How Often Should You Paint Your Home’s Interior?
How Often Should You Paint Your Charlotte Home’s Interior?
Painting your home’s interior is a big commitment, especially if you decide to do it all at once. Many people wonder how often they should be repainting or touching up walls in each room.
The answer is – it varies, depending on how you use the room, and what the room is used for from day to day. Here’s a rundown on how often you should consider repainting the interior of your Charlotte home:
Bedroom
Sure, you spend a lot of time sleeping in your bedroom, but it typical isn’t a room with high traffic. Your own bedroom will probably not be at the top of your repainting list. Take a look at your bedroom walls every 5 years or so to evaluate the condition of your paint jobs. If your walls are faded, chipped, or stained, it might be time to hire a paint professional.
Child’s Room
While an adult’s bedroom doesn’t get a lot of traffic, a child’s bedroom is a different story altogether. Kids usually spend their time playing with toys in their rooms, so the walls go through frequent wear and tear. That’s why you should make sure your first paint job is as durable as possible. After a few years of washing crayon marks and snack reminisce off your child’s wall, it’s probably time to call in for a repainting job.
Dining Room
The dining room could really go either way, depending on your lifestyle and what you use it for. If you have a huge family that is always running around or young children who are touching the walls, you could need to repaint every 5 years or so. If you don’t use your dining room all that often, you could hold off, and focus on other rooms in your home.
Kitchen
The kitchen is often the most used room in a house, and cooking can be hard on your walls. Food stains and family meals can really add up after a while. Check your kitchen every couple of years to assess whether you need to repaint.
Bathroom
Bathrooms also get a lot of use, and steam from the shower can cause fading, stains, and even mold. It’s a good idea to get your bathrooms checked out, probably before any other room. Some homeowners like to change up the look and feel of their bathrooms when they get a new paint job. So there are ways to make it a fun project instead of a chore!
Ready to Start Your Charlotte Home Painting Project?
If you’ve gone through your house and noticed some wear and tear on your walls, or if you just think it’s time for a refresh, we’re here to help! The team at Advance Painting has experience repainting every type of room. We can give you tips and advice, and get the job done in a timely manner. Give us a call today at (704) 266-3365.
Charlotte Painting Trends of 2019
Color is the backbone of any home design, so you want to be sure to choose a palette you will love for years to come. The first step to any interior paint job is to do your research, and choose a color or design scheme that speaks to your personal style. Here are a few of the latest paint trends to give you inspiration for your next project.
1. Grays
Some interior designers have predicted that grays will go out of style, but so far in 2019, gray is still the new white. Gray palettes give you a subtle color option, that isn’t boring but will still go with most patterns and designs. This palette creates a serene energy in the home, and is perfect for bathrooms, offices, and extra bedrooms.
2. Neutral Palettes
No matter what kind of fun colors and patterns 2019 brings, neutral palettes will always be in. You don’t want to make unconventional choices when it comes to your living room or kitchen. But that doesn’t mean you have to stick to a traditional white. Ask your painting company how you can spice up your neutral choices without going overboard.
3. Painted Brick
Industrial style has become huge in recent years, and is still going strong in 2019. One popular trend is painting a brick wall in your home. This elevates the look and feel of any room, and pairs nicely with wooden themes and minimal decor.
4. Playful Colors
Giving your office or second bedroom a pop of color helps bring some character into the home. Whether it’s one wall, or the entire room, colorful palettes are the perfect choice for 2019 and beyond.
5. Accent Walls
If you don’t feel like going rouge and adding colors or patterns to your entire home, a fun accent wall may be the perfect touch. Accent walls can really finish off a room that is otherwise plain or uninviting. Talk with your painting contractor about your best accent wall options – they will be about to tell you what works and what doesn’t.
Ready to Start Your Charlotte Painting Project?
If you live in Charlotte, NC and need to paint the interior or exterior of your home, call the professionals at Advance Painting so we can do it right. We are a fully licensed, bonded and insured company.
If you’re ready to join the Advance Painting family with a beautiful new paint job for your home, contact us today.
5 Tips to Save Money When Painting Your Home
If painting your home is at the top of your to-do list this year, you’ve probably already calculated costs and started saving. But before you cut a check, consider these money-saving tips.
1. Get competing bids
Before hiring a painter, get more than one estimate. Labor is the most expensive part of painting costs, so ask how many hours your specific project will take. If you get an estimate that seems steep, ask your painter which parts of the job you can save for a later date.
2. Use a contract
Make sure you get your cost agreement in writing before your painters start a project. The last thing you need is a price surge after the job is complete. Talk openly to your painting company to make sure you’re on the same page. This will prevent any surprise add-ons.
3. Do all or some of the work yourself
You don’t want to do an entire paint job yourself if you’re not a professional, but there might be some minor touch-ups or prep work you can do to cut costs. This may include things like moving furniture, cleaning the perimeter of your home, removing or reinstalling outlet covers, and other miscellaneous small tasks.
4. Don’t wait too long to repaint
Don’t wait until you see peeling and flaking to hire a painter. The longer you wait to re-paint your home, the more costly the job will be. If you hire someone for routine maintenance, you’ll be way better off in the long-run.
