CertaPro Painters of Boston/South Shore
Proudly serving the painting needs of the entire South Shore including Norwell, Cohasset, Hingham, Hanover, Marshfield, Duxbury, Scituate, Pembroke and Hull as well as Milton, Canton, Stoughton, Quincy, Weymouth, and surrounding towns.
1-800-689-7271
FREE painting estimatesLocal Painting Office
CertaPro Painters of Boston/South Shore
200 Recreation Park Drive, Ste 4
Hingham, MA 02043
781-740-4044
I graduated from University of New Hampshire with my Masters in Engineering in 1987. Believe me, my decision to start CertaPro Painters was a shock to some who felt I would not be using my education! Over the years, I have focused my business on the simple idea that CertaPro can take house painting, an experience that is generally thought to be a hassle, and turn it into an experience where our customers are delighted. To do this, I have focused on hiring great painters, who understand that our goal is not just to apply paint, but to truly thrill the customer. In fact, in 2008 we were the top franchisee in the country (out of over 300 franchisees).
We are committed to helping our customers choose the perfect colors – an experience that is daunting to many of our Clients. We have a designer on staff that helps our customers, free of charge, choose colors for both the inside and outsides of their homes. Believe me, when we use the right color, the whole project looks like a photograph from a magazine!
And one more thing. We’re not afraid of small projects. Just because we have a website and you see our signs in your neighborhood, please don’t be nervous that your project is “too small.” We are happy to help you with any size project.
If you want your painting project to go smoothly, and you want to be pleasantly surprised by the service a painting company can deliver, please call me at 781-585-7246 or email me at LNeJame@certapro.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Exterior Painting with CertaPro Painters (Click to Open)
On the checklist you will receive from us in the mail, you will receive an APPROXIMATE start date. We cannot give an exact date since we cannot paint in the rain and sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate with us. Our Office Manager, Sabrina, will be calling you to give you an exact date as we get close to finishing the project before yours. If you have a date by which the painting must be finished, please let us know so we can work to accommodate your preference. By the way, if it is raining lightly, we DO powerwash in the rain to help keep our crews busy.
When do you need my paint colors?
As soon as possible. Please email them to SStober@certapro.com or send them back to us on the Color Confirmation Sheet we mailed to you.
I’m having trouble choosing paint colors, can you help?
YES. Here is what we offer, just call Sabrina at 781-740-4044 or email her at SStober@certapro.com to take advantage of these FREE services:
A free hour with our designer. She will help you choose colors that will give your home lots of curb appeal.
Free large paint swatches. We can order any Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore paint color in 8” X 8” swatches. They are delivered within about a week to your mailbox directly from the paint manufacturer. We can also order you a few of the same color, so you can tape them together and hang up a large swatch.
Payment
We accept checks only AFTER we have completed your project on most jobs. This ensures that you are happy with the result. On larger jobs, we may ask for a progress payment when we are halfway finished.
How do I pay?
You can pay the Job Site Supervisor on your project. If for some reason you will not be home, please leave a check that we can pick up. If for some reason you missed the painters, please send your check to:
CertaPro Painters, 200 Recreation Park Drive, Suite 4, Hingham, MA 02043
What do I need to do to prepare for the powerwash?
First of all, you do not need to be home when we powerwash your home, but please prepare the following things. We’ll need:
Access to an outdoor water source that is turned “on”
Access to a working electrical source
Screens removed from doors and windows
Removal of any loose objects, including patio furniture and grills
A heads up on any known leaks in your home. If you notice sunlight around closed windows or have had your home leak in the past, call our office at 781-740-4044 or email LNeJame@certapro.com immediately.
Landscape growth trimmed, allowing a minimum of 12-18” access around your home.
There were small paint chips in my dirt and grass after my powerwash, what are these?
We do our best to pick up larger debris that is washed from your home after we powerwash. The smaller paint chips will be allowed to dry, and then we will clean them up prior to finishing your painting project. If you would prefer otherwise, please let us know.
After the powerwash I noticed a white film on my plants, what is this?
It’s a non-toxic by-product of powerwashing that is impossible to avoid. It will wash away with the rain.
