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8 Painting Questions Every Homeowner Should Know How to Answer

Do you know how to answer these painting questions? Find out if you understand these nine essentials today and how to apply them to your home remodel

With the coronavirus pandemic keeping people largely confined to their homes, many decided it’s the perfect time to do home renovations, like painting the interior or exterior. A simple paint job can brighten up a room or make your home appear more modern from an outside view.

Painting can seem like a challenging task if you’re new to it. Would you like to know more about how to begin the process of painting your home? Here are some of the most common painting questions to consider before you pick up a brush or roller.

1. What Type of Paint to Use

Before you go paint shopping, you need to know what type of surface you’re painting, as well as the desired effect. For painting indoors, you will need to choose a paint that has more resins, which can be cleaned and maintained easily.What to Ask a Painter

The two main types of paints are oil-based and water-based, both of which have pros and cons. Oil-based paints tend to have more sheen, which will fade more quickly. Water-based paints have a duller sheen that is also longer-lasting, which you can take into consideration when choosing your paint.

2. How to Pick a Paint Color

One of the most challenging aspects of repainting is picking out a new paint color. If you want to stick with a neutral shade or something similar to what you had before, then you can simply find a color that fits your needs.

However, you can also use a new paint job as a way to completely change up the look and feel of your space. Find a shade that will go well with the furniture you already have. For indoor spaces, you can even paint an accent wall for a huge pop of color.

If you want to paint the outside of your home, you may want to look at current trends for paint colors. You might also need to contact your homeowner’s association if you have one, to get the necessary permits and forms to undertake an outdoor painting project.

3. How Long the Job Will Take

The more space you have to paint, the more time it will take until your painting project is completed. Time yourself to see how long it takes you to complete a certain portion, and then multiply it by the amount of space you need to paint. You should also factor in dry times for multiple coats.

If you have had a paint job done professionally before, add a significant amount of time to your original estimate. Commercial painting contractors have extensive training and can get the job done in record time, so if you’re new at painting, expect to take much longer.

4. The Number of Coats You Will Need

Usually, for any project, you will need at least two coats of paint, or more if you are going from a darker to a lighter color. Paint a primer coat first to try and cover up the darker hue and give the lighter one a base to really shine.

The second coat of regular paint will also cover up holes or cracks in a wall. It will really seal the old color in and prevent it from coming through.

5. Prep Your Home for Painting

Obviously, when you paint your home, you don’t want to get paint anywhere but the intended spot. Before you even think about opening a paint can, you will need to make sure that other areas and your possessions are safe.

If you are only painting a single room, try to move as much furniture out of it as you can to avoid damaging it. For items that you cannot move, cover them with drop cloths and secure the coverings with tape. You’ll also want to prep baseboards, light switches, and electrical outlets with painter’s tape.

6. Materials to Pick Up

You should put together a shopping list and make sure to pick up everything you need in one trip before you start to paint.

  • Paint rollers
  • Paintbrushes
  • Painter’s tape
  • Drop cloths
  • Paint sticks
  • Coveralls

If you find yourself at the store and you’re not sure what to look for, you can also ask a store associate in the paint department. Often they are experts and know exactly which materials your paint job will require.

7. Weatherproof Paint

If you are painting with exterior paint, such as your entire home, door, or trim, you’ll likely need a sturdier and weatherproof option. These types of paints can withstand rain, wind, and other drastic weather events so that your house will still look good for many years.

For the best result, you should try to clean the exterior of your house as best as possible so the paint has a smooth surface to cling to. If you live somewhere that has a lot of rain, then you should try to buy paint that is resistant to mildew as well.

8. Find Out How Much Paint to Buy

You never want to end up needing more paint after you have already started the paint job. Even if you use a computer-operated system to get your paint color, such as at many hardware stores, there is still a chance that the shade could be off if you go to buy more.

A good rule of thumb to go by when you paint is one gallon for every 350 feet squared. For instance, if you’re only painting a wall, then you might need only one gallon, but you should buy much more to paint multiple rooms. It is better to over-estimate and purchase more paint than being left short.

Get Answers to All Your Painting Questions

With this information, you can feel confident about your next painting project. You will have all of the materials and knowledge needed to make your house look brand new with a professional paint job that you can be proud of.

Want more answers to your painting questions, and to bring your home decor to the next level? Contact us today to get all of the information you will need.

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6 Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Painting Services Contract

What should you ask before you commit to hiring a professional painting service contractor? Here’s what to ask before signing a painting service contract:

Whether you’re trying to sell your home or improve its curb appeal, a coat of paint can go a long way. In fact, a fresh coat can even improve the value of your home.