5. Consider your color scheme
By re-coating your existing colors instead of changing colors, you may get away with one coat of paint rather than two. Also, avoid very deep colors, or use them on trim or accents. Bright reds and yellows may require multiple coats. So if you must use them, ask about premium paints.
Darker colors look great on exteriors, but they fade more quickly than lighter colors, so you’ll have to repaint more often. If you think about you paint color strategically, chances are you’ll end up spending less.
The key to saving money on painting your home really comes down to talking openly with your painter. A professional company will guide you through your options, and work with you to meet your budget requirements. There are always ways to customize projects to deliver quality results without breaking the bank.
Ready to Start Your Painting Project?
If you live in Charlotte, NC and need to paint the interior or exterior of your home, call the professionals at Advance Painting so we can do it right. We are a fully licensed, bonded and insured company.
If you’re ready to join the Advance Painting family with a beautiful new paint job for your home, contact us today.
Painting Your Home: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
When it comes to painting your home, it may be tempting to pull up a YouTube video rather than invest in a professional service. While some people have the background to take on a painting job, hiring an experienced painter could be a better choice for many reasons.
Here’s what to consider before embarking on a DIY painting project of your own.
Pros of DIY Painting
Cost
A big reason people consider painting their own home is to save money. It’s true that DIY jobs will cut your bill down by quite a bit. However, you will still need to buy all your own painting supplies, brushes, and painting accessories for the job. Plus, if something goes wrong, you’re on your own. The cost of fixing painting mistakes can add up quickly, so that is something to keep in mind.
Control
When you do your own paint job, you have total control of the project. You can experiment with different colors and styles. And you may think you executing your vision will be easier than trying to tell a painter exactly what it is you want done. However, you are taking a big risk if you don’t have much painting experience. A trained professional should be able to deliver quality work at a reasonable price, so that you feel comfortable relinquishing control.
If cost is a huge issue, and your painting project is relatively small, it could be worth the risk. Otherwise, a professional painter is usually your best option. Here’s why.
Pros of Hiring a Professional Painter
Precision
While you might save money and have more control over a DIY painting project, it will likely look like a DIY project. That’s not to say it won’t look good, but it won’t look like a professional did it. That’s because professional painters know what mistakes to avoid, what areas need more or less paint, and how to pull the look together. Their experience helps them avoid mistakes that anyone else could easily make. The precision that comes with hiring a professional will become apparent in the small details of the finished paint job.
Time
Your time is valuable, and painting can be extremely tedious work. Professionals know what they are doing, and can get a paint job done in half the time. Because you have other obligations in your life, you can’t dedicate every moment to your painting project. A painting company, on the other hand, will be able to focus on the task and hand until the job gets done. You never know what kind of speed bumps you’ll run into, so if you’re on a time crunch, it’s best to avoid DIY.
Guarantees
If you do your own paint job and it comes out poorly, you may end up having a professional redo it anyway, costing you money and time. A professional painting company will often guarantee satisfaction, so you can be sure you are 100% happy with the results. For this reason, it’s best to hire a company that offers warranties or guarantees for all the work they complete.
Better Tools
If you’re going to start a DIY paint job, you’re likely trying to cut down on costs. That means you’ll probably invest in tools that are inexpensive. It makes sense–high-quality supplies and equipment would be very costly, and would defeat the purpose of doing the job on your own. However, the brushes and paint you use will make a noticeable difference when the job is complete. Professionals have the best materials, which are already included in the cost of the project.
Safety
Professional painters are trained for safety, so they know what kind of hazards to avoid on a job. If you decide to take on a painting project of your own, there is a chance you could get injured. If you do decide to start a DIY project, make sure you take precautions and brush up on safety tips to avoid getting hurt.
Hire a Painting Pro in Charlotte, NC
If you live in Charlotte, NC and need to paint the interior or exterior of your home, call the professionals at Advance Painting so we can do it right. We are a fully licensed, bonded and insured company.
If you’re ready to join the Advance Painting family with a beautiful new paint job for your home, contact us today.
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10 Questions to Ask a Painting Contractor before Hiring One
10 Questions to Ask a Painting Contractor before Hiring One
So you need your home painted, but don’t know where to start. There are so many painting contractors who claim to be the best in the business, but how do you know which one is right for you? Painters vary in quality of service, price, and experience. The key is finding a company that can meet your budget and exceed your expectations.
Here are the top 10 questions you should ask a painting professional before hiring them for the job.
1. Are you insured?
Every contractor should be able to confirm they are insured before starting. Contractors without insurance may try to convince you otherwise, but don’t be fooled. If they simply tell you they have insurance without giving you proof, be suspicious. If they show a policy that is expired, they are not properly insured and should not be painting your home. If they try to pass off a different type of policy as proper insurance, they are also not qualified to paint your home.
2. What kind of paint do you use?
The quality of paint is important, and will determine how long it lasts and how good it looks. There are different types of coatings for every project and area in your home. A quality painting contractor should be able to explain to you which types of paint they will be using. The painting materials they use should also be high quality, so don’t forget to ask about caulk and other products.