What about Lead Paint?
If you know you have Lead Paint in your home, you must let us know immediately. Lead Paint is not always as obvious as we’d like, and we have no way of knowing by just looking that we are working on lead paint unless you tell us. WE ARE NOT LEAD REMEDIATORS, and will be using aggressive sanding techniques on your home that will produce a lot of dust. To keep you, your family, pets and our painters safe, we must approach a home with lead differently than one without. For this reason, we must know BEFOREHAND if you have lead paint in or on your home.
What can I do about my pets while you are painting my home?
We ask that you contain your pet inside your home or fenced yard where you can supervise them. If we are painting any doors in your home, we will need to keep them open while the paint dries. We ask that you keep your pet contained where you know they will be safe, and cannot escape the safety of your home while these doors remain open to dry. In addition, open windows can be a source of danger for your pets. Please keep them out of rooms where windows are being painted and may be open.
How can I keep my children safer during the painting of our home?
We have to leave doors that have just been painted, open to dry. Please watch that your small children do not escape to the outdoors through the open doors that are drying. In addition, open windows can be a source of danger for your children. Please keep them out of rooms where the windows are being painted and may be open.
Please supervise your children around the worksite. Let your Job Site Supervisor know where equipment and supplies can be kept overnight where the children are unlikely to be attracted to them.
Do you offer carpentry to replace rotted wood on my home?
Yes! Please let us know how we can help you. If you know about rotted wood that you haven’t shown us already, please let us know so we can be sure to give you a quote to replace it.
How will you “prep” my paint job prior to painting?
We will take the following steps prior to painting your home on all projects except “spruce ups” (unless otherwise noted on you contract with us).
All areas will be washed with detergent to remove surface mildew and surface dirt.
We will caulk cracks that have been caulked previously. This is typically around window frames, door frames etc. This includes filling in where caulk is missing or cracked, but does not include removing old caulk and replacing it.
-If you would like us to fill hairline cracks in putty work with caulk and/or remove and replace the old putty, please call us for a quote since this takes a considerable amount of extra time.
We will then scrape all loose paint.
We will sand all rough edges using a combination of heavy duty power sanders and hand sanding. This will not leave the surface completely smooth, but makes the edges less apparent. We will spend more time sanding the 1st floor and highly visible areas, than 2nd and 3rd floor areas. This step will not occur on a “spruce up” (see below for definition).
-If you would like a smoother look to your home or just in high visibility areas, without complete paint removal, please call us for a quote to add this option.
-If you would like complete paint removal to any areas prior to us painting your home, please call us for a quote to add this option.
We will prime all bare wood with an primer in order to seal it and protect it (unless otherwise specified on your individual contract with us).
If we are painting your home with an airless sprayer, we will need to keep plastic over windows for about 2 days.
You quoted me for a “spruce up” – what does that mean?
All preparation standards above will be met, except we will not sand your home at all. Also, any “upgrades” such as filling in hairline cracks with caulk and smoothing rough edges will not be done. This is a preparation level that is great for rentals, homes for sale and other projects where it is a good idea to try to save money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Interior Painting with CertaPro Painters (Click to Open)
On the checklist we sent you in the mail, we have specified a date on which you will receive a call from our Office Manager to let you know when we are going to arrive at your home. If you have a preference, please call or email our office at 781-740-4044.
When do you need my paint colors?
As soon as possible. Please email them to SStober@certapro.com or send them back to us on the Color Confirmation Sheet we mailed to you.
I’m having trouble choosing paint colors, can you help?
YES. Here is what we offer, just call Sabrina at 781-740-4044 or email her at SStober@certapro.com to take advantage of these FREE services:
A free hour with our designer. She will help you choose colors that work with your existing furnishings and style.
Free large paint swatches. We can order any Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore paint color in 8” X 8” swatches. They are delivered within about a week to your mailbox directly from the paint manufacturer. We can also order you a few of the same color, so you can tape them together and hang up a large swatch.
Payment
We accept checks only AFTER we have completed your project. This ensures that you are happy with the result.
How do I pay?
