You have decided it is time to paint your home! Choosing the painter you want to work with is your first step, and also the most important. How do you choose which company is right for you? Here are 5 tips!
1. Research and Referrals
Finding a painter is easier than you think! Reach out to your friends and neighbors and ask them about the experiences they had with the painter they hired. Chances are that someone you know had either a very positive experience to lead you towards a certain company, or a very negative experience that will help you steer clear! Google is also a great place to search for painters in the Eugene/Springfield area as many painters will have google reviews left by customers. Generally, the more positive reviews you see, the more likely it is that most customers have a positive experience. If you want to know more, many contractors have some details about their company on their business website; along with before and after photos of previous jobs. Some painters even take the extra step to get video testimonials so you can really get a good idea of the quality of service they provide! Check out this video testimonial of Sir Paints A Lot!
2. Schedule Estimates
After you have done some research, you should narrow down a list of about 3 painters and schedule estimates with each of them (ideally not at the same time). This will give you a chance to meet them in person and observe how they put their estimate together. Here are a few things to watch for:
Did they show up on time or call ahead if they were going to be late?
Do they measure spaces precisely or do they eyeball it/ use rough guesswork?
Do they point out areas that may need additional work? (drywall repair, dry-rot, caulking etc)
Is their communication with you clear and responsive to any questions you have?
Was the estimate delivered to you accurately and in a timely manner?
Are they respectful of your time and property?
3. Compare Estimates
Now that you have had a chance to meet your potential painters and look over their estimates, you will probably have an idea of which company you most want to work with. Sometimes your estimates will all be close to the same price, but other times there will be a significant difference in cost. It is important to figure out why and not just choose the cheapest deal. A detailed estimate is preferable to most people because they can see exactly why their paint job costs the price it does. If one of your estimates comes in at a much lower price range and does not provide specific details, it is important to ask a few questions.
Will they be priming?
How many coats of paint will be applied?
Will they be painting my trim and doors?
Are there any repairs that need done?
What is the quality of the paint they will be using?
How do they schedule the work? (pressure washing, repairs, painting…)
Is there a warranty or maintenance plan?
Do they include a color consult?
If their estimate is missing these details and they do not answer your questions with confidence and clarity, you should be prepared for them to add-on things to your final bill that they did not take the time to account for in the original estimate. Most of us would like to avoid this game of chance by simply having a detailed estimate in the first place. There is always a chance that problems could arise as a job goes on, but a painter who is looking for potential problem areas in the beginning is much more likely to be prepared to handle them!
painter providing a less-than-detailed estimate… bonus points if they write it on the back of their business card 😉
4. Compare Cost with Value
When you have your house painted, you want to enjoy the paint job as long as possible and get the most life out of it! You want the color to be everything you hoped it would be, and you want the coverage to hold up well to the elements. Many companies will offer a general warranty for product failure, but let’s be real…they hope you never call! At Sir Paints A Lot, WE call YOU to schedule touch up work each year! We value our customers and want them to enjoy their investment for many years. Some painters also include a color consult which can be very helpful! Even if you know what color you want, a color consultant can help you determine if it will be a good fit for your space and even paint samples onto the wall. We all know that little paint card can be deceiving! It is important to weigh these details when you compare your estimates. Having your home painted is a big investment, and getting long lasting value should be a primary goal!
5. Choose with Confidence
By now, you should have a clear idea of which painter you want to work with and which estimate you feel comfortable with. You will have had a chance to observe their professionalism, read reviews, and ask any questions about the estimate. Surely you have formed an opinion on how well they communicate, and how well they addressed your concerns. Choose someone you feel will be safe to have around your family! If you don’t want to go off a feeling, definitely go ahead and ask your painter how they screen their employees! Here at Sir Paints A Lot we have all our employees background checked because we want your family to feel safe with us too! Hopefully these tips helped you to make a decision about who to hire for your painting needs!
To Schedule a Paint Estimate with Sir Paints A Lot: Call 541-600-2025, or click here to book online!
