Questions
Questions, answered
How long will a project take?
The proposal gives day ranges by room or area. A single room takes two to four working days; a whole floor one to three weeks. Weather moves exterior dates.
What does the written proposal state?
The surfaces and areas, the repairs, the number of coats, the products and sheens, the number of colors, the cleanup and the schedule.
What does the proposal not include?
Repairs found only once a surface is opened, and colors added after the sample board is approved. Both are written up before work continues.
Do we have to move out or move the furniture?
No. We move furniture to the middle of the room, cover it and put it back. Lacquer and some cabinet work are sprayed in our shop.
My house was built before 1978. What changes?
Federal rules apply to paid work that disturbs paint in homes and child-occupied buildings built before 1978: the firm has to be certified by the EPA under its Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, and a certified renovator has to lead the job. Paint in a house of that age is treated as lead paint unless a test says otherwise. The work area is sealed, the paint is wet-scraped or vacuumed rather than dry-sanded, and the floors are cleaned and checked before the room is handed back. Our firm number is listed under Credentials.
How many coats, and in which sheen?
The proposal states both for each surface. Color changes, bare plaster and new wood take more coats than a refresh.
Who buys the paint, and which brands?
We do, to your color and sheen schedule. We recommend a product for each surface and the product data sheet is yours to read before we order.
What about weather and drying?
Exterior work runs on dry days from spring to late fall, and the data sheet sets the dry time between coats. We move the schedule rather than paint a wet surface.
How are floors, plants and furniture protected?
Floors are covered with paper and plastic, furniture is covered, fittings come off, and outside, shrubs are covered and drop cloths go under every work area.
Do you use low-odor products, and what about children and pets?
Ask for the product data sheet for the paint specified; it states its odor and its drying time. We keep children and pets out of the work area and open windows while a room dries.
What does the warranty cover?
Terms, limits and exclusions are in your written warranty, which comes with the proposal.
Can you help with color?
We will paint samples on your walls and look at them with you. A designer's schedule is welcome, and we work from it.
Does my neighborhood need to approve a color?
Some Greenwich neighborhoods and historic districts review exterior changes. Check with your town, and we will supply color and sheen details for the application.
How do deposits and payment work?
The proposal states the payment schedule. We take a deposit when the sample board is approved and the rest in stages.
A question we have not answered?
Write or call, and a project lead will reply in office hours.