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Insider Tips for Choosing the Best Interior Painting Services

Insider Tips for Choosing the Best Interior Painting Services

Get top quality results for you home’s fresh coat of paint by hiring the best interior painting services. Learn how to find the very best with these tips.

 

Interior Painting ServicesHow do you choose between interior painting services in town? You want to hire someone who will do a great job on your home or commercial building, but how do you know which one is best when they all have great reviews on their websites? What sets them apart?

Maybe you’ve hired a contractor before and you’re already overwhelmed by the thought of having to do it again. We understand. Let us give you some helpful tips for choosing the perfect interior painting service — one that will give you the best value for your money. Read on to find out what they are so you can relax and be confident with your choice.

Step 1: See What’s Out There

When you’re looking for a professional painting company online, whether they’re going to paint your home or commercial business, try not to get overwhelmed with all the choices. Take a deep breath and remember: Right now you’re just seeing what’s out there. Peruse the options. Make a shortlist of the ones you have a good feeling about.

Pick 5 or 6 of the best interior painting services for your list, and put them in order of most to least reputable, and by how informative their website is.

Some good places to start looking for a painting contractor are:

  • Friends and family referrals
  • Better Business Bureau
  • Painting & Decorating Contractors of America
  • Angie’s List 

When checking the BBB’s website for your local area, take a look at the Annual Homeowner Survey area. This will show you the most trusted referrals.

Step 2: Get Some Bids

You have your list of interior painting companies. Get multiple bids so you have some options. You’ve probably considered the fact that they can get booked up fast. So collect the data needed by each company, which usually includes the square footage, and wall area, of your home or commercial space.

If you’d rather have each interior painting company call you go ahead and fill out the information on their website or send an email. You may be happy with the one that calls you first just because they got back to you first, but you still have some decisions to make, so don’t settle right away.

Healthy Competition

You’ll want to get bids from several professional painting services so you know the range of prices and quality of work, friendliness, reputation, and general availability for the time period during which you need to get the job done. Getting multiple bids also reminds the contractors that they have some competition for the job.

First Meeting

You might feel loyalty towards the first one that arrives to look at your home or building, but this is just a psychological phenomenon. Keep your wits about you and remember, you want them to compete for your business. Healthy competition is a good thing. Don’t automatically go for the “low-ball” bid, as tempting as it may be.

Try to get at least a few bids before making your decision. You’ll thank yourself in the long-run when you make the right choice and you don’t have a ruined livingroom.

Step 3: Interviewing Companies for Interior Painting Services

Remember, you have the upper hand; They’re competing for a job you’re offering. Ask them tough questions, because later you could regret not doing so. Brainstorm what you’d like and need to ask. Here are some recommended questions to ask during the interview.

  • How long have they been in business (the longer the better)
  • Do they use subcontractors or do they use a regular crew (red flag – cheap labor)
  • Do they offer a warranty (a must)
  • Are they insured (a must)
  • Has the interior painting company received any awards (bonus points)
  • Can they provide references and a picture portfolio (a must)
  • What brands/types of paint do they usually use or are willing to use (cheap paint is a red flag)
  • How much of the wall preparation is included in the contract (don’t get scammed)
  • Do they keep a clean workspace, and clean up afterward (a must)

As you may already know, painting can be a smelly job. Consider staying at a local hotel or at a family member’s or friend’s place if it’s your home you’re having painted.

If it’s your business, work together on how to put up warning signs for the public and colleagues and how to block off any areas that should be avoided by foot traffic or long-term occupancy. For health precautions, consider asking about how much time one should stay in a wet-paint area without a mask.

Step 4: Take Some Time to Think

Let yourself rest take some time to think about which one you want to hire. Think about how each company reacted to the questions. Did they seem too proud to answer them? This is a warning sign. You’ll want a company that’s easy to work with and responsive to your requests during and after the painting project.

Step 5: Check Their References

It’s easy for companies to add fake reviews to business websites these days. Research the interior painting company’s references before you make any final decisions. You’ll thank yourself later. Dishonesty is all too prevalent these days, but there are great companies out there too.