What exactly is Curb Appeal? Well, it is the level of appeal or attractiveness your home has when it is viewed from the curb. The prime example of judging a book by its cover. 😉 It is the first impression which will hopefully give prospective home-buyers some idea of how well the rest of the house has been taken care of. Fixing-Upping is all well and good for some house hunters, but others would say “aint nobody got time for dat”. Whether you are looking to sell your home for a good price, keep property values in your neighborhood up, or just want to improve the environment of your home for yourself; one of these 10 tips is sure to help you out!
1. Pressure Wash
Spraying the grime away!
They say beauty runs deeper than the surface… and that is absolutely true. Deep beneath the surface of dust and grime and mildew lies a beautiful home. For added curb appeal; also pressure wash the driveway and sidewalks!
If pressure washing reveals that your home is not, in fact, beautiful beneath the surface; do not despair! We have 9 more tips to go!
2. Paint
A beautifully painted exterior
While this is not the most low-cost option, this will add more value to your home than most other things will, so it is likely that you will see some return on investment here. Unless, of course, you forfeit that opportunity by either choosing a hideous color or hiring your painter carelessly. The first should be easy to avoid though, and you can click HERE if you want some tips for hiring a painter!
You can also touch up your paint if it has been recently painted and hasn’t faded too much to match. If you hire us- we do the touch up work for you! Check out this video of Sir Paints A Lot doing warranty touch up work! For more information about our Warranty, give us a call!
3. Paint Front Door
Instant curb appeal points!
Repainting your whole exterior may not be in the budget, but painting the front door is a much cheaper way to draw attention to the fact that you pay attention to your home. Remember- the underlying purpose of curb appeal is to show that the home has been taken care of. Choose a color that stands out while still pairing well with the other colors of your home. We are not looking for an obnoxious clash of the colors here. Bold and beautiful!
4. Plants
Plants just bring so much life to the home! (I wasn’t talking about the insects…)
Whether your plants are non-existent or just need some affection, having some crisp clean greenery is a sure way to boost your home’s liveliness and curb appeal. If you need some ideas for plants that grow well in the Pacific Northwest, click HERE! Plant placement is a factor so be sure to consider the amount of sunlight the area you will be adding plants to receives Before you select your plants.The most common place to plant bushes or flowers tends to be somewhere that accentuates the focal points of the home, such as near the front door or below the front windows. Even a simple potted plant can be a significant improvement! As long as you remember to water it…. 😉
5. Rocks
Rock Gardens can also add an appealing touch to your home! You can head down to the river and collect some river rocks for free, or you can purchase some more specific rocks if you have a certain look in mind. Rocks may not smell as wonderful as fresh sod, but they sure do last longer! When you use rocks to accent the areas you have your plants-Even better!
This article has some great ideas for displaying your house numbers!
There are a lot of ways to be creative with this one! Making your house numbers stand out in an appealing way not only helps people find your house in the first place, it also makes it feel more inviting and therefore more like a home.
7. General Lawn Maintenance
Something about those lawn mower lines…
Even if you prefer a yard of dandelions and clovers and bumblebees with tall soft grass that has never encountered a lawn mower… This will most assuredly look like work to any prospective home-buyer. If you plan to sell your home, you should begin a lawn-care regimen before listing, and make sure to at least do a little weed and feed. When considering curb appeal, remember that the lawn is the closest thing to the curb! If your yard is full of gopher holes and dog bone hide-outs and crab grass and weeds and more work that you yourself don’t have time for….consider laying down sod.
Let there be Light! Many houses already have some sort of outdoor light, but even simple things like updating the fixtures and replacing the bulbs can give your entryway a boost! Solar lights along walkway paths is another option if you don’t have the time to add in new electrical fixtures.
If all of this talk about external appearances has got you down in the shallows- this is your moment! Windows will need to be cleaned on the inside too in order to look nice on the outside! 😉 Especially if you have small children…Dusty, dirty windows are not going to do you any favors and this is one of the easiest things you can do yourself! It will be worth it!
