House Painting | University Painters

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

30 November 2018

Why You Should Hire a Professional Painting Service

Now that you have looked at the outside of your home with a critical eye, you realize it needs to be refreshed, updated, and repainted. The next question is whether or not you will hire someone to do the work for you or if you will take on the momentous task all by yourself. Here are three good reasons to outsource the job.

Your home is usually your largest investment and maintenance is paramount to protecting it. Unless you have experience in the area of painting a large project like your home, it is advisable to consider the alternative. A professional painting company is adept at addressing little imperfections you may not realize need special attention. These flaws can come back to haunt you and cost more in the end.
The purpose of any home improvement project is to maintain or add value to your residence. Residential and commercial painting companies are licensed and insured. This is advantageous in the event of an accident or other unforeseen mishap. Insured businesses offer the guarantee of being able to right any problems.
Residential and commercial paint companies often come with years of knowledge in all aspects of the painting process. There are plenty of online resources that the amateur DIY homeowner can refer to in order to approach home projects on their own. But there are certain projects that are better left to the professional. Talk to a professional painting company before you decide to take on the house painting yourself!

The net result is that outsourcing the job to a professional can save you a considerable amount of time and stress. Ultimately it is difficult to put a price on this. It’s one thing to think about taking on the painting of your home or business exterior or interior but the actual undertaking can be highly stressful. First there’s the amount of time that you must set aside, in addition to your daily activities to complete the project. Then there’s the matter of ensuring that you are able to do the job properly. It is more challenging in reality than it seems in theory.

So if you are contemplating refreshing your home or business, we suggest you rely on the expert services of a professional painting company. The painting specialists at University Painters, Inc. are just a phone call away and would welcome the opportunity to work with you!

Maintenance, Paint Colors

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

18 November 2018

Residential Vs Commercial Painting

Residential painting’ is the professional term for ‘house painting’. The professional term is used by professional painters and you should never underestimate the expertise of painters and companies that claim they are qualified for this occupation. While ‘house painting’ may seem like a ‘no-brainer’, there is a lot involved in ensuring that a homeowner receives a quality outcome.

Residential painters usually provide a variety of services. When you contact a company, they will arrange to visit the home and create a detailed quote for the expected job. Many paint companies will do this without requiring a deposit or some form of fee for their time. However, even if the company does require payment for the quote, you must remember that ‘time is money’ and the paint company understands that you will likely be shopping around for the most cost-effective residential painter to fill your needs.

Keep in mind that residential painting does not simply imply home exteriors. There is a whole list of painting services they can provide. These include interior painting of walls, ceilings and trim. Caulking and sealing and drywall repair are also options. Additionally decks and fences, staining and stucco fall under the category of residential painting.

On the other hand, commercial painting addresses much larger jobs. Everything from restaurants to offices and schools to hospitals fall under this category. Think of any business you drive by, from retail establishments to churches then realize that most of these buildings have been painted at some point! Commercial painters have a broader range of expertise. That is because they work with commercial building contractors, or in the case of apartment buildings or condos, they will interact with HOAs. It may surprise you to learn that commercial painters are able to take blueprints of buildings not yet constructed and provide a quote for the potential structure!

If you are in the market for a commercial painter, please note they provide the following services including interior and exterior painting of hotels, restaurants, apartment complexes, and other buildings. You can also rely on them to provide power washing and decorative or logo painting. Many do repairs such as window replacement and masonry refurbishing.

If you need residential or commercial painting services, please contact the professionals at University Painters, Inc. Your home and business…are our business!

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

9 October 2018

A Consumer’s Guide to Trendy Paints

America is a country of choice. We like choice in everything we do – from our breakfast drinks to our appliances, our jobs and to our modes of transportation. In fact, we insist on it. Choice drives the economy! One can sometimes wonder if perhaps we don’t have too many choices on occasion. Take, for instance, paint. Those paint companies seem to never run out of subtle differences in shades that make it possible to offer a hundred variances on the simple color ‘white’ if we are so inclined to opt for them. But then try comparing them side by side. It can be overwhelming.

Indeed, the savvy consumer can quickly become bogged down with the intricacies of something as simple as picking out a paint color. There are dozens of brand names that all compete for the title of highest quality and most exclusive. Some paint companies prefer to market to the public as having the ‘greatest value’, ‘wear-ability’ or ‘durability’. So, you can see, that choosing paint is not nearly as simple as it might have been even twenty years ago. Is there anything out there that can help make the decision process easier?

Actually, there is. Consumer Reports, a magazine long respected for its thorough examination of many market niches, takes the time on occasion to test a wide variety of paints for multiple factors including, but not limited to, the very ones we spoke of in this blog. While we would not tout one paint over another for any reason in our blog – even if it has the Consumer Reports seal of approval – we would point you in their direction and advise you to take the time to read their research before making any final decisions. An educated consumer makes better choices.

However, we will second one of their most astute observations. As noted in a Consumer Reports study regarding paint options, it is a good idea to stay away from the cheapest brands. They will likely not provide the ‘wear-ability’, ‘durability’, or thorough covering you can expect from the more popular, and usually more expensive, brands.

It’s usually true what they say – you get what you pay for.

Need more hints about painting? Contact the experts at Universal Painters, Inc. Our goal is to provide the best service for your home.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

18 September 2018

Paint that Sells the Home

Have you ever gone house hunting and were totally put off by an exterior or interior color that was off-putting, if not downright ugly? You’ve seen those houses painted bubble gum pink or candy cane red on the outside. It’s probably going to be the same house that has interior walls the color of a forest with neon baseboards for added interest.

Believe me when I tell you that the color of your home both inside and out can either draw prospective customers to your home if you are getting ready to sell or repel them. All indications are that if you are getting ready to sell your house, it has a better chance of moving on the market if you keep these things in mind.

Choose a color that blends well with your natural surroundings and the larger neighborhood. For example, if you live in Arizona, the overwhelming majority of homes are a shade of taupe on the outside with subtle trim and an arid, clean color on the inside. Conversely, homes in New England look better and are more likely to sell if they are a shade of white or gray with neutral trims. These colors give off a stately vibe that the potential buyer feels without having to say anything.

Blue is another popular choice for a home’s exterior, but this should be done with the same caution as choosing any other color palette. Again, a blue house would be out of place in many areas of the country. But, it would be just as much at home near a beach, especially with white trim and particularly if the color of blue is muted.

Occasionally, accent walls on the exterior of the home can provide a bold statement. It can make your house stand out while still blending into the overall neighborhood. For example, you might try a charcoal colored or indigo blue accent wall against a cream-colored house.

It’s a good idea to put some thought into the color you choose to paint your house long before you begin the process. Remember, color can draw buyers to you or send them fleeing in the other direction, even if the location is good and the price is right.

If you need some expert advice on painting your house, we here at University Painters pride ourselves on our long-standing professional service. Before you buy that first gallon of paint, give us a call. We would be delighted to work with you!

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

16 September 2018

Mixing Brick and Exterior Color

A brick home offers a unique presentation. To the passerby, it can look stately. To the homeowner, it can feel like a combination of old-world charm and comfort. There was a time when the choice of brick exteriors extended only to what shade of red or chartreuse you liked. Today however, a brick home still offers the owner a variety of options to make their house look unique and stand out from the rest. This can involve either changing the color of the brick itself or the trim in complementing or contrasting pigments.

The easiest way to make a change is to paint the brick itself. This opens up a variety of choices for the homeowner. Some may prefer a muted or neutral color of paint while others may make more bold choices such as painting the brick white. The exterior of a brick home painted in white offers an entirely new and updated look. It can feel modern and chic. At the same time it opens up further options. The home’s trim can be a color that contrasts, thereby accenting and highlighting the white brick or it can remain a neutral, muted tone, such as a gray or brownish tint on the framing and door.

If you do choose to paint the brick white, take the time to look at the breadth of shades in that color. There are many toned-down whites that are not as stark, such as creams and even light beige. Some homeowners have even used a whitewash or translucent color that offers a more aged look. There are those who swear this route offers easier upkeep and a more classic appearance.

Whatever color you choose, take the extra step of painting a small portion of the house in that color prior to ‘taking the plunge’. This will help to ensure you can live with your decision before you come home to a totally new look you did not expect. Still another color that is a common choice for painting brick homes is a shade of gray. This can be equally as stunning, particularly when paired with white or charcoal trim.

Other colors that harmonize are yellow and cream, and green or black and gray. It’s up to you. And remember, if you want to keep your brick home its original color, painting the trim in a beautiful accent color can make it stand out just as much.

Whatever you choose, first choose University Painters. We are experienced in painting all types of exterior and interior surfaces and will treat your home like it’s our own!

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

11 September 2018

Hiring The Right Commercial Painting Contractor

House Painting Window Keeping your home in good repair, protects your largest investment. It’s crucial to find the best contractors to get the most for your money. Many people have learned from sad experiences that not all contractors are the same. Do your homework and save yourself, time, money, and headaches.

Ask For Recommendations

Check with family and friends to find out what painting contractors they’ve used and who has done a good job. Look for recommendations on services such as Angie’s List or Home Advisor.

Whether or not the company has a Better Business Bureau logo on their site, checking the BBB site may yield additional information. If they have ever been listed, you can see if any complaints have been reported. If they do have the BBB logo on their site, you can verify their status.

Estimates

It’s crucial to get at least three quotes from different contractors. This will give you an idea of the average market prices so you can be sure you’re getting the best offer. Be sure you ask each contractor for the same information: a breakdown of supplies, labor, and any other expenses. Compare each item to check the cost of materials and how much the contractor charges for labor. If there’s a significant difference in any of the quotes, ask why.

Licensing

Even if a contractor advertises they’re fully-licensed, you should confirm they are licensed according to state licensing and that means both the company and the individual who will do your work. Your state has a Contractor State Licensing board where you can find the information. Don’t skip this step. You should also find out if the company is bonded or insured in case they break something or cause any damage.

Scheduling and Budget

One area that commonly causes contention between contractors and clients is differing expectations about when the work will be completed. Be sure to indicate any times when workers cannot be in your home.

When you review the budget, be sure the contractor know you want to be notified before any work is done that will increase the amount of money you initially agreed to.

University Painters are trustworthy, qualified professionals committed to providing quality work. Contact us today for a free estimate.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

10 August 2018

Choosing an Appropriate Color for the Exterior of Your Home

Home Painter , Painting ,Carpentry, Have you ever driven up and down the streets of your city or town and noticed the occasional ‘sore-thumb’ sticking out? By that I mean a home painted bright pink, lavender, yellow or green in the midst of a perfect blend of homes that are stately without being too loud? There always seem to be mavericks out there that use the exterior of their homes to make a statement for them. If this is not your intent then perhaps you will appreciate the following advice on how best to choose an appropriate color for the exterior of your home.

Decide well in advance of the best painting season that this is the year you intend to have your home painted. (Many people will insist they can undertake the project themselves, and often do, but it should be acknowledged that house painting is a sophisticated and tedious project that requires time, patience and skill.)

Do your research. Investigate information on the pros and cons of various paints, when and under what conditions it is best to apply, and any other details that will be necessary to see this job through.

Look at your home’s exterior. Is it a combination of materials such as stone or brick and siding? Do the colors all blend together seamlessly and without contrast? Would you prefer greater contrast? Look at homes similar to your own that project contrast and a blended, more muted presentation.

Still another option is to go ‘monochromatic’ with contrasting trim. Some of the most common colors fall in the white or cream palette but can also be as bold as blue or charcoal with a creamy trim all around.

Many choose to go with a shade of all-white exterior. This gives a clean and eye-catching look. This can be especially attractive with contrasting shutters or trim in nearly any color.

While mulling over your decision for a choice of an exterior presentation, consider how a change in landscaping might also enhance the final outcome.

Who knew that so much thought and reflection went into choosing a color for your home’s exterior? Frankly, the professionals at University Painters, Inc. have been addressing these types of questions for years for our customers. We are experts in the field of home painting and would be happy to share our expertise with you! Please feel free to contact us with questions or an estimate.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

28 February 2018

Why Hire A Professional For A Painting Job

Some people think that painting a house does not necessitate hiring a professional. While it is possible to paint your house on your own, entrusting this job to a professional has many benefits that can save you time and money.

Quality Work

House painting service providers like University Painters can provide you with experienced painters who are trained in their job and have many years of experience working in the industry. This translates to a painting project that will be of the highest quality. You are ensured that each stroke from their brush can boost the beauty and appeal of your house.

Painting Job Gets Done On Time

Experienced painters are very fast and are able to finish their jobs on time. This means that you do not have to wait long before your house looks fresh again with its new coat of paint. This is particularly beneficial if you need to have your house painted quickly.

No Stress

Hiring professional painters can save you from stress, as they are trained to handle all situations that inexperienced do-it-yourselfers may not expect to happen. You won’t have to worry about the small details if you hire a painting service contractor.

Reduced Maintenance

Painting jobs that are done by a quality house painting contractor tend to last a long time, which means that your maintenance costs are reduced. This can help save money and time.

Warranties

Most professional painting service providers give you a warranty when they paint your house. The warranty lasts for several years, during which time the contractor will paint your house again if the paint wears poorly or there are any related problems that the painter is responsible for.

Free Estimate

Before hiring a painting contractor, the service provider must give you a free estimate that will itemize the costs that you may expect to incur. In some instances, contractors can help you cut corners but still allow you to get the results that you want.

Fair Price

Quality painting done by a professional often comes at a fair price so you do not have to worry about compromising your budget.

University Painters has been providing painting services to homes and commercial buildings for over three decades. Contact us now to get a free estimate of a painting job

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

22 February 2018

Signs That Tell You It Is Time To Repaint Your Home

Painting your house goes beyond aesthetics. A good painting job can protect your home from outdoor elements, as well as preserve its value, but how do you know that your house needs a new coat of paint? Here are four signs that can tell you it is time to repaint your home:

Fading Color

A fading paint color, because of prolonged exposure to elements such as water and sunlight, indicates your house needs repainting. The loss of paint color does not only affect the paint pigments but also the molecular structure of the coatings. This means that when exterior surfaces start to look dull and washed out, the paint film is already deteriorating.

Colors fade progressively, so it may be difficult to identify how much fading has occurred. One way of determining the degree of fading is to compare the existing paint film against the original sample or leftover paint. Houses that use bold and darker shades tend to fade more quickly than those painted with light colors.

Chalky Residues

Color fading is sometimes caused by chalky residue. Excessive chalking can erode the paint film until it can no longer provide an effective barrier against harmful elements. If you find any chalky residue on the surface of your wall, consider it a sign that it is time to call a painting contractor to repaint your home.

Cracking And Peeling Paint

Areas where the paint has cracked or peeled off will continue to deteriorate if the problem is not addressed immediately. This results in the surface being exposed to potentially damaging water, moisture and heat.

Paint film that is flaking off can likewise no longer protect the structural elements of your home, resulting in the bare wood being exposed to wood-destroying fungi that can jeopardize the structure of your home.

Mold and Water Stains

Mold, mildew and water stains are not just unsightly. They are also symptoms of bigger issues and pose potential health hazards. You need to use the right chemicals to get rid of the mildew and mold. Painting over areas with mold spores will only make the problem worse. A professional painter will know how to address this issue. Make sure to contact an expert if your walls have unsightly molds.

University Painters can help you with home repainting. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

19 February 2018

Preparing Your Home For An Exterior Paint Job

Nearly half of the painting process for painting the exterior of your home is preparation, so make sure to follow these steps to guarantee that the exterior paint will look great and last.

Wash Your Home’s Exterior

Wash your house’s exterior from top to bottom prior to having it painted. A thoroughly washed surface can maximize the adhesion of the new paint to the exterior surfaces. Consider renting a power pressure washer, which can save you hours of time and effort you would otherwise spend with hand washing. You can wash your exterior with regular tap water; use clean additives only when there is mold and heavy stains. Allow your home to dry for at least one day prior to having it painted.

Make Repairs

Paint isn’t the solution to damaged or rotten surfaces of your home. It will only cover the unsightly marks. Repair any damaged areas of your home first prior to painting it. You may do this on your own but there are instances when you have to seek help from a carpenter or a handyman. Get professional help when the job calls for replacement or repairs of crucial parts of your house, such as stairs or overhangs.

Trim Nearby Plants And Trees

Be sure to trim the trees, plants and bushes close to your home before getting your exterior painted. This will provide enough space to work outside around the house without the painters having to brush off branches and thorns that can potentially injure them. Trimming plants that are in close contact to your home can also prevent foliage from hitting the wet paint once applied.

Scrape Away Flaking Paint

After washing your home’s exterior, you need to scrap and sand away any loose paint. Taking off this old flaking paint may involve a lot of work but this is a crucial step. The condition of the surface that needs to be painted will determine the success of the project.

Houses built before 1978 may also have lead paint, so scraping and sanding the exteriors of these homes need to be done with care.

Prepping your home prior to a painting job will require a lot of work. Fortunately, these tasks can be included in your painting project when you hire a professional. This can help you save a great deal of time, effort and money. Contact us here at University Painters for professional painting services.