You can pay the Job Site Supervisor on your project. If for some reason you will not be home, please leave a check that we can pick up. If for some reason you missed the painters, please send your check to:
CertaPro Painters, 200 Recreation Park Drive, Suite 4, Hingham, MA 02043
What do I need to do to prepare for the paint crew’s arrival?
Before we arrive the first day, please prepare 2-3 rooms as follows (unless otherwise specified or discussed with us):
remove all pictures & paintings (leave nails if you plan to re-hang pictures in the same spot), remove unwanted nails so the holes can be filled
remove all small and fragile objects (tables, shelves and floors should be empty), clean out all closets/cabinets/shelves etc. that we are painting,
remove all window treatments, remove all items from the fridge door and any hanging pots/pans if we are painting in the kitchen
We are happy to do this work for you if you like at our hourly rate of $40/hr.
Of course, all large furniture will be moved to the center of the room by our crews, and protected while the room is being painted.
What about Lead Paint?
If you know you have Lead Paint in your home, you must let us know immediately. Lead Paint is not always as obvious as we’d like, and we have no way of knowing by just looking that we are working on lead paint unless you tell us. WE ARE NOT LEAD REMEDIATORS, and will be using aggressive sanding techniques on your home that will produce a lot of dust. To keep you, your family, pets and our painters safe, we must approach a home with lead differently than one without. For this reason, we must know BEFOREHAND if you have lead paint in or on your home.
What shall I do with my window treatments and light switch plates?
If we haven’t already discussed this, please let your Job Site Supervisor know if you are planning to re-hang the window treatments, or if you are replacing them. This way, he/she knows whether to leave the brackets or to remove and spackle behind them. Let us also know if you are keeping the switch plates or replacing them – occasionally we paint them if they were previously painted.
You are painting my kitchen. Will I have access to my supplies?
Please be aware that sometimes we may still be set up for painting during mealtimes. We suggest you plan on take-out the days we'll be painting in your kitchen just to make it easier on you. We try our hardest not to be disrupt your schedule, but sometimes painting in the kitchen does disrupt people. If you need access to supplies like baby's bottles, snacks or the coffee maker, we ask that you move these supplies to another area of your home so you can have access to them. You may also want to stash a few utensils and plates in your temporary utility space. Our apologies in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.
Will painting disturb any of our family’s routines?
We will do everything we can to work around your daily routine. If we haven’t already discussed this, please let your Job Site Supervisor know about your children’s nap times and other such routines, and we will do our best to see to it that the crew does not work in or near that room when it is needed.
Will you clean up?
We will do a surface clean-up each day, and a full clean-up upon completion of the project. Be aware that in order to do the aggressive spackling and sanding that we prefer, we will create a fair amount of dust. We will get most of this up before we leave, but you may want to have a cleaning service come in after we are done to do a thorough cleaning of your home.
To whom do I speak with if there is a problem?
We strive to give extraordinary service to our customers. If you ever feel you are not being serviced well, please notify us immediately so we can resolve the issue in real time and move forward. You are welcome to speak with your Job Site Supervisor, or call me at the office at 781-740-4044.
What can I do with my pets while you are painting my home?
We ask that you contain your pet inside your home or fenced yard where you can supervise them. If we are painting any doors in your home, we will need to keep them open while the paint dries. We ask that you keep your pet contained where you know they will be safe, and cannot escape the safety of your home while these doors remain open to dry. In addition, open windows can be a source of danger for your pets. Please keep them out of rooms where windows are being painted and may be open.
Please be sure that your pets do not have access to the rooms that we are painting. It is very easy to bump into a recently painted wall, or kick up dust and disturb several hours of trim painting. Please also let us know if your pet can be let outside. If you have a small pet (such as a bird), it is probably advisable to make arrangements with a neighbor to house the animal while your interior is being painted. Although we have never had any problems, small animals have small lungs and may be bothered or harmed by the paint fumes. We can also educate you on low odor and low VOC paints that can dramatically reduce the paint fumes.
How can I keep my children safer during the painting of our home?
We have to leave doors that have just been painted, open to dry. Please watch that your small children do not escape to the outdoors through the open doors that are drying. In addition, open windows can be a source of danger for your children. Please keep them out of rooms where the windows are being painted and may be open.