10. Walk Around
Chances are, if it looks bad, you already know… Some homes might have worn out porch railings, or the deck might need stained… Other houses may not have these things at all. A 6ft privacy fence will be far more valuable if your neighbor feels the need to supply the city with a back-up junkyard than it will be if your neighbor’s house has even more curb appeal than your own! Maybe you can’t afford a total repaint, but you can still walk around and do touch up. If the front door looks bland, consider adding a wreath! Bird-watching is a huge hobby in Eugene, so simple things like adding a bird feeder can go farther than you think!
If you are selling your home, keep in mind that the buyer will eventually see the inside as well, and you will want that to look taken care of too! I will post a blog soon with tips for your home’s interior and link it here soon!
Some articles will give you 40 ideas for boosting curb appeal, but I’m going to repeat my earlier sentiment of “aint nobody got time for dat”. Simple things will go a long way in making your house feel like a home to someone who doesn’t even live there. Even if you do not plan on selling, taking care of your home makes it a better place for you to live too! The only things you’ve got to lose are a few dandelions! If you hate to waste them, here are some fun dandelion recipes because why not!
Here at Sir Paints A Lot, we can help you with the top 3 tips in this article! Call us at 541-600-2025 or click HERE to book now! Thank You!
One does not simply paint their home’s exterior. Exterior painting is a process not to be taken lightly. Not all those who paint are painters… I could continue conjuring cheap jokes, but I shall allow you to read ahead and discover our process.
If you are going to paint your home’s exterior, a good process will take you far! There are always things that turn up that might need extra skills or information not provided here, but for most situations, this will be the map you want to follow if you’re looking for a beautifully painted home! If you need a rundown of some common painter’s tools- check this out!
1. Pressure Wash
First things first. Properly preparing your siding for paint requires this. You may not think you are a living in a witch’s cottage, but you would be amazed at how many cobwebs and spiders are hiding on surfaces that will need painted. Mildew, dust, and debris all build up on the outside of our houses over time. Even if you think your house is not afflicted by these things, it will only take a couple of seconds with the power washer on to realize that you were deceiving yourself.
Make sure to move outdoor furniture, grills, or any other objects away from the house. We begin at the highest points and work our way down. If you like to do everything twice, begin at the lowest points. 😉 Make sure to use a surface cleaner in your pressure washer and mix it as directed.
A Sir Paints A Lot squire having a blast with the pressure washer on a shed! 😉
2. Repair Damaged Siding or Trim
Unfortunately; there are no short-cuts with this step either. Not even duct tape can save you here. What rotten luck. If you have any rotted pieces of siding or trim, you will need to replace them before painting. If you are not sure how to identify dry rot, click here! This is also a great time to make sure that any protruding screws or nails are dealt with.
When you hire us, we will identify these issues and take care of them for you!
3. Scrape, Sand, and Caulk
We don’t like wasting time! Skipping these first few steps makes everything else a waste of time. If you want your work to look nice, you will need to use a paint scraper to scrape any areas with loose or peeling paint to a point where they are no longer flaking off and you can sand them smooth. You will need to caulk (remember to use paint-able caulk) around windows and doors and often corner-boards or places where two different materials meet.
Remember to smooth out the caulking into the creases! This is sometimes the most painful part of the process. I do mean literally. There are exceptions though; such as falling off of your ladder, or an encounter with a wasp nest.
Quality artwork by Yours Truly… In honor of all those who have fallen off the ladder Because of the wasp…;)
4. Mask
If you’re a lone wolf, you will want to mask off all windows, doors, and trim and anything else that will not be painted first. This often includes bushes and plants alongside the house. In some cases, these will need to be trimmed back so they are not touching the house. You could always paint them too… but only if you want them to die. If you could use some extra tips for masking, check out this blog! Unmasking the Secret to Successful Masking!
If you have a helper though; you should work together to mask off the first side. After you have the first side masked; send the masker ahead to the second side while you begin spraying the first, and work your way around the house in this way. ***Start with your primer!
