Things to Know

What You Should Know prior to Hiring a Painting Contractor

 Your home is one of your biggest investments, and maintaining your asset is essential to your equity growth. When it comes to home maintenance it is wise to hire a professional but please use the Buyer Beware approach and arm yourself with what to look for when hiring a painting contractor. The good news is, with a little research at your fingertips and wisdom; you can put the odds in your favor to find the right team for your home renovations.

Things to look for in a Legitimate and Qualified Company

In 2014 the Illinois laws on business insurance changed adding more requirements. It is now mandatory that everyone must carry or be covered by Workmen's Compensation. This includes soul owner/employee, subcontractors and employees. Unfortunately there are uninsured  people still currently working illegally. Although the price at the bottom line may seem  attractive, if a someone gets injured or claims to get injured on your property and workmen's comp isn't instated, you as a homeowner, you will be open for liability. General Liability Insurance is also required however most illegitimate outfits are quick display that form because it's inexpensive and easy to obtain. Most legitimate painting companies will provide proof of insurance upfront or upon request. If someone can’t provide proper documents, Don’t walk, Run! Always ask for copies of both  Workmen’s Compensation and General Liability current insurance documents for all people involved, especially if subcontractors are involved.

1. Beware of the cold walk-up sale pitches. It is illegal to solicit products and services door to door without proper licensing in many communities and almost all communities where a “no solicitation” sign is displayed. This is a very inexpensive way for companies to drum up business and is sometimes accompanied by a made-up hardship story with  their added best wide-eyed, humblest look they can muster up to get your business.

2. Know and understand your contract. Watch out for tricky worded contracts. They should be specific and to the point. Know what product is going to be applied, how it’s going to be applied, and what kind of finish it’s going to have.

3. Most all big name brands have many lines or grades of paint and stain ranging from just under $20 a gallon, to well over $80 a gallon. Ensure your contract specifies what grade paint you are getting and make sure they use the products agreed upon in the contract.

Things to Know About Staining Cedar Homes

1. Only use “Stain” on the Cedar wood of your home. Be it Solid base stain down to semi Transparent, Cedar Wood needs to breathe. Solid base stain has a regular “Paint” appearance but is designed to let the wood breathe even with multiple coats. If a home is experiencing peeling problems, chances are that paint at one point paint was used instead of stain on your home.  The other largest factor in a failed coating is Improper Application. For example, Spraying versus Hand Application. All pine wood, aluminum, vinyl and Dryvit etc. portions should be primed where necessary and Painted. 

As a note, If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Rhinoe coating may sound like the answer to your problems but it may actually be just the beginning for all the above reasons. They also don't warranty against Hail damage.

2. For best results stain must be brushed. Brushing stain into the grain of cedar insures proper adhesion, a top-quality finish that promotes longevity, two traits unachievable by spraying alone. Spraying stain also wastes material and can be problematic to the surrounding environment due to elements like the wind and overspray. Cedar homes need to be recoated every 5 to 7 years,

3. Treating mildew with a bleaching solution is mandatory for eradicating mildew. Simply pressure washing alone won’t cut it. Even “mildew resistant” stains stand no chance if the mildew wasn’t eradicated properly. Not only will staining over mildew lack adhesion but the fungi will grow right back through the new stain, and at that point, there will be no way to ever retrieve the mildew. 

4. Cedar siding is supposed to be snug against the wall of the house. If you can stick a credit card under the cedar planks, it’s about time to refasten the planks. If you can stick your fingers under the planks, your home needs immediate attention. Tightening up the siding will also help with increased thermal insulation, equating to more efficient heating and cooling.

Things to Know About Interior Painting

1. Almost anyone can quickly learn to use a roller somewhat effectively. What defines a mark of the true painter is how well they can handle a brush. Ceiling corners should be straight and sharp as well as the edges on the baseboard and trim. Setup, cleanup and catering to your needs is also essential.

2. It’s very popular right now to transform your wood trim to painted white. This is fine if your home has construction-grade pine wood trim or your home has hardwood oak trim that was stained dark or is not in the greatest shape due to wear and tear. Please rethink transforming your trim if you have beautiful natural finished oak or any beautiful hard wood for that matter. What’s popular now may not be popular in the future and these transformations are for the most part permanent. 

Lastly, Even though we live in a world where the open public can voice their opinion and experiences through social media and reviews, it can still be difficult to find a quality contractor you can trust and rely on. Knowing what to look for can help you find the contractor you need to beautify and preserve your home.

As a side note, not every painting company is well suited for every homeowner's project. We're typically not the lowest bidder and tend to be on the higher side, but with that comes a  passionate staff that are trained to deliver quality craftsmanship, products and service.  Perhaps your motivation doesn't fit what we have to  offer, in that case you should now be able, with a little research, find a reputable painter that fits your needs. 

Thanks,

Best Wishes,

Anthony Carroso

Preemo Painting & Repairs Inc.