Homes with no color sell for an average of $4,035 less than similar properties. Even adding a coat of light blue paint to the bathroom could help increase the value by $5,440.

Calgary House Painter

House Painting and Renovations Contract

Are you thinking of hiring professional painting services to give your home an upgrade? It’s important to find a professional you can trust. Here are six questions you can ask during your search.

By asking these questions, you can narrow down your options to find the professional painting service you need.

Start your search with these tips today!

1. What Experience Do You Have?

First, take the time to speak with friends, family members, and neighbors in the area. Have any of them paid for professional painting services recently? Ask about their experience.

Would they recommend the same painter, or do they suggest you look for someone else? Speaking with people in your inner circle will help you narrow down your options.

It also gives you a unique insight into local painting companies. Instead of asking the painter all your questions, you can speak with someone like you: a customer.

Once you have a list of painters in the area, research their business. You can start by visiting the Better Business Bureau website.

Is each painter on your list a member of the BBB? Are they a part of any other trade associations? If so, they’re likely committed to their trade.

Ask how long the company has run and operated. A long-running company has likely outlasted other companies in the area. This indicates they’ve won the trust of their customers.

If you choose an inexperienced company, on the other hand, you might come across problems. They’re likely still working out kinks in their business model. They could even lack the resources necessary to finish your project.

Employees

Make sure their employees are experienced as well. Who will work on your home? How long have they provided professional painting services?

Ask the company’s owners if they run criminal background checks on their employees. It also helps to ask if they hire employees or subcontractors. If it’s the latter, there’s a chance they can’t thoroughly vouch for the painter’s skill set.

Choose someone who is experienced. Otherwise, you might not receive the quality services you were expecting.

2. Are You Licensed and Insured?

As you interview companies that offer painting services, prioritize looking for a company that’s licensed and insured.

Are they licensed for both commercial and residential properties? Some licenses only cover one or the other. Make sure the company has the licenses necessary to finish your project.

Some licenses might vary depending on the scope of your painting project, too. Are you looking for an interior painting service or exterior? Make sure the company is qualified to provide the services you need.

Don’t forget to look into their insurance coverage, too.

What if an accident occurs while the painters are working on your property? Are you expected to cover the damages and expenses?

Instead, choose a professional painting service from a company with comprehensive business liability. If anything does happen, you’ll have peace of mind that you’re covered.

3. Do You Have Customer Testimonials?

Remember, you don’t have to believe a company at its word. Instead, ask if you can speak with some of their recent clients.

Make sure these clients hired the painting company within the past year. That way, you’ll have a better idea of their current capabilities.

Ask the customers about their experience working with the painting company. Were there any incidents? Did the finished product meet their expectations?

You can also find reviews on the Better Business Bureau website or the company’s Google My Business listing.

Reading reviews and speaking with clients will help you learn about the company’s painting services from an unbiased source.

4. Can I See Photos of Past Projects?

To truly make sure the company meets your expectations, ask to see photos of their recent projects. Make sure the photos match the scope of your own project.

For example, if you need an interior painting service, ask to see photos of the same rooms you want painted.

Do the photos meet your standards and expectations? How recent were those projects completed?

If the photos don’t meet your expectations, keep searching.

5. What Materials Do You Use?

You can also ask each painting company about the materials they use. Are they using cheap, sub-par materials? If the company is cutting costs, the color likely won’t last long.

Weather, time, and general wear and tear can cause the paint to fade. If you need exterior painting, sun exposure can also cause discoloration.

During your search, make sure to prioritize finding a company that uses high-quality paints. Otherwise, you’ll end up needing your property repainted down the road.

6. Do You Offer a Warranty?

It’s important to get quotes from at least three companies in the area. That way, you can compare their prices and find someone who fits your budget.

Some painters ask for $4,000 in labor and materials for painting the exterior of a 2,500-square-foot home. The interior might cost around $5,500.

Don’t hire the least expensive contractor, though. Instead, make sure they’re capable of meeting your expectations.

What’s included in the estimate? Are labor and material costs calculated?

Is there a warranty? Some companies offer a one- to three-year warranty for their services. Ask what the warranty covers, such as materials and labor.

Get everything you discuss in writing, too. That way, you can avoid any disputes in the future.

Don’t forget to review the entire contract before you sign on the dotted line.

Get a Fresh Coat: 6 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Painting Services

Ready to give your property a fresh coat of paint? Make sure to ask these six questions before you hire painting services. By asking these questions, you can find the best company for the job!

