Q. What are the most important traits to look for in a professional painter?
A. I believe it's starts with trust and integrity. Without that, you really shouldn't do business with someone. You want someone that you won't have to worry about working in or around your home. Experience is next on the list and certainly should be...however, there are many "experienced" painters that simply have low standards and poor work practices. That is why speed is so crucial, especially when paying an hourly rate. With great effort and superior techniques, a skilled painter can complete a project in less time, saving you money and reducing the overall inconvenience of having work done to your home!
Q. Is it true that paint can significantly impact the present and future value of my residential property?
A. Essentially, paint has two key roles...to protect and to beautify. $ for $, painting is generally the best return on your home equity investment. It can also help increase the level of enjoyment for those living in an attractive, well painted home. If a home's paint becomes neglected, the home itself will quickly become neglected. The resulting damage can get out of control quickly, with water leaks, mold and rot serving as the main culprits. Not only is that a bad look, it can be unsafe and unhealthy for anyone residing inside.
Q. Do I need to personally buy the paint or can that be part of the package?
A. Buying or suppling the paint yourself is completely optional. Leftover paint can be used (if still good) and can be color matched as well. If you choose to provide your own paint, Chris will not be responsible for any possible defects or inferior product quality (which can happen with lower priced or recycled paint sometimes). Paying a little more for a higher quality paint is generally better for your health and often can help save money on the labor side of the project.. Zero VOC paints offered by Benjamin Moore are highly recommended, along with a few offered by Sherwin Williams.
When Chris is personally involved in paint procurement, all contractor rate savings are passed onto the client. In many instances, that savings is substantial and the homeowner ends up with a great paint at a more reasonable price! Time required to pick up and purchase paint is recorded and considered part of the billable cost of labor. A homeowner can save a little by picking up the paint beforehand (which can be billed to Costello Painting's commercial charge account) at stores like River City Paint or Ace Hardware.
Q. What if I don't like the color after painting has been completed?
A. If you're not sure you'll like a color, it is strongly advised to paint a small area or bring home some color samples. In the long run, it can save a lot of time and money to ensure you'll like the color you've chosen. Repainting will take more time and money than was initially forecast, resulting in added material and labor costs while possibly delaying a project's completion. It is very common to incorrectly judge a color as seen on a website or on a small color chip. Many paint stores sell small sample paints for this purpose. In the end, making sure you feel fully satisfied is of utmost importance. While changing the color will affect the price, it happens regularly enough that nobody should feel bad if they don't love a color after seeing it on a larger area.
Q. Can I get help picking out colors?
A. Yes, Chris consults many clients regarding color choice. The final decision, ultimately, must fall into the hands of the client. Once a decision has been made, any delayed color changes will likely affect the final bill. Color samples can be procured and applied on request.
Q. How do I know what amount of "sheen" is right for my painting project?
A. "Sheen" relates to how much light the paint will reflect. The least amount of sheen is a "flat" or "matte" finish. Adding a touch of sheen creates an "eggshell" finish and "satin" falls into the middle of the sheen scale. At the top of the ladder you'll find "semi-gloss" and high-gloss" paints, which reflect the most light and are the most durable as well.
While not a hard rule, there are often rooms in the home generally more suited for different sheen levels. Bedrooms are ideally coated with eggshell or lower sheen paint, although for younger children, it often is wise to select a satin (or eggshell at minimum) for cleaning and durability. Kitchens do well with satin or eggshell gloss to increase brightness and allow for cleaning. An eggshell sheen is a great choice for the Family Room or Dining Room, creating a soft, clean appearance. Opting for an eggshell or satin finish in Hallways and Stairwells allows for easier cleaning or dirt or scuff marks. Painted trim woodwork is best in either satin or semi-gloss enamel, which Benjamin Moore’s Advance or ScuffX are the top two choices.
Q. Is there anything I need to be worried about? What if there is an accident or damage occurs?
A. No, you can leave your worries by the wayside. Costello Painting is fully licensed, insured and bonded. In addition, Chris is an EPA Certified Lead-Safe Renovator.
Q. Why is Time + Material the most fair billing system?
A. The goal of estimating a job is to project the total cost as accurately as possible. Most estimates come pretty close to the actual cost, but typically painting contractors add a buffer to their estimate to squeeze out a little extra profit. Billing straight Time + Material is the most accurate method since it eliminates any overpayment scenarios. You end up getting exactly what you pay for.
Q. Do I pay anything up front or after the work is completed?
A. Generally, you will only pay for painting service after the work is complete. Exceptions occur for jobs larger in scale, in which case progress payments or an initial down payment for paint and materials may be required. Most clients are not billed until after all work is complete.
Q. Is there a contract that serves as a binding legal agreement for both parties?
A. For all jobs that are estimated to be billed at $2,000 or more, a contract is legally required. Small scale work can be done without a contract, however, one can be provided to any requesting client - regardless of how large or small the scale of work.
Q. What if there is something wrong with the paint or an issue regarding any work performed?
A. Providing great service continues after the work is complete. If you have any issues or concerns (while not typical), please do not hesitate to contact Chris. Customer referrals are crucial to success in this business and ensuring complete satisfaction of each client is of utmost importance. If it's determined there was a product failure of any kind, Chris will work with the appropriate representatives to help resolve any issues.
Q. Should I be worried about existing lead paint if I own an older home?
A. Chris is certified by the EPA for dealing with lead paint. If your home was built prior to 1978, there is a possibility of lead trapped within the existing paint. Any homes build after 1978 do not contain lead paint, as it was not legally available for use. Having an EPA Certified painter in a pre-1978 home means you can rest easy knowing a professional is on the job. Generally, most older walls and ceilings can simply be repainted without any lead abatement or removal required. However, it is required by law that your painter is lead certified when working in any home built before 1978.