At Sir Paints A Lot, we like to make our 1st side the “sunny” side. Whichever side will be hottest later in the day is where we begin. Unless you enjoy being drenched in your own sun-boiled sweat, we recommend you implement this free tip.
5. Paint
Begin with a small spray tip to do your “cut-in” around windows and tight corners or smaller areas. Then use a larger spray tip and work your way steadily across the wall in the direction of the siding. Most often this will be horizontally, and it is best to begin at the top. Aim for about 40% overlap with each new row. A common mistake is to try and drench the wall to avoid having to do the second coat. Do not do this. Even if you do not like doing things twice, (insert laughter), applying 2 coats of paint is the best way to achieve smooth, even coverage.
After you have finished your two coats of wall color you can turn your focus to trim and fascia. There are many ways people go about painting these areas and it is very dependent on circumstances. In many cases, you can put a finer tip on your paint sprayer and use a paint shield as you go about painting the gutters. (You remembered to pressure-wash those right?!?)
Be very careful to avoid over-spraying onto your wall color or roof. For doors, we hang new masking around the outside of the door so it can have a smooth sprayed finish as well. Using a brush and roller on window trim and any other trim is usually the most efficient way to finish your trim work. Don’t forget the 2nd coat and to watch for paint runs! Paint runs are much easier to fix if you catch them right away!
6. Inspection/Touch Up
Once all the masking is removed; go back to the beginning and slowly look around for any spots that may have some overspray or paint drops or anything that may have been missed. Take your time here. This is the fine tuning that really polishes all your hard work.
7. Clean Up
If you own the house you just painted; proceed any way you want.
If you do not own the house you just painted; wash all brushes and equipment in a logical place (Not the kitchen sink or all over the driveway). A good way to avoid having any mess to wash away is to wash your brush in a 5 gallon bucket with water in it. A final step, which I regard as being nearly as important as good prep-work, is to make sure you don’t throw all the trash in their dumpster. Take it with you and dispose of all paint and cans appropriately.
We hope this helps with your exterior painting project! If you’d like Sir Paints A Lot to handle the work, click here to book an estimate now! Or call 541-600-2025! Thank You and Have a Wonderful Day!
Choosing exterior paint for your project in Eugene can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the paint finishes and colors.
There are generally four types of paint finishes; matte, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss and each has pros and cons.
When painting the exterior of your home, the choice is usually a little limited, as gloss and semi-gloss paints are rarely used on the outside. The choice is usually between a matte or satin finish. Since the outside of your house is subject to wear and tear, the choice of the finish is very important.
Understand Paint Sheen/Finish
Paints with a high content of resins/binders create a high gloss/shiny surface, while those with a high pigment content create a less reflective surface.
In general, brighter paints are more durable, while duller paints are less durable but offer better coverage.
For larger exterior surfaces, glossier paints are usually reserved for finishing areas, such as window sills and doors, as well as surfaces that can be washed frequently.
For large surfaces such as the siding, less glossy paints are a better choice. Here, you want to avoid bright, glowing paints with highly reflective properties that will highlight every bump and imperfection.
Matte Paints Outside
Matte paint has an anti-reflective finish that will be slightly chalky and rough when you put your hand on it.
The finish is quite velvety in appearance and is at first very attractive since the lack of reflectivity hides bumps and cracks. It offers a very contemporary and modern look.
However, as with interior surfaces, matte paints don’t tolerate repeated washing and scrubbing. You can rub the matte finish with TSP or a high-pressure water cleaner, but often the best solution is to apply another coat of paint.
You can expect to repaint more often if you use flat paint.
Satin Paints Outside
Satin finishes are relatively low in reflection, which means they also do a decent job of masking dents and imperfections on the surface.
To the touch, they retain the chalky appearance of matte finishes, but with a slight, creamy finish.
The same paint color will appear slightly richer in a satin sheen than in a matte sheen. Satin finishes can be wiped or even cleaned with water.