Please supervise your children around the worksite. Let your Job Site Supervisor know where equipment and supplies can be kept overnight where the children are unlikely to be attracted to them.
Is there anything that could affect the price you quoted me?
As long as you don’t make any of the following changes, the price we quoted you is what you will pay. If any of the following changes are added to the project, please call us ahead of time so we can re-quote the project (note, all of these factors are within your control. We will not charge you until we consult with you.)
Additional time to prepare room if room is not ready to be painted (i.e. removing fragile objects, emptying cabinets etc.)
Choosing deeper colors than you stated while we were at your home, since we may have to add a coat or two extra to get decent coverage.
Changing contract specifics (i.e. adding additional coats of paint, adding a room, changing trim color)
What are the preparation standards you use before you paint our interior?Level 2: Spruce up
A decent job. Fixing all “major” flaws, not addressing minor flaws. Great for rentals.
Ceilings:
● Address any major ceiling cracks, water damage etc.
Walls:
● Fix all structural cracks with fiberglass tape and Durobond 45.
● Fill all major holes.
● Address any flaws that “jump out” in a cursory inspection.
Trim:
● Sand any obviously rough patches.
● Do not remove old paint off of glass.
Level 3: Standard Residential (this is the level quoted on your estimate)
A good residential job that most painting contractors would agree is a good job. Addressing all “major” flaws, and most “minor” flaws.
Ceilings:
● Address any major or minor ceiling cracks, water damage etc.
● Fix major holes and major flaws that “jump-out”.
Walls:
● Fix structural cracks with fiberglass tape and Durobond 45.
● Fill all major and minor holes that can easily be seen from 3 feet.
● Pole sand most wall surfaces to knock off burrs on the surface.
● Caulk obvious cracks between walls and trim that can be seen from eye level.
Trim:
● Fill any major divets in eye-level trim if they can hold filler.
● Sand all trim with 100 grit sandpaper to knock off burrs and smooth.
● Remove all old paint off of the interior glass.
Level 4: Upgrade Residential (This level may be given as an option in the option section of your estimate, toward the bottom. If it is not, and you would like it quoted, please call me).
A great job. A clear step up from a “standard” residential paint job. Addressing all “minor” flaws that can be seen from 3’ away. Fix many flaws that have been overlooked for several paint jobs. Only 5-10 painting companies on the South Shore could perform.
Ceilings:
● Smooth out any major “waves” in the ceiling.
● Fix minor holes and minor flaws that can easily be seen from 3’ away.
Walls:
● Aggressively attack major and minor stress cracks by “digging them out” and then fixing.
● Fill all major and minor holes that can be seen from a 3’ inspection.
● Blend in areas that were previously spackled but not blended into the surrounding wall.
● Heavily sand all wall surfaces with an electric palm sander to smooth.
● Sand out runs on corners.
● Fix joints between drywall sheets that have not been addressed in previous paint jobs so the joints blend into the wall.
● Caulk any cracks between walls and trim that can be seen from any position (for example: the bottom edges of the window frames that can only be seen by looking up from the floor).
Trim:
● Sand all trim with 50 grit sandpaper first to knock off major pealing paint and burrs.
● Re-sand all trim with 120 grit sandpaper for smoother surface.
● Use flexible sanding blocks to sand large relief of trim without compromising relief.
● Fill all major and some minor divets in the trim that will hold filler.
● Skim coat any door panels that are alligatored to smooth.
Level 5: Architect's Upgrade (This level of project is only priced hourly at $50/hour-we are “done” when you tell us we are done!).
A job that a perfectionist could (should) be satisfied with. A level that only 2-3 companies on the South Shore could perform.
Ceilings:
● Smooth out any major and minor “waves” in the ceiling.
● Fix minor holes and minor flaws that can be seen from 1’ away.
Walls:
● Fill all major and minor holes that can be seen from 1’ away.
● Perform all “cut-in” with hot dog roller rather than a brush so there is no “picture framing” around outlets and trim.
● Fix “bowing” drywall sheets that may not be noticed unless the lighting is a certain way.