Want to discuss your next painting project? We’re happy to help.

Get a free quote from our team today!

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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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How Often to Paint a House: Signs Your Home Is Ready for a Fresh Coat of Paint

Wondering how often to paint a house? Take a look at these signs your home is in need of a fresh coat of paint and what to do next.

Many people take great pride in owning a home. You can often tell by the upkeep of the home and how well it’s maintained.

But while many people might pay attention to the look of their garden, new windows, doors, and the like, it’s equally important to give attention to painting.

If you’re thinking about repainting your house, but you’re not sure if it’s time, keep reading to find out how often to paint a house.

How Often Should You Paint Your House

Signs You Should Paint Your House

Painting your house can bring new life to both the interior and the exterior of your home.

For the exterior, it adds a new depth to your curb appeal. Painting the indoor makes it a whole new space, like a blank canvas to rearrange or decorate.

But how do you know when it’s time to paint the house – both the exterior and the interior?

Here are some guidelines to follow for painting your house.

Exterior

Painting the exterior of your home, in some cases, can be tricky and dangerous and best left to the professionals. In any case, here are some tips on whether or not you need to run to the nearest hardware store for a new coat of paint.

1. Damage

If there is clear damage to the surface of your home, it likely means there’s a larger problem. Cracks or rotting indicate there’s something that needs to be addressed, so fix those problems first before you choose a new exterior color.

Each house has a different surface, and there are lengths of time when the surface is likely ready for a fresh coat.

Here is a good guideline to help:

Brick: 15-20 years, but cleaning frequently

Wood: 4-7 years, but more so if it’s stained

Stucco: 5-7 years or as needed

Aluminum siding: up to 5 years.

While these numbers are a ballpark range, assess your siding and materials properly to decide if a paint job is needed.

2. Fading

All paint fades, but if it begins to fade significantly, it’s time to grab a paintbrush. Darker colors fade more quickly than lighter or neutral colors, so consider that before selecting a new hue.

3. Peeling, Chalking, and Morphing

All of these, peeling, cracking, and morphing, cause the paint to look run down and ruined.

Environmental factors like harsh weather conditions and extreme temperatures, can all contribute to peeling. If the paint is of high quality, it should not peel.

Chalking is a term used to refer to the residue that’s left on your hands if you run your hand over the paint. If it leaves behind a chalky texture, then it’s time to repaint.

Morphing is when patches of the paint turn a different shade entirely. This makes the paint job look splotchy, and usually occurs because of UV rays.

4. Bubbles

Bubbles might be fun in a bath, but you don’t want to see them on your wall. Bubbles and cracks are a sure sign of mold and rotting, so repainting and mold extraction is needed.

5. It Looks Bad

There’s no shame in admitting that a color you choose did not turn out as you expected! If you painted your home, and it leaves a bad taste in your mouth, consider repainting to something more tasteful.

Interior

Reasons for painting the interior of your home are similar to painting the exterior: fading, damage, mold, peeling, cracking, and so forth. However, there are a few differences.

1. Scratches or Scuffing

The inside of your home is more prone to scratching and scuffing damage, especially if you have a family or animals. High-traffic areas are more likely to be scratched, like living areas, hallways, or mudrooms, but painting over them can give your room a much-needed touch-up.

Remember, if the damage is deep, like a hole in the wall, repair the damage first, and then repaint.

2. Moving

If you’re moving, and your walls are personalized with a color you love, you should probably consider repainting them. Homes sell quickly when the walls are painted a more neutral color. You want the homeowners to imagine themselves in the home, and neutral colors are perfect at doing so.

3. Dislike For The Color

Sometimes it happens: despite your best efforts and decision-making, you choose a color you end up hating. That’s ok. Repainting is often one of the easiest ways to change the look and feel of a room.

4. Remodeling

Are you knocking down walls and rebuilding? Unless you love the look of drywall, it’s time to choose a new color! Remodeling offers you a blank canvas and plenty of choices for a new color.

Things to Remember When Painting

Painting is much more than choosing a color and painting the surface. There are a few things to consider.

Prepare

Think about the surface you’re painting, and whether it’s indoors or outdoors. There are certain types of paints that are formulated to withstand each environment.

You’ll also need to repair any damage before you put on the first coat. This could take several days depending on the severity of the damage.

Pick

Select your paint color! Remember, darker colors are more likely to fade, and if you’re moving, try and find a neutral color.