Wrapping Up

You’re now empowered to choose with confidence. This fearlessness will work for you during and after the hiring process. You’ll know it did when you end up choosing the right company for interior painting services, and when you see the results. Remember, they are working for you. Don’t let them treat you rudely or keep you waiting for answers to your questions.

After all, getting a new coat of paint should be a fun, exciting experience. Your interior environment is important for your well-being. You don’t want to look at your walls and remember a poor experience. Stay uplifted by choosing wisely.

Contact us today and keep us on your shortlist for home or commercial business interior painting jobs. We look forward to giving you friendly, honest service at a fair price.

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Wall Painting 101- How the Pros Do It

Painting a wall seems easy. You buy some paint, use a brush, and just do it. If you ask the pros though, they’ll tell you these top wall painting secrets.

When painting, the color you choose can have a dramatic impact on your mood and overall feeling.

Studies have shown brighter colors can make people feel more upbeat, while darker colors can make you feel sad.

The color you choose to paint with is essential, but it’s only half the battle, to truly add to the ambiance of a room it must have a professional paint job.

Painting a room does seem like an easy task until you have paint streaks and botched layers. If you ask the professionals, they will give you these expert wall painting tips to make sure it comes out neat and elegant looking every time.Wall Painting

Wall Painting: An Experts Guide

Each painter has a particular way of painting that they believe to be the best. They all have specific brush techniques and methods of preparing that they perform time after time. How do we know what techniques are the best?

Follow along with this expert guide that is dedicated to helping you get the perfect paint job every time.

Preparation

When it comes to preparing to paint a wall, you can look at like preparing for war. It is one of the most critical steps to make sure you get the perfect paint job. If you miss a step or get lazy, you might have paint leak through your barriers, and that’s a big problem.

So its best to put in the work, in the beginning, to make sure the rest of the process is smooth sailing.

First, you should inspect the walls to make sure they are not any holes, cracks, or rough spots. If you find holes, make sure to fill them in along with any cracks. If you have paint that’s chipping, you can go ahead and peel it away. Any spots you find can be easily cleaned with a non-toxic cleaner.

Make sure to lightly sand down any rough spots you find to ensure you have a clean, smooth surface to work with.

Protect Your Assets

When you are finished preparing the wall, its time to move on to taping. To make sure your painting tape holds, its recommended to get a high-quality tape such as frog tape. You can then go along baseboards, molding, doors, window frames, light fixtures, and switch plates.

When it comes to taping, the better edge you create, the better the results will be in the end. Don’t skimp out on the taping portion.

Next, move any furniture in the area if you can to another room. If moving the furniture to another room isn’t an option, make sure to cover it with a plastic throw.

When you feel comfortable with your furniture being protected, throw a drop cloth down on the floors to protect them as well.

Time to Begin Painting

Time to open up the paint can and begin painting. It is a smart idea to pour the paint into a ramp. The ramp helps when painting a wall to ensure the paint is evenly distributed throughout the entire wall.

An important thing to keep in mind when choosing a roller is to look for one that has “shedless” on the label. A shedless roller is higher quality and will make sure you don’t have any unwanted fibers coming off the roller and sticking to the wall.

When you begin to paint, starting at the top and working your way down is the proper way to paint a wall. It is best to work on the ceiling first and work your way down from there.

Technique, Technique, Technique

The technique is what separates the professionals from amateurs. One of the techniques professionals use is called “cutting in.” This technique helps protect the trim and edges by painting straight lines alongside them, eliminating the need to go over it multiple times.

With the cutting in process, you paint the top and bottom first using straight lines and then fill in the middle using a roller.

Another technique that professionals use is called keeping a “wet edge.” This technique involves keeping the “cut in” portion wet to maintain the working area of the wall.

If you do not keep a wet edge while painting, it will give the wall different layers, and ruin the look of it.

Using these professional painting tips will help maintain a professional look while also maximizing efficiency.

Wrapping up

While you finish up your painting job, it is essential to remember the job isn’t finished quite yet. It is recommended not to touch freshly painted walls for at least 2 hours after you finish. It is best if you can leave it overnight to avoid any unwanted streaks.

If possible, you can leave the windows open to help circulate the air.  If it is humid outside, it is not recommended to open the windows.

When the humidity is high, the air contains more water vapors and can affect the finish of your paint job. Due to the increased moisture in the air, the paint can take longer to dry as well.