Trim:
● Skim coat all window sills for glass finish.
● Fill all major and minor divets in the trim that will hold filler.
● Use dremel electric sander to get in tight relief on trim.
● Attempt to return relief to window sashes that are damaged by applying a 2-part minwax and then molding to the current pattern.
● Attempt to remove paint from all hardware. Suggest brass refinishing (at an additional cost) or replacement of hardware if it’s too far gone.
We are committed to helping our customers choose the perfect colors – an experience that is daunting to many of our Clients. We have a designer on staff that helps our customers, free of charge, choose colors for both the inside and outsides of their homes. Believe me, when we use the right color, the whole project looks like a photograph from a magazine!
And one more thing. We’re not afraid of small projects. Just because we have a website and you see our signs in your neighborhood, please don’t be nervous that your project is “too small.” We are happy to help you with any size project.
If you want your painting project to go smoothly, and you want to be pleasantly surprised by the service a painting company can deliver, please call me at 781-585-7246 or email me at LNeJame@certapro.com.
 | Check our company’s ratings at Angie’s List. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Exterior Painting with CertaPro Painters (Click to Open)Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Exterior Painting with CertaPro Painters
When will you be coming to paint for me?On the checklist you will receive from us in the mail, you will receive an APPROXIMATE start date. We cannot give an exact date since we cannot paint in the rain and sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate with us. Our Office Manager, Sabrina, will be calling you to give you an exact date as we get close to finishing the project before yours. If you have a date by which the painting must be finished, please let us know so we can work to accommodate your preference. By the way, if it is raining lightly, we DO powerwash in the rain to help keep our crews busy.
When do you need my paint colors?
As soon as possible. Please email them to SStober@certapro.com or send them back to us on the Color Confirmation Sheet we mailed to you.
I’m having trouble choosing paint colors, can you help?
YES. Here is what we offer, just call Sabrina at 781-740-4044 or email her at SStober@certapro.com to take advantage of these FREE services:
A free hour with our designer. She will help you choose colors that will give your home lots of curb appeal.
Free large paint swatches. We can order any Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore paint color in 8” X 8” swatches. They are delivered within about a week to your mailbox directly from the paint manufacturer. We can also order you a few of the same color, so you can tape them together and hang up a large swatch.
Payment
We accept checks only AFTER we have completed your project on most jobs. This ensures that you are happy with the result. On larger jobs, we may ask for a progress payment when we are halfway finished.
How do I pay?
You can pay the Job Site Supervisor on your project. If for some reason you will not be home, please leave a check that we can pick up. If for some reason you missed the painters, please send your check to:
CertaPro Painters, 200 Recreation Park Drive, Suite 4, Hingham, MA 02043
What do I need to do to prepare for the powerwash?
First of all, you do not need to be home when we powerwash your home, but please prepare the following things. We’ll need:
Access to an outdoor water source that is turned “on”
Access to a working electrical source
Screens removed from doors and windows
Removal of any loose objects, including patio furniture and grills
A heads up on any known leaks in your home. If you notice sunlight around closed windows or have had your home leak in the past, call our office at 781-740-4044 or email LNeJame@certapro.com immediately.
Landscape growth trimmed, allowing a minimum of 12-18” access around your home.
There were small paint chips in my dirt and grass after my powerwash, what are these?
We do our best to pick up larger debris that is washed from your home after we powerwash. The smaller paint chips will be allowed to dry, and then we will clean them up prior to finishing your painting project. If you would prefer otherwise, please let us know.
After the powerwash I noticed a white film on my plants, what is this?
It’s a non-toxic by-product of powerwashing that is impossible to avoid. It will wash away with the rain.
What about Lead Paint?
If you know you have Lead Paint in your home, you must let us know immediately. Lead Paint is not always as obvious as we’d like, and we have no way of knowing by just looking that we are working on lead paint unless you tell us. WE ARE NOT LEAD REMEDIATORS, and will be using aggressive sanding techniques on your home that will produce a lot of dust. To keep you, your family, pets and our painters safe, we must approach a home with lead differently than one without. For this reason, we must know BEFOREHAND if you have lead paint in or on your home.
