Q. How do you determine the amount you will charge for my painting project?
There are many things to consider including: type and size of the painted area; type of windows and other trim work; number and intensity of paint colors; amount of protection needed for plants and furniture; and the extent of needed paint surface preparation. All of those things will be considered in order to provide you with an accurate cost estimate..
Q. How long will it take to paint my house or office?
The process of painting your home can take as little as 4-5 days. However, it can take longer depending on the condition of your surfaces, the type of work required, and weather conditions if the project involves exterior work. During our consultation with you, we will evaluate your situation and can let you know how long we think it will take to complete your painting project..
Q. Do you charge for estimates?
We never charge a fee to provide an estimate for your painting project..
Q. What color should I choose?
It is generally understood that color combinations that appear pleasing are made up of colors that are in harmony or in balance with each other. Colors that do not appear to agree with each other or that clash are not in harmony. Whether it is the interior or exterior painting, we normally start a client out with a chart of stock colors. Stock color paints tend to perform better due to the process of their manufacture. On the exterior paints chart, there is also a nice variety of harmonious color combinations to choose from. Another very good way to get started on exterior color selection is to take a drive around the neighborhood and find similar houses to yours to see what others have done with colors. This way you get a very good idea of what the final look of your home might be. We can provide you with cardboard brush outs, or roll out samples directly on the areas to be painted. Many clients find this process helps them to better visualize the final result.
Q. How long will my exterior painting job last?
Generally an exterior paint job will last between 8-10 years, depending on number of coats applied and your geographic area. Stucco tends to last longer, wood on the other hand expands and contracts more with changing temperatures which loosens the paint sooner. It is best not to put off your exterior painting until the house is badly peeling. When it gets to that condition, it will end up costing you more in preparation time and possibly dry rot repair work. If however the property is in a bad condition when you get to it, do yourself a favor – go the extra length and ensure that thorough surface preparation is done. The idea is to create a sound surface for the new coats to adhere to. This requires more time but is necessary for the paint job to last..
Q. How do I maintain my interior painting job?
Interior paint typically gets dirty in many situations: hand prints around switches and knobs; splashes in kitchens and bathrooms; marks on hallways and corridors; “soot” accumulating above electric lamps and other heat sources. Removing dirt before it accumulates not only improves appearance, it reduces chances of it getting permanently embedded in the paint film. Check for dirt periodically and assume it will be present in and near cooking areas (airborne cooking oil) and at all places at hand height. Always initially clean the surface with a mild detergent using a sponge or a soft cloth. Resort to harsher cleaners only when necessary, recognizing that alkaline cleaners can dull the sheen or gloss of oil based paint. Abrasive cleaner will burnish nearly any paint and will dull the gloss of satin, semigloss and gloss products. Washed surfaces should be rinsed thoroughly because residual cleaner can interfere with adhesion of paint applied later. .
Q. What are the advantages of flat and lower sheen paints?
They provide even light reflection and give the surface a softer, more uniform look. They don’t highlight surface imperfections like higher sheen paints, so they usually don’t require as much surface preparation (like patching, texturing or sanding) prior to painting. They are much less likely to show “lap marks”, so they are generally easier to apply and touch up than higher sheen paints. (When one painted section dries before the next section is painted, the two sections won’t flow together into a uniform film, resulting in a “lap mark.”) They don’t need to be sanded or de-glossed before repainting, unlike higher sheen paints..
Q. What are the disadvantages of flat and lower sheen paints?
They are less stain and scuff resistant than higher sheen paints, so they should not be used on surfaces that will be handled, washed or scrubbed frequently. They are less moisture resistant than higher sheen finishes, so they are not the best choice for areas that are exposed to high humidity levels, like in bathrooms, or on any surfaces that will be washed frequently..
