Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I have gotten a few different estimates for having my house painted. Why are do the prices vary so much for the same type of work?
A. The simplest answer we can give you without writing a book is that is not all painters do the same type of job. Does their estimate contain the following?
- A clear-cut, detailed, and complete description of the work to be performed
- The brand of paint/stain they will use
- For priming, whether they will spot-prime or apply a full coat of primer
- The number of coats of paint/stain they will apply
- Evidence that they are licensed and insured
It is difficult to know the level of quality that you will be getting, so do a bit of research into the company's background, ask for references and be sure that they are licensed and insured by requesting a copy of the policy. Tell them that you want their agent to send a copy specifically for you. If they are reputable and have nothing to hide, they should have no problem making a simple call to their agent. Finally, you should receive this information AT NO CHARGE.
One of our professionals may give you our business card with an estimate for the job written on the back, as many other companies may do. However, the big difference between us and the other companies is that we will follow up with a detailed and complete written estimate. This ensures that you are getting what you pay for.
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Q. How often should I paint the outside of my house?
A. Since there are there are many contributing factors toward how long paint lasts, this answer varies from project to project.
Older, weathered wood and old coats of poor-quality paint won't hold paint like new wood will. You should always paint before you start noticing peeling, cracking, chipping etc. The majority of the time spent on exterior painting is during the preparation stage (sanding, caulking, patching, puttying, etc.) If you paint every 4-6 years, there will be less time spent on the prep work than if you paint every 10-15 years. It's also wise to "touch-up" problem areas such as window sills, doors, etc., that are exposed to direct sun as often as every one to two years. Maintaining your paint job will not only keep your home looking its best, it will also help reduce the risk of dry-rot, termites and carpenter ants, as well as costly problems in the future.
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Q. Do you remove wallpaper or do wallpaper hanging?
A. Yes, we do both. When removing wallpaper we will patch all cracks, dents, and dings and ensure that all areas are sanded and smoothed so that there are no "marks" visible after painting. If you decide that you would like to hang wallpaper, we can also do this for you and ensure that your pattern will match up so that there are no visible creases or seams.
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Q. What are your business hours?
A. We work 7 days a week, including nights. Certain government projects may not allow us to work on weekends or holidays, but as long as it is not a major holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas) we are willing to work at YOUR convenience. You can call the office at any time, day or night, holidays and weekends. If we are unable to answer the line, our live answering service that will take your message and we will return your call in a timely manner (usually between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. ). If you think of something in the middle of the night, give us a call! You can sleep easy knowing that we'll have your answer by the time we call you back.
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Q. Is your business run out of a private residence or do you have an actual office?
A. Our office is located at 328 Broadway, Suite # 205 , Lynn , MA 01904 . We are in the Wyoma Square area above Richard Covert's T.V. & Appliances. Someone is usually in the office between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Occasionally they may need to step out for a bit, so if you would like to stop by and say hi, just give us a call first to be sure we haven't stepped out!
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Q. Before my house can be painted I need some carpentry work done. Will I need to hire someone else to do this work first?
A. No. We will be able to take care of all your carpentry needs! We also replace and repair broken or rotted fascia boards, shingles, etc. as part of our prep work (this would be outlined in your contract).
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Q. I've noticed that you use a couple different brands of paint. What if I have trouble finding a color I like from the brands you use? Can you match other brands' paint chips?
A. Yes. All we need from you is a sample of the color you would like to use and we can have it computer-matched.
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Q. What if only one area needs to be painted? Will you be able to match the existing color?
A. Yes, we are able to match existing color, but since paint can fade, it may not be a perfect match. We will try our best and tell you in advance if we anticipate there will be a problem.
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Q. Is your work guaranteed?
A. Yes, all work is guaranteed for at least one year. Just ask our professional during your free estimate how long we will guarantee the work, and when we receive final payment for the work, we will send you out a written letter with the length of the guarantee starting from the date of completion.
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Q. We have "popcorn" style ceilings in our home. Can they be removed or painted?
A. Yes. They can be given a fresh coat of paint, or you can remove the "popcorn" for a smooth finish or circular style finish.
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Q. Why are my exterior natural wood entry doors and decks so weathered-looking after only two years?
A. Natural wood entry doors and decks are usually coated with a clear polyurethane, which is very popular. Unfortunately, a clear finish will provide the least protection from moisture and ultraviolet rays compared to pigmented coatings. If the polyurethane is allowed to break down, the wood will become exposed and weathered to an almost black color. When the weathering becomes fairly extensive, the entire surface will need to be stripped and refinished.
If you are using polyurethane outdoors we recommend having it re-coated at least every 3-6 months. If you are to considering staining instead of polyurethane, ask one of our professionals to recommend a specific product for you.
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Q. My metal doors and gutters came with a baked-on factory finish. Can they be painted to match my new color selection?
A. For the most part, yes. We will be able to give you an answer after seeing the doors or gutters, so that you can choose your colors accordingly.
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Q. We will be installing new hardwood floors and cabinets. When should we have the painting done?
A. It is best to have all your painting done before you install anything. However, if you have installed your floors and cabinets first, we can cover them with plastics and protective covers to ensure that no damage occurs.
If you need hardwood floors installed, we can also recommend hardwood floor companies that we work with.
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Q. We do not allow shoes to be worn throughout our home. Will this be a problem?
A. Not at all. We will leave our shoes in the space you designate for us. If we need to wear them to stand on ladders or such, we will carry them to the spot where we need them and wear protective shoe guards over them.
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Q. I know that it's been raining all weekend, but now that it's cleared up, will you be out to paint today? We are anxious to have the work completed.
A. No, we must allow the areas we will be painting to dry out. It may feel dry to the touch, but inside it may still be damp. If we paint/stain over damp wood, we risk trapping in moisture that will lead to mildew, mold, and rot. Allowing us to judge when is best to resume painting helps ensure that you will not have to call us back a few months down the road to re-paint and helps lower the risk of future problems. Remember our motto: there is only one way, "One Way the Right Way ."
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