What can I do about my pets while you are painting my home?
We ask that you contain your pet inside your home or fenced yard where you can supervise them. If we are painting any doors in your home, we will need to keep them open while the paint dries. We ask that you keep your pet contained where you know they will be safe, and cannot escape the safety of your home while these doors remain open to dry. In addition, open windows can be a source of danger for your pets. Please keep them out of rooms where windows are being painted and may be open.
How can I keep my children safer during the painting of our home?
We have to leave doors that have just been painted, open to dry. Please watch that your small children do not escape to the outdoors through the open doors that are drying. In addition, open windows can be a source of danger for your children. Please keep them out of rooms where the windows are being painted and may be open.
Please supervise your children around the worksite. Let your Job Site Supervisor know where equipment and supplies can be kept overnight where the children are unlikely to be attracted to them.
Do you offer carpentry to replace rotted wood on my home?
Yes! Please let us know how we can help you. If you know about rotted wood that you haven’t shown us already, please let us know so we can be sure to give you a quote to replace it.
How will you “prep” my paint job prior to painting?
We will take the following steps prior to painting your home on all projects except “spruce ups” (unless otherwise noted on you contract with us).
All areas will be washed with detergent to remove surface mildew and surface dirt.
We will caulk cracks that have been caulked previously. This is typically around window frames, door frames etc. This includes filling in where caulk is missing or cracked, but does not include removing old caulk and replacing it.
-If you would like us to fill hairline cracks in putty work with caulk and/or remove and replace the old putty, please call us for a quote since this takes a considerable amount of extra time.
We will then scrape all loose paint.
We will sand all rough edges using a combination of heavy duty power sanders and hand sanding. This will not leave the surface completely smooth, but makes the edges less apparent. We will spend more time sanding the 1st floor and highly visible areas, than 2nd and 3rd floor areas. This step will not occur on a “spruce up” (see below for definition).
-If you would like a smoother look to your home or just in high visibility areas, without complete paint removal, please call us for a quote to add this option.
-If you would like complete paint removal to any areas prior to us painting your home, please call us for a quote to add this option.
We will prime all bare wood with an primer in order to seal it and protect it (unless otherwise specified on your individual contract with us).
If we are painting your home with an airless sprayer, we will need to keep plastic over windows for about 2 days.
You quoted me for a “spruce up” – what does that mean?
All preparation standards above will be met, except we will not sand your home at all. Also, any “upgrades” such as filling in hairline cracks with caulk and smoothing rough edges will not be done. This is a preparation level that is great for rentals, homes for sale and other projects where it is a good idea to try to save money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Interior Painting with CertaPro Painters (Click to Open)Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Interior Painting with CertaPro Painters
When will you be coming to paint for me?On the checklist we sent you in the mail, we have specified a date on which you will receive a call from our Office Manager to let you know when we are going to arrive at your home. If you have a preference, please call or email our office at 781-740-4044.
When do you need my paint colors?
As soon as possible. Please email them to SStober@certapro.com or send them back to us on the Color Confirmation Sheet we mailed to you.
I’m having trouble choosing paint colors, can you help?
YES. Here is what we offer, just call Sabrina at 781-740-4044 or email her at SStober@certapro.com to take advantage of these FREE services:
A free hour with our designer. She will help you choose colors that work with your existing furnishings and style.
Free large paint swatches. We can order any Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore paint color in 8” X 8” swatches. They are delivered within about a week to your mailbox directly from the paint manufacturer. We can also order you a few of the same color, so you can tape them together and hang up a large swatch.
Payment
We accept checks only AFTER we have completed your project. This ensures that you are happy with the result.
How do I pay?
You can pay the Job Site Supervisor on your project. If for some reason you will not be home, please leave a check that we can pick up. If for some reason you missed the painters, please send your check to:
CertaPro Painters, 200 Recreation Park Drive, Suite 4, Hingham, MA 02043
What do I need to do to prepare for the paint crew’s arrival?
