the paint color of your choice.

20. Before going in the garbage, cans of latex paint must be dried out. (Leave lids off to show garbage collectors that the paint is hardened.) Or you can mix leftover latex paint with cat litter or shredded paper, let it dry, and then toss it in the trash. Ask your local solid-waste office about disposal programs for oil-based products, and whether there is a designated hazardous-waste collection day. Consider donating leftover paint to a local nonprofit organization or shelter.

21. Metallic, pearlescent, translucent, and interference colors—shades that shift with varying light—are today's hip hues. These luminous pigments bring movement and emotion to lifeless surfaces.

22. Using the right paint sheen is important. Exteriors: Flats and satins are best for most siding surfaces. Semigloss and gloss paints work well for doors, windows, shutters, fences, and outdoor furniture. Porches, floors, and decks require special paint. Interiors: Flats hide surface flaws but can be tough to clean, making them best in low-traffic areas. Satins are more luminous, easier to clean, and best suited for hall walls, baths, and some trims. Semigloss paints are easy to clean and a good choice for woodwork and walls subject to wear and tear. Gloss paints highlight surface flaws, but they do well on kitchen and bathroom walls, banisters, railings, cabinetry, windowsills, and some trim.

23. If you have a unique color request, most paint centers can mix a custom hue to complement your favorite fabric swatch or artwork, often at no additional charge.

24. Waterproofing paint turns concrete walls into water barriers. Available in oil, latex, or powder, waterproofing paint, such as UGL ts Drylok, penetrates masonry pores and expands as it dries to become part of the wall. One gallon of Drylok covers about 75 square feet of surface area, and you'll need two coats: one by brush and another by roller. Drylok comes in white, gray, beige, blue, and some pastel tints; it can also be painted over with the latex hue of your choice.

25. Oil and latex exterior paints require different drying times. Use the following guidelines to ensure a quality paint job:

Latex Dry to touch: 2—3 hours Safe for second coat: 4—5 hours

Oil Dry to touch: 4 hours Safe for second coat: 24 hours

Painting Tips: ‘DIY’

Sat, 29 Jul 2023 22:41:01 GMT

Painting Tips: ‘DIY’

10 TIPS for Interior Painting

Different paint finishes have their advantages.

Before you begin to paint, consider wall imperfections and other factors. High-gloss paint offers greater durability and is very easy to clean- If your wall is less than perfect, however, high-gloss paint can enhance the imperfections. Flat paint will do a much better job of hiding imperfections, but it's much easier to damage than high gloss. Eggshell is a great middle-of-the-road option.

Don't let fear of color turn your room white.

Colors can add depth and texture to your room. Using the right colors can turn an otherwise dull room into a beautiful, warm space. If you get a color you don't like, just paint over it!

Small samples prevent big surprises.

It's very difficult to tell what a color is going to look like on your wall using a small paint swatch. Investing in a "test gallon" can get expensive, especially if you can't make up your mind. Many paint manufacturers are now offering small sample cans of their colors. They cost only a few dollars and will prevent you from wasting money on a color that just isn't right

Square footage is only half of the equation.

When you go to buy your paint, you must know the square footage of your room. There are many other factors that contribute to the amount of paint you will need, however- Always consider the surface you're painting, whether you're priming walls and the number of coats you are going to need. All these things will affect the amount of paint you need to purchase.

Get ready to spend some time preparing .

About 80 percent of your time should be spent doing prep work. Contrary to popular belief, paint will not hide all imperfections. Take the proper steps to make your walls as flat as possible, and make sure you clean them before you start to paint. Any dust or debris left on the wall could cause your new paint to peel.

There is a reason it's called primer.

A primer is essential in any good-quality paint job. It seals the surface of your walls and provides a great base for the paint to grab. If you've spackled your walls, priming is a must to prevent flashing- Unprimed spackle holds gloss better than drywall, causing a "shiny" spot on your wall.

Don't cut in a line.

Always do brushwork in the corners before you begin rolling. Rolling after brushwork will flatten any brushstrokes left in the wall, giving you an evenly painted surface.

Rollers can put more than paint on the wall.

Use simple masking tape to remove any extra fibers before you paint. If you don't, those fibers will become a permanent fixture on your wall.

Avoid overextending yourself.

Extension poles are a great way to cut time and effort out of a paint job. They will prevent you from climbing up and down a ladder and give you more leverage when you're painting a wall that's right in front of you. The benefit of an extension pole far outweighs the price.

If you "box" your paint, you will never fight blotches.

It may be connected to a computer and look high-tech, but the color mixer can create slight variations from can to can. The last thing you want is to have two shades of a color on the same wall. This can be remedied by mixing all the paint cans together before you start painting. Boxing your paint ensures you will have consistent color throughout the room.

These tips were copied from:

http://www.divnetwork.com/painting/10-things-you-must-know-about-interiorpainting/_pictures/index.html

newpainting

First Impressions and what they can say about you.

First Impressions and what they can say about you.

CHEAP?

CHEAP?

Securing references for your contractor

Paige Bennett

Why You Need References

How to Ask a Contractor for References

How Many References To Check

What to Ask When Checking References for Contractors

Timeline

Price

Quality of Job

Issues Afterward

Handling the Unexpected

Communication

Project Satisfaction and Rehiring

﻿

Check References for a Better Contractor Experience

Professional Paint Job vs. Common Mistakes

Professional Paint Job vs. Common Mistakes

Painting Tips: ‘DIY’

Painting Tips: ‘DIY’