Semi-Gloss and Gloss?
In general, reserve higher gloss levels for trims and doors, which wear out a lot and may require frequent rubbing.
The brightest paints are more durable, and they will hold well on these weathered finish surfaces.
They can also be a logical choice when an exterior needs to be washed frequently, for example, in a climate where windblown dust is a problem, or in a home where active children can dirty the siding.
But the glossy appearance will also highlight every bump and imperfection so that for most people, they are not the right choice for large siding surfaces.
Glossy and semi-gloss paints, however, produce a more vibrant color, which is why they are sometimes chosen when a homeowner wants to put more emphasis on design.
Recommendations
In all respects, the satin finish is best for the exterior of a home. It satisfies the essential maintenance points while providing a pleasing appearance that appeals to most homeowners. Ultimately, the choice depends on your situation.
At Sir Paints A Lot, we offer affordable, high-quality, and durable residential painting services that will stand the test of time. If you need professional help repainting your home exterior in Eugene, our team can help.
To give a try, call us on 541-600-2025 or book now for a FREE painting estimate.
You’ve decided to hire a professional painting contractor in Eugene. What should you do next?!
If it is your first time hiring a painting contractor, the whole process can be a little intimidating.
Repainting your home is a significant investment towards, probably one of your largest investments, so far. Hiring the wrong painting contractor can leave you frustrated to say the least, but the safety of your family should also be considered.
In this article, we
will quickly take you through the process of hiring a painting contractor and
an overview of what you can expect. Have a look.
How to Find a Painting
Contractor in Eugene
Painting companies are generally active locally, and you have probably seen some of them working on projects in your Eugene or Springfield neighborhood. While most of them focus on painting, some take on extra related tasks such as plaster repair, minor drywall repair, cladding, and wallpapering.
You will essentially need to pick a painter based in your specific painting needs. Don’t be tempted to choose the first one that you come across. Some of the best ways to find painting contractors include asking friends, relatives, and neighbors, asking at your local paint store or searching online for local painting contractors.
Be sure to choose at least three painters, invite them for an interview and request a painting estimate from each of them. It is best if you schedule each of them separately.
What Will The Painter
Do?
Most painters take on any kind of work, from the mere painting of your window covering to a full residential paint job. Let’s assume that you want them to paint your home interior. You can usually expect:
Cover all areas that are not to be painted, including floors, windows, kitchen counter-tops, cabinets, etc.
Slight surface preparation; this may include light sanding and scraping off loose paint, filling holes left from old nails, caulking, cleaning woodwork, and wiping off surfaces. The contractor assumes that the house is usually in paintable condition.
Remove electrical panels, lights, doors, and other obstacles.
Moving furniture away for better access to the areas to be painted. That is not really a painter’s job, so you have to confirm that beforehand if you want them to move furniture for you.
Priming new drywall or the current paint with an interior latex primer.
Apply two coats of latex paint on the walls.
Two layers of ceiling paint.
Painting of the trim (baseboards, window coverings, doors etc; all depending on what you requested)
Touch-up missing spots.
Cleanups for any spills and splashes.
How to Talk To the Painter
Unlike a conversation
with an electrician, talking to the painter is generally easy and doesn’t
involve any jargon. They keep things as clear and simple as possible.
Some topics you may want to discuss:
Is the cost of the paint included in the estimate?
What type/quality of paint does the contractor intend to use?
How many coats will be used?
How does he intend to cover the non-paint-able areas?
How long does he expect the job to last?
Is it preferable for the residents to clear the house while working?
Will the painter clean up after painting is done?
How Much Will It Cost?
If this is the first time you have hired a contractor, painting might cost a little more than you expect. Some painting companies will have formulas that they use. This typically includes measuring total square feet of walls and ceilings, along with linear lengths of the trim. They also calculate the preparation time as well as the “hard costs” for primer and paint.