Before we arrive the first day, please prepare 2-3 rooms as follows (unless otherwise specified or discussed with us):
remove all pictures & paintings (leave nails if you plan to re-hang pictures in the same spot), remove unwanted nails so the holes can be filled
remove all small and fragile objects (tables, shelves and floors should be empty), clean out all closets/cabinets/shelves etc. that we are painting,
remove all window treatments, remove all items from the fridge door and any hanging pots/pans if we are painting in the kitchen
We are happy to do this work for you if you like at our hourly rate of $40/hr.
Of course, all large furniture will be moved to the center of the room by our crews, and protected while the room is being painted.
What about Lead Paint?
If you know you have Lead Paint in your home, you must let us know immediately. Lead Paint is not always as obvious as we’d like, and we have no way of knowing by just looking that we are working on lead paint unless you tell us. WE ARE NOT LEAD REMEDIATORS, and will be using aggressive sanding techniques on your home that will produce a lot of dust. To keep you, your family, pets and our painters safe, we must approach a home with lead differently than one without. For this reason, we must know BEFOREHAND if you have lead paint in or on your home.
What shall I do with my window treatments and light switch plates?
If we haven’t already discussed this, please let your Job Site Supervisor know if you are planning to re-hang the window treatments, or if you are replacing them. This way, he/she knows whether to leave the brackets or to remove and spackle behind them. Let us also know if you are keeping the switch plates or replacing them – occasionally we paint them if they were previously painted.
You are painting my kitchen. Will I have access to my supplies?
Please be aware that sometimes we may still be set up for painting during mealtimes. We suggest you plan on take-out the days we'll be painting in your kitchen just to make it easier on you. We try our hardest not to be disrupt your schedule, but sometimes painting in the kitchen does disrupt people. If you need access to supplies like baby's bottles, snacks or the coffee maker, we ask that you move these supplies to another area of your home so you can have access to them. You may also want to stash a few utensils and plates in your temporary utility space. Our apologies in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.
Will painting disturb any of our family’s routines?
We will do everything we can to work around your daily routine. If we haven’t already discussed this, please let your Job Site Supervisor know about your children’s nap times and other such routines, and we will do our best to see to it that the crew does not work in or near that room when it is needed.
Will you clean up?
We will do a surface clean-up each day, and a full clean-up upon completion of the project. Be aware that in order to do the aggressive spackling and sanding that we prefer, we will create a fair amount of dust. We will get most of this up before we leave, but you may want to have a cleaning service come in after we are done to do a thorough cleaning of your home.
To whom do I speak with if there is a problem?
We strive to give extraordinary service to our customers. If you ever feel you are not being serviced well, please notify us immediately so we can resolve the issue in real time and move forward. You are welcome to speak with your Job Site Supervisor, or call me at the office at 781-740-4044.
What can I do with my pets while you are painting my home?
We ask that you contain your pet inside your home or fenced yard where you can supervise them. If we are painting any doors in your home, we will need to keep them open while the paint dries. We ask that you keep your pet contained where you know they will be safe, and cannot escape the safety of your home while these doors remain open to dry. In addition, open windows can be a source of danger for your pets. Please keep them out of rooms where windows are being painted and may be open.
Please be sure that your pets do not have access to the rooms that we are painting. It is very easy to bump into a recently painted wall, or kick up dust and disturb several hours of trim painting. Please also let us know if your pet can be let outside. If you have a small pet (such as a bird), it is probably advisable to make arrangements with a neighbor to house the animal while your interior is being painted. Although we have never had any problems, small animals have small lungs and may be bothered or harmed by the paint fumes. We can also educate you on low odor and low VOC paints that can dramatically reduce the paint fumes.
How can I keep my children safer during the painting of our home?
We have to leave doors that have just been painted, open to dry. Please watch that your small children do not escape to the outdoors through the open doors that are drying. In addition, open windows can be a source of danger for your children. Please keep them out of rooms where the windows are being painted and may be open.
Please supervise your children around the worksite. Let your Job Site Supervisor know where equipment and supplies can be kept overnight where the children are unlikely to be attracted to them.
Is there anything that could affect the price you quoted me?
As long as you don’t make any of the following changes, the price we quoted you is what you will pay. If any of the following changes are added to the project, please call us ahead of time so we can re-quote the project (note, all of these factors are within your control. We will not charge you until we consult with you.)
