fbpx
Regular Post
Written by Andy Benson

Five Instagram Hashtags for Design Inspiration.


Get design ideas from people all over the world.

Since you’re probably spending a lot of time at home these days, it’s only natural to begin longing for a different view. That faded and chipped paint in your den that was a mere annoyance a month ago is now a daily source of angst and disgust.

Clearly, you need to do something about this but the creative juices just don’t flow that freely these days. You need some design and renovation inspiration! Fear not! Instagram is here to save you. You can find incredible posts from designers, architects, bloggers and homeowners from all over the world in just a few clicks.

The secret to finding the best pics is knowing exactly which hashtags to search for. We’ve rounded up our top-five favorites for you to explore.

#HOUSETOUR

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_X1F9HJthL/

This is great one for every day inspiration and casual browsing. It’s like being a nosy neighbor but still respecting boundaries. (You know the neighbor I’m talking about!)

#HOMERENOVATION

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_UWURlJf84/

If you’re a fan of the process of home improvement and the finer details of a project, this is a good one for you. You can pick up a lot of good tips in the comments as well.

#INTERIORDESIGN

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_X1w1DqOmP/

This is kind of a general catchall hashtag, but it’s great for sourcing some unique ideas when you’re not really sure what you want to do with a space.

#MODERNHOME

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_UGmu1pN0Y/

There are some incredible over-the-top designs on this hashtag. While some might fall into the “dream” category, there are certainly some elements you could incorporate into your own home.

#OLDHOUSELOVE

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_S7d5JBoXn/

If you have a soft spot for older homes or maybe you’ve been thinking about how to update your older home but maintain it’s original aesthetics, this hashtag will provide you with oodles of ideas.

Creative, Design
,
0
House Painters Commercial Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Residential Vs Commercial Painting

House Painters Commercial PaintersResidential 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!

Design, Maintenance, Paint Colors
, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0
commercial painting services
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Painting Services Not Just for the Home

commercial painting servicesWhile there are millions of homes in the United States for quality, professional painting companies to stay busy, there are as many businesses that can also use the services of professional painters. In other words, the large number of new business facades or existing, established businesses can provide an entirely new business stream for professional paint companies.

If you are a business owner in need of an updated look to your store front, the following advice is relevant to securing the services of a commercial paint company to meet your needs.

Research, research, research. The internet is a marvelous tool for finding out what paint companies work in commercial real estate. Take the time to find and read reviews by businesses that have already used their services.

Make tentative decisions about what painting you would like to have done. However, remember you are looking to hire a company that understands your needs from a professional painting perspective. The experience should be collaborative. Do not be averse to hearing their ideas about how to modernize your business’s façade.

Take the time to meet with your top 3 prospects. Have an idea of what you are interested in having done, then allow their input. Take notes and ask for references, even if there are positive reviews on the internet, after all, sometimes online reviews are less than credible.

Consider the businesses around you. Are you looking to blend in or stand out? Is there a retail or office theme? Are there contractual requirements that will limit your paint options? This should be determined prior to undertaking the painting process. It is your responsibility as a business owner to know the limitations of changes to the storefront you are permitted to perform.

And speaking of contracts, be sure you have one in place that outlines the exact parameters of the painting job that you hire out. Check into the company’s insurance and experience, the timeframe for completion, and responsibility for supplying materials.

There is a lot to consider when pursuing the update of a business store front. We have provided you with a skeletal checklist to work from. If you would like a more complete explanation, the professionals at University Painters are here to work with you! We look forward to hearing from you!

Design, Maintenance, Paint Colors
, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0
interior painting,House Painting Pressure Washing
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Repairing and Repainting After Water Damage

interior painting,House Painting Pressure WashingIf you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ll have to deal with water damage at some point in the life of your home. The causes of water damage vary from the effects of bad weather to frozen pipes to antiquated plumbing. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to do a thorough job of repairing the damage to prevent additional problems in the future.

Consider The Source

Before any repair work can be started, find the source of the water damage. Make sure the repairs are made properly and quickly. Wet materials can begin to develop mold and mildew in as little as 24 hours.