When finished with your tools, it is recommended to soak them in hot or warm water to get the excess paint off. Most paint will come right off with a little water because many paints are water-based in this day in age.

If needed, you can use a little bit of mild soap for stubborn paint that won’t come off. Cleaning your tools immediately after your finished ensures you keep the integrity of the tools, and they will be ready to use for your next paint job.

When finished with your paint, you can put the lid back on with a little tap from a hammer. Make sure the cover is on tight, and paint can last up to another two years once opened.

When The Professionals Are Needed

After reading through this guide, you will have learned how to properly paint a wall. Keep in mind though some paint jobs are harder than others, don’t get discouraged if you have a massive project.

That is what the professionals are here for, if you need assistance with wall painting, contact us today, and we can help.

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Bedroom Painting: This is How to Choose the Perfect Colours

When it comes to bedroom painting, it is important to pick the right colours. Read more to learn more about choosing colours for a bedroom.

Are you considering painting your bedroom?

When it comes to bedroom painting, it’s important to take such a task seriously. After all, your bedroom is your safe place. It’s where you find yourself relaxing after a stressful workday and the place in which you begin every day.

That being said, finding the right colour to paint your bedroom isn’t always a straightforward task. While furniture and a sense of decor are important, it’s generally the paint colour that will be setting the overall tone of the bedroom.

Do you opt for a clean and neutral colour code? Or, do you incorporate the zest of your personality and go for something bold and wild?

If you’re feeling lost on which colour palettes will best suit your bedroom, you’re going to want to read this. We’re uncovering the best colour option for your bedrooms and the tone it will set for your sanctuary.

Neutrals

Bedroom Painting

Stepladder and painting tools in modern room.

First things first, let’s consider the world of neutrals.

There’s a reason that so many choose to follow a neutral colour pattern when it comes to their bedroom. Neutral paint can be anything from white and beige to grey and tope. In fact, even black can be considered a neutral colour.

In a sense, neutrals are known for emitting a simple and calming vibe. A neutral colour pattern is also simple to pair with bedroom furniture and works well with most design aesthetics.

Fortunately, a simple neutral paint job will allow you to decorate your bedroom with other pops of colour and texture. For example, you can balance out neutral walls with a textured bedspread and pillows. You can also add pops of colour throughout your bedroom with other notes of decor such as lamps, artwork and rugs.

The All White Everything

Ah, yes, the all-white bedroom.

This paint colour has been popularized by upscale hotel chains and the Scandinavian design aesthetic. Generally speaking, people choose to paint their bedrooms white when they’re opting for a vibe that is clean, contemporary and ever-so-calming. It’s also a great way to open up your space or even create the illusion of a larger and brighter bedroom.

When it comes to choosing white paint, it’s rarely as simple as it might sound. After all, there are hundreds of different variations of white paint. Each version of white is going to have different hues and undertones.

Pastels

Of course, not everyone favors simple and calming paint hues such as white or grey.

For this crowd, opting for a peaceful and serene pastel just might be the best option when it comes to painting your bedroom. With this, you can look forward to a playfully coloured bedroom that still emits a vibe that is both calming and serene. In a sense, you might even say this is the best of both worlds!

In the recent world of pastel paint, colours such as mint green, rose pink and soft orange have become incredibly popular. This is both in terms of nurseries, children’s bedrooms and adult bedrooms alike.

With this, you can have fun by decorating your bedroom in calming neutrals. For example, a soft grey quilt or a white rug are the perfect pairings for a pastel-themed bedroom.

Pops of Colour

If you’re a fan of all things colour, why not include some bold pops of colour into your bedroom paint job?

This might come in terms of painting an accent wall or even adding colourful designs to a more neutral paint job. Either way, adding pops of colour can be a simple way to incorporate elements of your personality to your bedroom. Simple tricks such as this can allow your bedroom to feel like your ultimate private space and sanctuary.

It’s important to think carefully about how certain colours will affect you psychologically. After all, bright colours have been known to make people feel happy and emit feelings of excitement. On the other hand, some colours have been known to elicit negative feelings such as anxiety or even anger.