3. What kind of training do your employees receive?
Ask what kind of training the team has gone through prior to hiring a painting service. Proper training eliminates costly mistakes, allows your project to be completed in a timely fashion, and helps ensure quality results. Make sure your contractor has only the best employees with the best training and experience for the job.
4. Do you have any safety protocol or training?
Safety is a big concern when it comes to painting projects. A legitimate company will provide safety tips or training for its employees. Accidents on the job can cause lengthy delays, and unsafe work practices can lead to severe damage. Plus, you probably don’t want to work with a company that is putting their employees at risk of injuries. Ask about safety culture at the company before considering them for the job.
5. Is your company a member of the BBB?
Ask the painting contractor if they are members of the Better Business Bureau or another trade association. This demonstrates the company is confident in the services they provide. It also proves they are a stable business, committed to delivering the best work. Professional painters are usually well-established in their industry.
6. Do you have a list of references I can contact?
No matter how sure you are that a company is capable of painting your home, you need to ask for a list of references before hiring them. A professional painting company will always be able to provide you with a list of names you can call to verify they are good at what they do. When you call the references, ask them how pleased they are with their painting services, and how the team acted while on the job.
7. Do you offer any type of warranty or guarantee?
When you hire a painting contractor, ask them what kind of guarantees or warranties they offer. When they give you an answer, make sure it is reasonable. Some businesses will try to win you over by offering an unrealistic warranty. The most common warranties last about 1-3 years, and most will have exclusions. Ask about the fine print before choosing to work with a contractor. Be sure to get the warranty or guarantee in writing.
8. Can I have a free estimate before you start the project?
Before your painting contractor begins work, make sure they offer you a realistic estimate for your project. You want to be sure their services are within your budget, so you aren’t hit with any surprises with the job is finished. The best painting companies will always offer a free estimate.
9. What does your cleaning process entail?
Once you’ve established that a painting contractor is perfect for the job, you also want to be sure they are respectable to work with. Ask if the team takes care of cleaning up after they are finished working on your home. This should be a no-brainer, but it never hurts to ask. You’d be surprised what some people try to get away with.
10. Can Your Painting Company Answer All these Questions?
Remember that you usually get what you pay for when it comes to painting, just like most things in life. If your painting contractor can’t answer one of these ten questions, you may want to look elsewhere. But if they can, you’ve probably found a great painting contractor. It’s time to get to painting!
[/column]The Advance Painting Difference
There are tons of different painting companies in Charlotte, NC–so how do you know which one to choose for your next project? We can’t speak about any other services, but we can tell you how we operate. When you choose Advance Painting, you get:
Quality Results
The Advance Painting difference lies in the fact that we believe in quality above all else. Our job is not finished until the project is perfect. All you have to do is take a look at a few of our painting projects to see how much time and effort into each and every detail.
Guarantees
We cover all painting from blistering, cracking, peeling and chipping for a period of five years from the date of application. That means you can be sure that your paint job will look as good as the day we painted. For five years, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you have a stable, reliable company that will stand behind that guarantee.
Affordable Prices
Not only do we deliver quality, but we also strive to give you the best price for your paint project. We are honest in our estimates, and make sure we are asking a reasonable rate every time. For a free quote, give us a call today.
Get in Touch
Schedule a consultation with our talented team of painters at Advance Painting in Charlotte, NC!
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How to Choose Paint Colors for your Home’s Interior
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There are so many different paint colors you can choose for your home, which can be overwhelming at first. A professional painter can walk you through the process, and help you figure out what will best align with your vision. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Start an Inspiration Board
Pinterest is your best friend when it comes to planning your next paint project. Try creating your own board, and fill it with home ideas you love. Houzz is another great resource for getting inspiration. If you want to go the old-fashioned route, cut some photos from magazines and catalogs, and put them into a big folder to show your painter.
2. Consider Neutrals Palettes
It’s easy to get carried away with colorful palettes, but sometimes all you need is one base color. Try choosing a neutral you love, then using an accent color for a pop of personality. Neutrals seamlessly fit into any style room, and they’re easy to match with existing decor. If you need help with your color schemes, we are always happy to offer suggestions and advice.
3. Create Cohesion
As you pick color palettes for each room, remember that even though they are different spaces, you’ll want to create some cohesion. Lay out the colors for each room, and then put the palettes together to see how the mesh. You can look at different color palettes online to see which shades complement each other, and which ones don’t necessary go well together.
4. Ask the Pros
You aren’t just hiring your painter to do the job and leave. A professional should be able to address any concerns you have, including color decisions. Don’t hesitate to ask for some advice. After all, they’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t. Don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions if you’re stuck deciding on color schemes.
5. Do a Shade Test
Ask your painter to try a couple different shades on your walls themselves. Seeing the paint close up is sometimes all it takes to make your final decision. We can test out as many shades or colors as you need to help you achieve your vision.
Get in Touch
Are you looking to paint your Charlotte, NC home? Advance Painting can help you choose your perfect color palette, and get the job done in a timely manner. We put quality first, and the rest falls into place. Get your free estimate today, or give us a call to get started.
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