Professionalism - It's Usually Easy To Spot
beachpainting • August 3, 2016
We all know what it's like to get bad service in a retail store or restaurant. It's aggravating, right? When it comes to a contractor working on your home or your vacation house, it can be more than aggravating...it can be very costly. The old adage that you get what you pay for is especially true when it comes to contractors.
Professionalism is usually easy to spot. A contractor either has it, or he doesn't. Look for the following when evaluating a contractor:
- Was your initial phone call answered and did the contractor respond quickly? If he failed to show up for a scheduled appointment with you or didn't send his proposal within a reasonable time frame (i.e. within a week), what is the likelihood that your work will be completed in a timely manner?
- Is the proposal articulate? If the contractor can't explain the scope of work or the proposed materials and methods, will he be able to effectively manage the work?
- Does the contractor have insurance? Even the best contractors have occasional mishaps, but how these mishaps are handled is what separates the good from the bad from the ugly. Ask to see a copy of the contractor's ACORD Certificate of Liability Insurance.
- Longevity. Will the contractor still be in business if you have a warranty claim? Contractors don't stay in business for very long if their work is routinely substandard.
- Does the contractor have a website? If so, take the time to check it out. A poor website may indicate that the contractor doesn't much care about how his business is viewed by the public. A good website should contain photos of projects, reviews by customers, and a good description of the services the contractor offers.
- Trade organizations and references. If the contractor is a member of the local Homebuilders' Association or Chamber of Commerce, then he is likely serious about his business and has references you can contact. Your painting contractor should also be a member in good standing with the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA).
Keep in mind that the best price isn't always the best deal - especially if you have to call a professional to finish a job where the original contractor won't return your phone calls or has gone out of business. If you've ever watched shows like " Catch a Contractor " or " Holmes Gets It Right ," then you've seen examples of what it takes for a professional to fix an unprofessional job. It will cost you more in the long run and the contractor who finishes the work will not be able to warrant the work done by the previous contractor.
Each year, most paint manufacturers release a “Color of the Year” along with a palette of complementary shades. Pantone — the global authority on color — is best known for the Pantone Matching System (PMS), which provides a standardized language for identifying, matching, and communicating color across design, fashion, printing, and manufacturing. Their annual selection is often a strong predictor of broader color trends and frequently aligns with the palettes chosen by major paint manufacturers.
Winter is here on the Outer Banks, and if your home is part of a rental program, you’re likely working through a long checklist to prepare for the upcoming season.
Hurricane season on the Outer Banks occurs between June and November, with the peak of the season occurring from Mid-August to Mid-October. If you own property on the Outer Banks, you’re already acutely aware of this. With Hurricane Erin currently wreaking havoc along the East Coast, now is a good opportunity to provide some quick tips for your home during hurricane season.
When it comes to home improvement, few things make an instant visual impact like a fresh coat of paint. Whether it's reviving weather-worn siding or refreshing an outdated interior, painting can breathe new life into your space. But as you start collecting quotes, you may wonder: why does a good painting contractor cost more than others?
The Transformative Power of Washing and Painting Your Home
If you’ve been putting off painting your house, you’re not alone—but it may cost you more than you think. Summer is the best time of year to paint your Outer Banks home. If you've noticed signs of paint failure (e.g. fading, peeling, blistering, chalking), give us a call today.
If you've noticed a fine, powdery residue on your painted walls or outdoor surfaces, you may be dealing with chalking paint. This is a fairly common issue that occurs when paint breaks down over time due to weather exposure, UV rays, or low-quality paint ingredients. It’s especially prevalent on exterior surfaces (especially fiber cement siding).
What Causes Chalking?
Chalking happens when the paint binder deteriorates, allowing pigment particles to loosen and form a chalky dust. While it’s a natural part of aging for some paints, excessive chalking can affect appearance, stain surrounding surfaces, and prevent new paint from adhering properly.
How to Fix Chalking Paint
Test for Chalking: Rub your hand or a dark cloth over the surface. If it comes away dusty, you have chalking.
Clean the Surface: Use a stiff brush or pressure washer to remove as much chalk as possible. Follow up with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly.
Let It Dry: Ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding.
Prime If Necessary: For areas with stubborn residue or if you're repainting, apply a high-quality, binding primer suited for chalky surfaces.
Repaint: Choose a premium, weather-resistant paint and apply as recommended.
Preventing Future Chalking
Invest in high-quality paint with strong UV resistance and proper binders. Regular maintenance, such as gentle washing and inspections, also helps keep surfaces looking fresh.
By addressing chalking early and using the right materials, you can extend the life and look of your paint job for years to come!
Summer is a great time to paint your Outer Banks home if it is not in rental program. Temperatures and humidity are relatively consistent and longer daylight hours generally lead to shorter project durations.
Wood rot in homes and buildings on the OBX is a common occurrence. It is caused when bacteria and fungi have a chance to grow in a damp environment. Our weather (high humidity, nor’easters, hurricanes, etc…) provides enough moisture to promote wood rot. If you know what to look for, you can often catch the rot early enough to avoid major structural damage.
In a previous blog post, we tackled the topic of how to determine whether your house needs to be repainted. If your paint job is holding up well, but you have minor paint damage to your walls from children, pets, or summer guests, the following guide will help you.
Step-by-Step Guide to Wall Touch-Ups:
Clean the Surface: Begin by cleaning the damaged areas with a mild detergent and water. Remove any dust, dirt, or greased that may affect paint adhesion.
Prepare the Surface: Use a fine-grit sandpaper (around 220-grit) to smooth rough edges around the damaged area. Wipe clean with a tack cloth to remove any sanding dust.
Prime (if necessary): For significant repairs or bare patches, apply a primer to ensure proper adhesion and uniformity of the topcoat.
Apply Paint: Use a small brush (angled brushes work well for corners and edges) or a roller for larger areas. Apply the paint in thin layers, feathering the edges to blend with the surround wall. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat.
Blend and Feather: To achieve a seamless finish, father the edges of the touch-up paint into the existing paint. This technique helps to minimize visible lines and ensure a uniform finish.
Expert Tip: Matching Paint SheenSatin and eggshell finishes will lose their sheen over time, which means your wall touch-up may be visible to the naked eye (even if the color match is perfect). One method to assure uniformity in sheen is to add a few drops of water into your paint bucket (assuming you are using a water-based paint). If you are touching up an oil-based paint, add a little paint thinner.