For instance, some people have found that the colour red makes them feel panicked or anxious. In fact, one study found that the coulor red causes people to react with greater speed and force. If you’re looking to create a place of calmness, red might not be your first choice.

Wallpaper

Here in the world of decor, it’s safe to say that wallpaper is officially back in action!

If you browse some of the most trending bedrooms, many of them are decorated in patterned and bright-coloured wallpaper. This is a great way to create a bedroom that is unique and speaks to the homeowner’s personal sense of style.

Remember, wallpaper doesn’t have to overtake an entire room. In fact, one of the most tasteful displays of wallpaper happens to be an accent wall. Many homeowners will opt to paint their bedroom a shade of white and then choose one wall to cover in wallpaper.

Pro tip: If you’re intimidated by the notion of wallpaper, try opting for temporary wallpaper. Widely available today, this type of wallpaper is easy to apply and even easier to remove down the line.

The Art of Bedroom Painting

Did you know that the average person will sleep for approximately 229,961 hours in their lifetime?

When we consider this notion, it’s simple to understand why the bedroom is such an important room within the home. It’s where we kick back, relax and log some much-needed sleep.

When it comes to bedroom painting, which colour is best going to set your sanctuary up for success? Perhaps you’ll want to opt for a clean and contemporary white? Or, maybe you want to toast to your love for colour and create a fun and personalized space. Either way, the decision is yours!

Are you ready to get started on your bedroom painting today? If so, don’t hesitate to browse our services page and learn how we can help you!

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Time to Book your Spring Painting!

Residential – Harding’s Painting offers professional “Ditch the DiY” painting services in Calgary and surrounding areas. We do the work so you don’t have to. We understand that perfect preparation makes for a quality finished product. Our highly skilled painters will ensure that every surface of your home gets all the attention required during preparation, for both interior and exterior house painting. Our Painting Managers will provide you with an exact quote tailored to your requirements. Take a look at Sherwin Williams – 2020 Colour Trends for some inspiration.

 

Commercial Painting | Commercial Cleaning Calgary Harding'sCommercial – As a commercial painting contractor serving Calgary and surrounding areas, Harding’s Services strives to offer “Peace of Mind” to all of our commercial painting customers. Quality and customer service is first and foremost.

Services include key steps which ensure our customers receive the best quality every time. Our professional painting managers have over 25 years of combined commercial and residential painting management experience.

 

 

 

Condominium – Harding’s Condominium Painting Services Division offers “Peace of Mind” painting services to property management companies and condominium boards in Calgary and the surrounding areas. We maintain excellent relationships with a majority of the property management companies in the City and serve as the preferred condominium painting contractor for many condo boards.

We specialize in phased painting of large projects to accommodate reserve fund budgets

 

 

 

Click here to request your FREE ESTIMATE
(403) 254-4726
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Talk Up Tuesday – 2 Years In

This week on Talk Up Tuesday, I talk about my two year anniversary with Harding’s – Your Improvement Company and some of the changes we’ve made to take Harding’s into the future of Franchising the brand.

When I first transitioned into Harding’s I was taken back by the division we had among our group. There was changes that were needed immediately and we all got to work recognizing them and adjusting our going forward strategy. The ownership jumped on board with the vision and we started at making the necessary changes in branding, culture and operations to get us ready for Franchising.

We’ve implemented new CRM databases that combine seamlessly with our estimating and workflow software, we’ve completely changed the branding to be more modern, efficient and franchise friendly. We’ve made huge strides in how we work and interact with our team, made the changes required to make our company lean, mean and ready for the growth we want.

We’ve changed our online marketing strategies and adjusted our SEO along with our Adword strategies, taking our organic rankings far passed where we were.

We’ve added our first License outside the City of Calgary in the Okanagan Valley as well as three additional Licenses for Cleaning, Painting and Renovations in Airdrie, Cochrane and Calgary. .

I am very proud of the adjustments our team has made in their workflow practices and services levels in order to take us from great to fabulous. I say ‘we’ a lot because even though I may be in the drivers seat implementing these changes, we can not do it with out the buy in and actions of our team. They mean the world to me and how we operate, ensuring the level of service our clients deserve.

Here is to many more years to come!

 

Rob Hilditch, President and Managing Partner

Harding’s – Your Improvement Company

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