Q. What are the advantages of higher sheen paints?
They have better stain resistance, so they resist dirt pick up and stay cleaner longer. They have better scuff and wear resistance, so they’re good for high traffic areas and on surfaces that are handled, washed or scrubbed frequently. They have better moisture resistance, which makes them ideal for surfaces and areas that are frequently exposed to high humidity levels.
Q. What are the disadvantages of higher sheen paints?
They tend to highlight any surface imperfections. They are harder to touch up than lower sheen paints, because the higher sheen tends to highlight the slightly raised surface of the film where the touch up was done. They usually need to be sanded, de-glossed or primed prior to repainting, to ensure good adhesion of the new paint..
Q. What are different paint sheens?
Sheen refers to the light reflectivity of the painted or varnished surface. There are varying degrees of sheen, from no sheen to high gloss. Paint manufacturers may refer to their paint sheens by different names. From lowest to highest, sheens correspond to these reflective degrees: Flat finish Eggshell finish Satin finish Semi gloss finish High gloss finish.
Q. How long will it take for the paint to dry?
Acrylic (latex) paint dries much faster than Alkyd (oil). Usually a couple of hours is plenty of time. Oil paint though should dry overnight. Flat paint may dry faster than semi gloss..
Q. Will you complete my job in a timely manner without interruption?
Yes. We schedule each job to be completed in consecutive days, including exterior jobs, if weather permits.
Q. What kind of paint do you use?
We use the only premium quality paints from Sherwin Williams, Kelly Moore and Benjamin Moore unless the customer requests a different brand..
Q. Do you have references?
Yes, our references our available upon request..
Q. When I get different bids from several companies, they are never the same, some high, some low. Why is there such a price difference?
The cost of a job is usually determined by the level of thoroughness, attention to detail, and quality desired. It costs more to properly prepare a surface for painting than to just pressure clean and scrape the surface. The majority of the cost of painting is in the surface preparation and the labor involved in the application of the paint and not the actual cost of the paint itself. As with most other industries, generally you get what you pay for..
Q. Do I need to move everything from the rooms before you paint?
Just move the small items and breakables. Steven Rogall Painting will move and protect all of the furniture and fixtures..
Q. Do you carry insurance?
We are fully insured with Workers’ Comp and General Liability and warranty our work..
Q. Will you remove Wallpaper?
We will remove or recoat old and outdated wallpaper. Whether or not the paper is removed or primed and painted will be determined on a per case basis dictated by the condition of the wallpaper and drywall. This will be discussed by one of our painting consultants at the time of the estimate. We will listen to you and work together on a solution that will yield the desired results..
Q. Are LEED Certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)?
GreenWave Solutions has achieved LEED Accredited Professional Status. This credential makes GreenWave Solutions a recognized expert in green building practices. This credential is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council to individuals who can prove their knowledge through a rigorous testing procedure..
Q. You say you offer LEED consultation. What does that comprise of?
– Customized and unique solutions tailored to individual project and customer specifications. -1 automatic LEED point for ID credit 2 – LEED Accredited Professional. -LEED project registration, project team coordination, document and template submission, and ultimately LEED Certification. -Creation and implementation of strategies proven to earn projects LEED Certification. -Lower building’s overall energy consumption, water use, and environmental impact = SAVE MONEY! -Increase building occupants’ comfort, health, and productivity. Get a jump start on the next generation of building codes, standards, and regulations. -Receive recognition as being a “socially responsible” company. -Flexible packages including hourly consulting, full LEED project organization and management, as well as, LEED Certified contracting services -Unparalleled knowledge and professionalism. -Competitive Pricing. -An innovative service that is the first of its kind! GreenWave Solutions understands that the future of construction and renovation will adhere to the LEED Standards. While many large developers, like Winter, Hardin, and Holder, employee LEED Accredited Professionals, it is not cost effective for most companies to keep LEED APs on their payroll. GreenWave Solutions’ LEED Optimization Consulting is designed specifically to address this need. Our LEED Optimization Consulting packages offer the same LEED Accredited Professionals that the largest companies use at affordable rates..