So, you’ve finally decided to hire a professional to do your painting project. Maybe you tried it yourself, and it turned out badly? Or, perhaps you wisely decided to engage a top-flight residential painting contractor before attempting an ill-fated DIY. Whatever the reason, you’ve made a wise choice. Painting involves a lot more than just slinging paint around with brush or roller.

Measurements

The most important thing when it comes to having your home painted is to know how much paint you need. Running out or having too much left over are both undesirable outcomes. That’s why we apply an exacting attention to detail when we plan your painting job.

We’ll measure everything, including ceilings, crown molding and other trims, doors, window frames, etc. Then, we’ll give you an honest written estimate based upon both the measurements and our experience.

Surfaces

There are many things to consider, too, other than, “How much square footage?” Some surfaces require priming, multiple coats, or both. Your estimate will include costs for removing old paint and wallpaper, if necessary, and the different kinds of paint needed for the interior and exterior of your home.

At Hughes Painting, we’re both interior and exterior painters, so we have the requisite skills to handle any home painting job. We’ll match the right paint to the right surface to ensure that your new paint job looks great and lasts.

Necessary Prep Work

Over time, many surfaces pick up nicks, dings, and outright holes that must be patched or filled before painting can begin. Taking proper care of defects in the surfaces first makes the final painting that much more spectacular. We’ll take care to explain every detail of what must be done beforehand so that you are completely informed.

Some of the things we might have to do include pressure washing for outside work, sanding, caulking, etc. We’ll do yeoman work on all preparatory services. We guarantee it!

Picking the Right Paint

We’re the experts, so you can trust our recommendations on paint type color, wear properties, and color shading. Of course, the final decision rests with you, but we have pledged to do everything to your satisfaction. Fulfilling your painting desires is our No. 1 priority, which means we’ll let you know if something won’t work. We will never do work we cannot guarantee.

What to Watch For When Getting a Painting Estimate

Despite our satisfaction guarantee and three-year warranty, we realize that not every customer will want to hire us. In that case, let us give you a bit of advice.

1. “Ballpark” Estimates: From exterior painting quote to interior estimate, any reputable company will give you an exact quote. If some guy says, “Oh, it’ll be about two grand,” be wary. Not only will true professionals give you a dollars and cents quote, but they’ll also keep you apprised of any unforeseen circumstances that will affect the estimate. Also, much as we consider a handshake a solid bond, we recommend getting everything in writing.

2. No Formal Estimate: A proper estimate will have everything broken down into categories so that you’ll see exactly what you’re paying for what. If the person scribbles something on the back of a napkin and slides it across the table, politely excuse yourself. Even if the person writes it on the back of a business card, that’s not good enough. A true estimate, depending on the job, could span multiple pages and should be meticulous and clear.

3. Unwillingness to Commit to a Firm Date: “Oh, we’ll be out sometime next week,” doesn’t cut it among professionals. Your time is valuable and deserves respect. The best painting contractors will give you an actual date and a time frame window so that you can plan your day accordingly.

What to Ask The Painting Contractor You Hire

Aside from the obvious, “How much?”, there are several questions you should ask of any exterior painters or residential painting contractors in Virginia Beach VA. They include:

What Does a House Painting Estimate Cover?

Make sure that any estimate you get explains everything. Maybe that exterior painting quote you got doesn’t include the prep work and only covered the painting itself. If something seems off, ask. A real pro will give it to you straight.

What Kind of Warranty and Guarantee Do You Offer?

As stated, our satisfaction guarantee is 100 percent, and our warranty is three years. We can’t comment on anyone else’s policies, so be sure to ask if you take that route.

What Kinds of Paint Do You Use?

We use only top-flight materials and pick the type of paint that will best fulfill your painting needs, interior or exterior. We consider the weather in Chesapeake VA when making recommendations so that you achieve the best possible results all year round.

If Permits Are Required, Who Pays?

This is a valid question, and it depends on the situation. When we talk about your estimate, we will talk about any permit costs or other extraneous expenses. You’ll always see everything involved before signing any documents.

What if There Is Bad Weather?

Of course, we cannot paint exteriors in inclement weather, which will necessarily extend any time estimate we gave you. That cannot be helped. If you have hired us to do your interior painting, we can work on that on the bad-weather days. We will always make every effort to use time wisely and not waste yours.

Can You Provide References or Testimonials?

We would be delighted to provide you with such upon request. We’re proud of the work we do. When it comes to providing the people of Virginia Beach VA and Chesapeake VA with superb painting services, we at Hughes Painting are the select choice. More than 40 years on, we deliver the same sensational results, job after job. To find out more about what we have to offer, or to book an initial consultation on a painting job, call us or come by the office today. You’ll be glad you did!