Additional time to prepare room if room is not ready to be painted (i.e. removing fragile objects, emptying cabinets etc.)
Choosing deeper colors than you stated while we were at your home, since we may have to add a coat or two extra to get decent coverage.
Changing contract specifics (i.e. adding additional coats of paint, adding a room, changing trim color)
What are the preparation standards you use before you paint our interior?Level 2: Spruce up
A decent job. Fixing all “major” flaws, not addressing minor flaws. Great for rentals.
Ceilings:
● Address any major ceiling cracks, water damage etc.
Walls:
● Fix all structural cracks with fiberglass tape and Durobond 45.
● Fill all major holes.
● Address any flaws that “jump out” in a cursory inspection.
Trim:
● Sand any obviously rough patches.
● Do not remove old paint off of glass.
Level 3: Standard Residential (this is the level quoted on your estimate)
A good residential job that most painting contractors would agree is a good job. Addressing all “major” flaws, and most “minor” flaws.
Ceilings:
● Address any major or minor ceiling cracks, water damage etc.
● Fix major holes and major flaws that “jump-out”.
Walls:
● Fix structural cracks with fiberglass tape and Durobond 45.
● Fill all major and minor holes that can easily be seen from 3 feet.
● Pole sand most wall surfaces to knock off burrs on the surface.
● Caulk obvious cracks between walls and trim that can be seen from eye level.
Trim:
● Fill any major divets in eye-level trim if they can hold filler.
● Sand all trim with 100 grit sandpaper to knock off burrs and smooth.
● Remove all old paint off of the interior glass.
Level 4: Upgrade Residential (This level may be given as an option in the option section of your estimate, toward the bottom. If it is not, and you would like it quoted, please call me).
A great job. A clear step up from a “standard” residential paint job. Addressing all “minor” flaws that can be seen from 3’ away. Fix many flaws that have been overlooked for several paint jobs. Only 5-10 painting companies on the South Shore could perform.
Ceilings:
● Smooth out any major “waves” in the ceiling.
● Fix minor holes and minor flaws that can easily be seen from 3’ away.
Walls:
● Aggressively attack major and minor stress cracks by “digging them out” and then fixing.
● Fill all major and minor holes that can be seen from a 3’ inspection.
● Blend in areas that were previously spackled but not blended into the surrounding wall.
● Heavily sand all wall surfaces with an electric palm sander to smooth.
● Sand out runs on corners.
● Fix joints between drywall sheets that have not been addressed in previous paint jobs so the joints blend into the wall.
● Caulk any cracks between walls and trim that can be seen from any position (for example: the bottom edges of the window frames that can only be seen by looking up from the floor).
Trim:
● Sand all trim with 50 grit sandpaper first to knock off major pealing paint and burrs.
● Re-sand all trim with 120 grit sandpaper for smoother surface.
● Use flexible sanding blocks to sand large relief of trim without compromising relief.
● Fill all major and some minor divets in the trim that will hold filler.
● Skim coat any door panels that are alligatored to smooth.
Level 5: Architect's Upgrade (This level of project is only priced hourly at $50/hour-we are “done” when you tell us we are done!).
A job that a perfectionist could (should) be satisfied with. A level that only 2-3 companies on the South Shore could perform.
Ceilings:
● Smooth out any major and minor “waves” in the ceiling.
● Fix minor holes and minor flaws that can be seen from 1’ away.
Walls:
● Fill all major and minor holes that can be seen from 1’ away.
● Perform all “cut-in” with hot dog roller rather than a brush so there is no “picture framing” around outlets and trim.
● Fix “bowing” drywall sheets that may not be noticed unless the lighting is a certain way.
Trim:
● Skim coat all window sills for glass finish.
● Fill all major and minor divets in the trim that will hold filler.
● Use dremel electric sander to get in tight relief on trim.
● Attempt to return relief to window sashes that are damaged by applying a 2-part minwax and then molding to the current pattern.
● Attempt to remove paint from all hardware. Suggest brass refinishing (at an additional cost) or replacement of hardware if it’s too far gone.