If you plan on staying for a long period, visualize the space you want to create and choose accordingly.

Paint

Now it’s time to paint! Gather your materials – paintbrush, tarp, paint, and so forth – and start painting.

Painting the exterior could mean calling on a professional if the job is too treacherous.

How Often to Paint A House

When it comes to how often to paint a house, it’s going to depend on the amount of damage, fading, and personal preference. Assess your situation, and watch your space transform.

Thinking about painting and need professional help? We take care of all the work! Contact us today to get a quote!

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Harding’s – Your Improvement Company, it’s about family.

It has been almost 6 months since I started with Harding’s. It’s been an adventure so far and a learning curve to some aspects of our business. I love a challenge and have tackled it head on but what I expected to be a challenge, forging relationships with our team, hasn’t been a challenge at all! Our team has made me so comfortable, it’s been like going home for Christmas.

We just had our Christmas Party this last Friday. I had the opportunity to get back to my roots and make all the food for our team. It was a ton of work and a ton of fun. We have a great group of people that make up the greatest Residential and Commercial Improvement Company in Calgary.

Congratulations to Lazslo Szabo on winning Rookie of the Year, Beatrix Lucza and Rony Mosstou for winning Craftsmen of the Year, Roberto Morales for Winning the Customer Choice Award and to the partnership or Matt Whiteley and Matt Rachul for slaughtering the Business Builder of the Year Award.

Matt Rachul, Rob Hilditch, Matt Whiteley

Rony Mosstou

Laszlo Szabo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PAINTING | CLEANING | EXTERIOR HOME CLEANING | CEILING TEXTURE | RENOVATIONS | HANDYMAN

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How to hire a Painting Contractor, the right way

Consumer Reports News:

Most homeowners hire a contractor to repaint the exterior of their home. Follow our advice to help ensure a high-quality job, whether you’ll have your house painted this fall or next spring.

Meet the pros. Call in at least three different painting contractors for your job. (Friends and family are good reference sources.) And be home for the initial meeting with them. That way, you’ll know how much time each contractor took to assess the condition of your home. The longer he takes, the more realistic the estimate you’ll get. Even an experienced painter will need more than a quick walk around your house.
Also ask each contractor about the size of his crew and the members’ experience level.

State your expectations. The number of coats a painter applies isn’t the only factor in determining the quality—and price—of the project. Preparation is also key. If you want a surface that’s free of unevenness from past paint jobs, tell the contractors—and be prepared to pay extra. But if you can live with some imperfections, agree on what level of prep is acceptable and what isn’t.

Get estimates. Seek a written estimate from each painting contractor. It should include a breakdown of labor, material costs, the number of coats of primer and paint, the brand and model of materials, and a detailed description of the amount of surface preparation that will be done.

Check references and past work. Get a list of references from each contractor and call them to find about their experience with the pro. A history of positive references is a good sign. Also examine jobs the painters did several years ago to see how their work is holding up. Use recent projects to check the skill of their current crews.

Painting Contractor Calgary

Harding’s – Calgary Painting Company

Consider credentials. Before you hire someone, consider his credentials. Membership in a trade or local business group, for example, isn’t a guarantee of quality work, but it shows a level of commitment and reliability on his part. Also verify whether the pro has the appropriate license(s). Also check with the Better Business Bureau,  or a local consumer-affairs agency to learn whether the contractor has a history of unresolved complaints.

Obtain a complete contract. The contract should include all the contractor’s key information: name, address, office and cell numbers, and license number, plus whatever details were in the estimate. Make sure the contract clearly states what is and is not included in the job.
Get a copy of the painter’s liability and workers’ compensation insurance certificates. If he doesn’t have coverage, you could be on the hook if, for example, the crew drops a ladder on your neighbor’s car or a crew member gets hurt on the job.

Ask for a guarantee. The painter should promise to correct any chipping, peeling, blistering, flaking, or excessive fading or chalking that occurs within two years after the job is done at no or little cost. If he tells you the paint itself has a warranty, remember that doesn’t include labor, which is a far more costly proposition than material.

Choose the paint yourself. Your painter might try to talk you into a paint he prefers, but use the finish you want. Just remember that your painter won;t be able to warranty owner supplied paint.

Look for lead. If your home was built before 1978, older coats of paint could contain lead. That means the painter might need to take extra precautions to avoid any hazards. .

Hold out. Finally, don’t make a large down payment and withhold the final payment, typically 10 to 15 percent, until you are fully satisfied with the job.

Check out our own video on Hiring A Painting Contractor.

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