Tips and Tricks for Homeowners
* When masking delicate surfaces, the more expensive
Blue Masking Tape is definitely worth the extra investment
when it comes to taking the tape back off.
* Before masking any surface, it must be cleaned with the appropriate
agent. Lacquer Thinner, Denatured Alcohol or hot soapy water are the
most common. Always test the cleaning agent in an inconspicuous
area to insure safe surface compatibility.
* When masking your woodwork in the house leave a 1/32 inch strip of
wood exposed along the wall. Fill this gap with a thin bead of Painters
Caulking and wipe off the excess. Let it set up for about 1/2 hour and
proceed with your painting project. This process will prevent paint from
running under the tape, fill the ugly gap, between the wall and the
trim and leave you with professional razor sharp masking lines.
* Never use Silicone anywhere where you might paint or stain. Always
use a paintable Caulking Product.
Blue Masking Tape is definitely worth the extra investment
when it comes to taking the tape back off.
* Before masking any surface, it must be cleaned with the appropriate
agent. Lacquer Thinner, Denatured Alcohol or hot soapy water are the
most common. Always test the cleaning agent in an inconspicuous
area to insure safe surface compatibility.
* When masking your woodwork in the house leave a 1/32 inch strip of
wood exposed along the wall. Fill this gap with a thin bead of Painters
Caulking and wipe off the excess. Let it set up for about 1/2 hour and
proceed with your painting project. This process will prevent paint from
running under the tape, fill the ugly gap, between the wall and the
trim and leave you with professional razor sharp masking lines.
* Never use Silicone anywhere where you might paint or stain. Always
use a paintable Caulking Product.
Questions to ask when getting your estimate
. * Do they do any necessary repair work prior to painting or staining?
Having to hire multiple contractors can lead to scheduling issues, will require you to take more time out of your day and will overall extend the duration of the project.
* Do they use sub contractors or their own trained employees?
Subcontractors can lead to many issues from simple delays and miscommunications to having liens put on your home when your contractor fails to pay the subcontractor. At Timberline, all our workers are our employees.
* Do they carry adequate liability and workmen's compensation insurance coverage?
This is imperative in today's day and age. Accidents can happen, and that is what we carry insurance for. The last thing you want is to come home and find a broken window and and abandoned job site with a painter that you can no longer get a hold of.
* Do they have respectable local references?
In todays economy with many people having lost their previous employment, a lot of new remodel outfits have sprung up. Be aware, just because someone has painted their own bedroom once, does not make them a professional painter. Do you research before you hire anyone.
* Is the invoice going to be the same as the quoted price?
Make sure you get a written estimate and be assured that the quoted price will be the price that you will be asked to pay at the end. Unless additional work is requested during the project, estimating paint jobs is not too difficult to get right. Also, it is highly uncommon to be charged for an estimate, so if you are being asked to pay for your quote, be aware.
Having to hire multiple contractors can lead to scheduling issues, will require you to take more time out of your day and will overall extend the duration of the project.
* Do they use sub contractors or their own trained employees?
Subcontractors can lead to many issues from simple delays and miscommunications to having liens put on your home when your contractor fails to pay the subcontractor. At Timberline, all our workers are our employees.
* Do they carry adequate liability and workmen's compensation insurance coverage?
This is imperative in today's day and age. Accidents can happen, and that is what we carry insurance for. The last thing you want is to come home and find a broken window and and abandoned job site with a painter that you can no longer get a hold of.
* Do they have respectable local references?
In todays economy with many people having lost their previous employment, a lot of new remodel outfits have sprung up. Be aware, just because someone has painted their own bedroom once, does not make them a professional painter. Do you research before you hire anyone.
* Is the invoice going to be the same as the quoted price?
Make sure you get a written estimate and be assured that the quoted price will be the price that you will be asked to pay at the end. Unless additional work is requested during the project, estimating paint jobs is not too difficult to get right. Also, it is highly uncommon to be charged for an estimate, so if you are being asked to pay for your quote, be aware.
