Do I have to be at home while you paint?
No. We either try to be on the job before you leave for work, or arrange to pick up a key ahead of time. Nonetheless, we do recognize that many people are uncomfortable having unsupervised workmen in their homes. We've never had a problem with our clients but we want you to feel absolutely comfortable when we work for you. If you want your own representative at the job site, please say so.
What should I do to get ready for the painters?
Our "full service" consists of placing all your freestanding possessions in the center of the area to be painted, then removing switch plates, receptacle covers, and pictures from the walls, and taking down your window treatments. We have found that damage is most likely to occur when coverings aren't transparent, so we use clear plastic to cover your furniture and freestanding possessions and canvas drop cloths for the floor surfaces. The only items we insist that our customers remove are fragile, personal items, such as family pictures and glass decorations. When we finish painting we replace all furniture and re-hang the pictures and window treatments. If the surfaces haven't completely dried on the day we finish painting we return the following day to complete the job.
If you don't want full service we are prepared to discuss that aspect of the job with you when we give our estimate.
What kind of surface preparation do you do?
Surface preparation is the key to a great paint job. We scrape, fill, and sand any holes or cracks we find in the walls. We inspect and repair the caulking around the windows and doors. We inspect and repair crown moldings, door moldings, railings, etc. We repair and sand all nail pops, remove any mildew, clean any grease or heavy-dirt accumulations, and seal any stains or indelible marks we find. Finally, we prime all the new surfaces we have created.
I have some cracks that always reappear, is there anything you can do?
Many buildings are settling. If your home has structural problems we can't guarantee that our repairs will be final. However, we repair difficult cracks or extensive spider web cracking by digging out the cracks, filling them with plaster of Paris, taping them with a fiberglass mesh tape, and skimming them before sanding them smooth.
Do you repair drywall damage?
We are fully experienced in light construction. Virtually any repairs that you need done can be included as part of the preparation work we do prior to painting.
Do you remove wallpaper?
Yes. Please bear in mind that you never know what you're going to find beneath old wallpaper, so removing it may significantly complicate the job.
What is skimming and why do I need it?
Skimming is a multi-layer plastering process that smoothes a surface. If a wall has extensive cracking or a customer has chosen a custom paint treatment we skim the walls.
How do you go about choosing the right paint?
We use only paints and primers from top-of-the-line companies. We can't determine exactly what kind of paint your job requires, whether oil-based or latex, until we evaluate your home and hear what your particular needs are.
Is there a real difference between flat, high gloss, satin, and eggshell finishes?
Yes. And the difference can be especially significant depending on the surface and area that you are preparing to paint. We can help advise you on the types of finish that are best for your job.
What about colors?
The paint suppliers we use provide color charts and chits, but we recommend painting sample swatches on the walls in a couple of different areas of the rooms you want to paint. For your convenience we can provide a "color test service," where we obtain a few variations of colors that interest you (often in warm, neutral, and cool hues). Since lighting, carpeting, reflection, and other factors in any given room affect the outcome of your color, the color test enables you to evaluate colors for yourself.
Our "color test service" fee varies according to the number of colors and types of paint you choose, but it must be paid in full when you select the colors you want tested.
Why is painting so expensive?
In the last 20 years labor costs have tripled, the cost of paint has gone up, and insurance costs have increased exponentially. But when you compare painting to the cost of carpeting or wallpapering you may find it the cheapest way to maintain and improve the look of your home.
How do I get an estimate?
Please phone to request a quote. We will set up a time, at your convenience, to go over the work that you'd like done and inspect the location for size and condition. Only after doing that and discussing the kinds of paint and colors you want can we give you a comprehensive estimate.
If I choose your company, what do I do next?
If you decide to hire Nadoban Painting we will require a 50% advance deposit to reserve our services. The rest of the payment will be due on the day you walk through the completed job with Erik Nadoban and accept it as satisfactory.