Ceiling Damage

Ceiling damage can cause paint to peel and bubbles to form. Once the source of the water is repaired, examine the damaged area. Remove any peeling paint or bubbles. If the drywall is sagging, let it dry completely. Check to make sure it is still attached to the beams and use drywall screws to restore it to the correct position.

Clean any visible mold or mildew from the damaged area. Use filler or putty to create a flat surface wherever peeling paint or bubbling was removed, then sand it smooth. Next, apply a stain blocking primer to any area that is discolored and let it dry completely. If you don’t apply stain block, the original stain will bleed through the new paint. It’s best to repaint the entire ceiling to prevent patches of different colored paint.

Wall Damage

If the wallboard doesn’t need to be replaced, check to make sure it’s still attached to the studs. Scrape off any peeling paint or drywall putty then clean the surface. If there is any mold or mildew, use bleach and water or a solution specifically designed to combat mildew. Let the area dry completely, then apply a fresh coat of paint. If the existing paint has faded, you may need to repaint the entire wall or room to maintain consistent color.

Repairing water damage can be a time consuming process. Save yourself the aggravation and leave it to the professionals at University Painters. Call or go online to schedule a free consultation today.

Maintenance, Paint Colors
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0
house painters, painting services
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Tips on Hiring a Professional Painting Company

house painters, painting servicesEveryone wants their home to look beautiful. Landscaping is important but the number one item on a homeowner’s list is the exterior presentation. This begins with an elegant façade. While many homeowners believe that painting is a simple job, there are many things that must be taken into consideration. Painting the outside of a home is also very time consuming. Ultimately, the best option is usually to engage the services of a professional painting company. But once that decision is made, there are a number of questions you should ask a prospective business before hiring them.

Perhaps the most important question to ask your potential painters is whether or not they are insured. Today’s painting companies should hold two types of policies – workmen’s compensation and business liability. Ask to see the policies to ensure they are up to date. The last thing you want is a painter getting hurt on the job at your house!

  • Determine if the job will be subcontracted out once it is offered. Subcontracting can be risky for the homeowner. Contractors choose this option because it costs them less but it can result in shoddy workmanship.
  • Determine the quality of paint that will be used and have this noted in the painting contract
  • Find out if the contractor you speak with will be overseeing the job. Often a company will secure a painting job and then make themselves scarce until the bill is presented. You want to know who will be overseeing this work.
  • Ask the paint company representative about their experience. How many jobs have they done? Do they have references? Are there any homes in the area they have painted that you could drive by and see? If the company is hesitant to provide this information, then they are probably not the right ones for the job.
  • Request a list of organizations the company may be associated with, such as the Better Business Bureau or other trade associations. The more associations, the better as it helps to ensure their reputation.

Your home is likely your most valuable investment. Cutting corners on upkeep often costs you more in the end. The professionals at University Paint will be happy to discuss our services with you. We are confident you will find us second to none!!

Design, Maintenance, Paint Colors
, , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0
interior painting, exterior painting, painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

When and Where to Use Matte, Semi-Gloss, or Gloss Paint

interior painting, exterior painting, paintersPaint is one of the easiest ways to freshen up and improve the appearance of your home both inside and out. Whether you’ve just moved into a new place, or you’re just in the mood for a new look, painting can transform your home quickly and inexpensively. Once you select the color, you should give some thought to the paint’s finish. Common choices for finish are matte, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. The finish you choose will impact how long it lasts, how quickly it gets dirty, and how easy it is to keep clean.

The gloss in the paint you choose determines how much it will shine, or reflect light. Paint with a matte, or flat finish, has no shine; it contains 0 to 10% gloss. Matte paint is the most difficult to keep clean so if you have kids or pets, it may be best to not use matte paint in high-traffic areas. However, since matte paint has no gloss to reflect light, it’s a good selection to use on walls where you want to hide irregularities or repairs. Matte paint is usually the lowest priced paint as well, so consider it if you have a large area to cover.

Satin finish and semi-gloss paint have more gloss than matte, 25 to 35 percent and 35 to 70 percent respectively. It has a shinier finish than matte and is easier to clean. While it’s typically used for interior doors, woodwork around doors and windows, consider using it in higher traffic areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. This paint will also last longer when exposed to water, soap, or grease. One downside of higher gloss paints is that they don’t hide imperfections in the wall or on wood.

