|
Q: Do
I need to paint my house?
A: Well, how does the paint
look? Is it dingy, sometimes dirt and mildew can make a house look dingy and all
that is needed is a good power wash with a mildicide, However if the paint is
peeling or chalking (if it comes off on your hand when rubbed) it needs to be
done soon.
Q: My
paint is chalking why can’t I wait to paint?
A: When paint starts to
chalk (powdery paint comes off on your hand when rubbed) that is a sign that the
paint is starting to break down, the reason that it is imperative that you paint
as soon as possible is that once the paint starts breaking down it will continue
to deteriorate. If the old paint breaks down enough the whole house will have to
be primed with a bonding primer which will increase the cost of your paint job.
Also, if the old paint breaks down enough it can cause peeling in which case it
can not be warranted.
Q: My
paint is peeling what can I do?
A: Unfortunately aside from
stripping, priming and repainting there is very little that can be done once
paint starts peeling. Once paint begins to peel it will continue, even if you
get a good paint job over top, the old surface underneath will continue to peel
causing the new paint to peel off as well.
Q:
What should I look for when choosing a painting contractor?
A: Your house is a valuable
investment and you want someone reputable. Ask your friends and co-workers who
they use. Always check references, make sure your contractor is licensed and
insured (with at least workers compensation insurance), and never ever pay any
money before the job is done.
Q:
Why does it matter if my contractor is insured?
A: You want an insured
contractor because if any one is injured on your job they could sue you the home
owner. Norm Potter Inc., is fully insured (we carry both workers comp and
liability insurance).
Q: My
contractor wants a deposit what should I do?
A: We have heard many
stories about people that have paid a contractor up front. Then the contractor
disappeared with their money, forcing the home owner to pay again to get the job
done. Norm Potter, Inc. never accepts up-front money.
Q: How long should my paint job last?
A: We warrant our paint jobs for 5-years (that’s
labor and material). However, properly maintained, should last you at least
seven and
we have some that are going on ten years.
Q:
What happens if I contract with someone who is not properly insured and one of
their workers later claims to have gotten hurt while working on my home?
A: You, as the homeowner, can be held personally responsible for injures
sustained by an uninsured worker while they are on your property. You can be in
a very awkward position with your own insurance company as a result of this type
of accident. Most people do not realize this, but it can be verified by a phone
call to your attorney or insurance agent. Always ask for verification of
insurance if you have any doubt. And remember a companies general liability
insurance is not the same as workers compensation!
Q:
If I change the colors will the job cost more?
A: Sometimes yes, Sometimes no, some colors cover very good and some very
poorly, yellows and reds are the worst covering colors. We will let you know
when you pick your color if we think that additional coats will be necessary and
how much more it could cost if multiple coats become necessary.
Q:
Why should I put sealer or stain on my deck if the wood is pressure treated ?
A: Pressure treated
wood will not rot, but it will cup, warp, split and splinter if it is not sealed
so water will not absorb and then evaporate in a number of cycles
Q:
How much paint do I need to buy?
A: Our quote will
include all materials, as well as labor.
Q:
What will you do to avoid paint drips? The last painter dripped paint on our
roof and shrubs.
A: A quality job is as
much about what the paint doesn't go on as it is about what it
does go on. We protect the areas around our painting with drop cloths and, if a
drop of paint gets on something it shouldn't, we clean it up immediately.
Q:
We have some rotted wood. Can you make repairs?
A: Yes, Our crew's can
do small repairs, for larger we have a carpenter that will give you a quote or
you can use a carpenter of your choice.
Q: Will the new paint cover mildew?
A: Never paint
over mildew, It is a living organism and will grow through the new paint. Prior
to the start of painting we will come out and wash your house using chemicals to
clean and kill the mildew on the house.
Q: We have drywall damage and water
stains. Do you make these kinds of repairs?
A: Yes, All cracks are
properly scraped out, filled and sanded. All holes are filled and sanded smooth,
Caulking is inspected around all windows and frames, doors and door frames and
re-caulked as needed. Crown molding, chair rail and trim are all caulked and
properly prepared. All nail pops are repaired and sanded. Water stains, are
primed before painting and grease and heavy dirt accumulations are cleaned.
Q:
Can you help select colors?
A: We are not
professional color consultants, however, we will assist you in making a choice
that you will be happy with.
Q: I
have several estimates and there are big differences in the prices.
A: If you get an
unusually low estimate, it may be that the company does not have adequate
insurance or may even be unlicensed; they could be paying cash to employees
instead of incurring payroll expenses; they may be taking shortcuts with proper
preparation before painting; or they simply didn't properly estimate the work to
be performed.
Q:
My
metal garage door and rain gutters came with a baked-on factory finish. Can they
be painted to match my new color selection?
A: Yes.
The quality Porter paints we recommend adhere very well to the finish used by
the manufacturer of these products
Q:
How much will it cost my company for an estimate?
A:
There is never any charge for a proposal, no matter how small or large your
project may be.
Q:
How can I avoid mildew on my painted house?
A: We Use quality
Porter paint with agents that inhibit mildew growth on paint film.
Q:
The house doesn't look that bad. Why should I paint?
A: We feel that a
house is a lot like an automobile in the fact that the investment is large and
the maintenance is a must. You wouldn't wait until the engine blows to check or
change the oil. A layer of paint only 1/1000th of an inch thick can protect your
home - perhaps your single largest investment. Outside paint provides a layer of
protection against airborne dust, pollution, dirt and all types of weather and
climate conditions.
Inside your home
paint resists staining and damage from finger smudges, kitchen grease, furniture
grease and the wear of everyday living.
Q:
Should I paint or stain my wood deck?
A: You should certainly protect your deck from unnecessary moisture
intrusion and the harmful effects of the sun's ultra-violet rays. Use of a
penetrating stain, containing water repellant ingredients in most cases will
protect your deck best. The pigment in the stain will absorb the ultra-violet
rays from the sun and protect the wood fibers from degradation. In most cases a
stain will need maintenance every 2-4 years while clear sealers require
maintenance every 1-2 years. Prior to finishing the deck it is important to wash
the deck thoroughly to remove dead wood fibers, dirt, and any mildew spores. One
final note, if you plan on cleaning your deck with a pressure washer take
caution not to use excessive pressure or spray at an improper angle. Improper
use can severely damage your deck and cost you much more than you saved by
undertaking the project yourself. Take the worry out of this type of project and
hire the professional contractor.
|