Some contractors will give you a quote based on their experience with similar jobs. While this estimate may not be specific, it is usually a fair number. The best way to get value for your money is by comparing multiple painting quotes and picking a quote that meets all your needs. It is important to choose a contractor who communicates well with you and who you feel comfortable with. This will not necessarily be the lowest bid.
At Sir Paints A Lot, we offer affordable, reliable, high-quality, and durable residential painting services such as trim painting, wall and ceiling painting, door and frame painting, and cabinet refinishing that will stand the test of time. If you haven’t identified a residential painting contractor in Eugene yet, we would love to be your favorite painter. To give a try, call us on 541-600-2025 or book now for a FREE painting estimate.
While there are many improvements you can make on your home, nothing quite compares to the benefits offered by an exterior paint job. Exterior painting in Eugene is an inexpensive and transformative way to improve your home. It not only upgrades the appearance of your home but also protects it against the elements.
If you’re considering repainting your home’s exterior, but you’re not sure if the investment is worth it, here are the top five benefits of exterior painting to help you make up your mind.
1. Improves Aesthetic Appeal
As a homeowner, keeping your home painted makes it appealing. It is also an opportunity to choose your favorite color for the exterior if you don’t like the current one. Even if you’re in love with your current color scheme, exterior paint often needs to be re-applied after a few years because it eventually fades, flakes and peels.
An aesthetically appealing home is a natural source of pride for any homeowner and their family. Additionally, the appearance and status of your home impact the overall home value of your neighborhood or street, so repainting is also a neighborly thing to do.
2. Better Curb Appeal
Repainting your home is the quickest and easiest way to improve its curb appeal. It will give your home a fresh new look and cover any signs of weather damage and aging. If you’re planning to sell your home any time soon, a better curb appeal will not only help you to sell your home faster but also at a reasonably high price.
Curb appeal is all about setting the right tone when a prospective buyer sees your home for the first time. If they like the exterior when driving by, they’ll be far more likely to come in and check out the rest of the home, which increases your chances of getting a better price.
3. Protects Your Home from the Elements
Natural elements can be quite damaging to your house, and living in Eugene doesn’t make it any better. Wind, snow, rain sleet, and even fire are just a few of the elements that can wreak havoc to your siding. The best exterior paint job can stand up against these elements for a much longer time, keeping your siding protected.
Exterior paint is like an external shield coating for your home’s siding. It stops the dampness from leaking into your house and mold and mildew from damaging your siding. Essentially, it adds an extra layer of protection against the rainy and damp conditions, and could even stop bugs from invading through the siding.
4. Extends the Lifespan of Your Existing Siding
A new paint job can help increase the lifespan of your siding, despite which material is used. Many types of exterior sidings, such as concrete and wood, need to be replaced to maintain their good looks and protection properties. If repainting your exterior can extend the life of your siding even for just a few years, you can end up saving even thousands of dollars in future expenses.
Additionally, brand-new paint can hide or briefly repair minor damages that your old siding has endured. Minor siding imperfections can be covered by paint. You can also use this opportunity to repair major damages such as missing caulking, rotted wood, or a stucco siding with missing patches. Note, however, that exterior painting is not a substitute for siding repair.
5. Increases Your Home’s Value
Making your home look beautiful and appealing has a direct financial benefit. When inspection and appraisal are being done on your home, a recent home repaint can significantly increase the final value. Other significantly expensive home renovations, such as a kitchen remodel offers just about 80% return on investment. That means a kitchen remodel worth $10,000 will increase your home’s value by an average of $8,000.
On the other hand, exterior painting can offer a return of up to140%. So if you spend $1,000 on house painting, you can expect your home’s value to increase by $1,400. This means you earn about $400 extra value on your paint job.
Bottom line
As you can see, repainting your home offers many more benefits than you might have imagined. Other than making it appealing, it protects your siding against elements and eventually increases your home’s value
If you need any professional help with the exterior or general residential painting in Eugene, our team at Sir Paints A Lot can help. Simply call us on 541-600-2025 or book now to get started.