High-gloss paint has 70 percent or higher reflectivity and can be used in the same places as low-gloss paint.  However, make sure you really want the area to have a very shiny finish. High-gloss paint is the most durable, and the easiest to clean. Like semi-gloss paint, it doesn’t hide the flaws in walls or other surfaces. Think about whether shine or a little camouflage is more important to you.

If you’re unsure which type of paint to use in your house, the experts at University Painters can work with you to select the best finish for your needs. Call us today for an appointment.

Creative, Maintenance, Paint Colors
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0
Exterior Painting, Home Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Why You Should Remodel Your Home In The Summer

Summer is the best time to remodel your home. Not only is the weather nice enough for you to open the windows, but you have plenty of free time on your hands. It’s easy to ignore the little projects that you need to get done in the winter.

Remodeling can be costly and many homeowners would rather move than renovate their home. If you’re not happy with your home, you may want to decide if renovating is right for you. While most would rather move, most homeowners agree that summer is the best time to start a home remodeling project. 

Read More
Creative, Design, Maintenance, Paint Colors
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0
interior painting, home painting
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

5 Colors You Should Never Paint Your Walls

Painting your home can be an overwhelming task and can feel like a chore at times. There are so many colors, combinations, and finishes to choose from. You sometimes wonder if you should go the easy route and paint it all white. You probably shouldn’t if you plan to resell your home down the road.

Painting your home may not be easy to do, but it’s one of the easiest ways to update the look of your residence. If you want to add a new coat of paint but will be listing your home soon, here are some shades you need to avoid.

Yellow

Never paint your kitchen yellow, no matter how warm the color makes you feel. Homes that had soft yellow or marigold kitchens sold for $820 less than other homes, according to Zillow. Yellow is a tricky and risky color to pull off when it comes to your home’s interior. While buttery yellow can look pleasing to the eyes, bright yellow can cause headaches and anxiety.

Dark Brown, Eggplant, or Any Dark Color

Dark brown is also not a hit with Zillow’s study. Bedrooms that had dark brown walls sold for $236 less than other homes. Colors like dark brown, eggplant, olive green, and green-brown make homes feel small, cramped, and dark. While buyers have the option to repaint their homes, they can’t see past these ugly shades.

Terracotta

Terracotta may look like another cheerful color, but even a muted terracotta can decrease the value of your home. Buyers aren’t crazy about bright orange walls since it’s one of the least-liked colors in the world. They also didn’t like seeing brick red and copper dining rooms and kitchens.

Gray-Blue or Slate Gray

While blue was one of the most-liked colors in 2017, buyers weren’t crazy about rooms with gray-blue walls. They didn’t take kindly to living rooms that featured muted silver, pastel gray, light blue, periwinkle, or slate gray walls. Gray may be a trendy color in fashion and interior design, but that doesn’t mean it’s likable. Paint your home’s dining room or living room gray or slate, and you could lose $1,112 when you sell it.

White, Off-White, or Eggshell

White bathrooms may seem simple and minimalist in design, but buyers disagree. A coat of this generic color could set your home’s selling price back by over $4,000, according to Zillow. Some people prefer off-white or eggshell because it makes a smaller room look brighter and bigger. Buyers, on the other, thinks it makes a room look “dead” and “flat,” especially if the room lacks in natural light.

Considering painting the interior of your home? Need to freshen up your space? Contact University Painters today for a free estimate and more information on our interior painting services.

Design, Maintenance, Paint Colors
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0
house painting. painters, painting services
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

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

Design, Maintenance, Paint Colors
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0
interior painting,House Painting Pressure Washing
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

How To Prepare Your Home For An Interior Paint Job

Hiring a professional can save you the hassles of painting the interior of your home yourself.  All you have to do is sit back and relax while the painter does the hard work for you. If you want things to get done faster, however, here are some things you can do prior to the arrival of the painting service contractor:

Remove Hangings On The Wall

If you have framed wall decorations, pictures and mirrors hanging on the wall, take them down before the painter arrives. This will not only expedite the painting process but moving these valuables out of the way can also protect them from accidental damage. 

Read More
Maintenance, Paint Colors
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0
1 2
© Copyright 2024 University Painters | 1-800-390-4848 | All Rights Reserved | Messaging Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy