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Exterior Painting, Painters, Painting Job

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Written by Colleen Kalil

27 November 2018

Common Signs that a House Needs Repainting

If you are like most Americans, you are busy, busy, busy. Between work and home, raising a family and struggling to make ends meet, sometimes even the most obvious needs can be overlooked. This is especially true of your home’s exterior. You may pull out of the driveway before the sun comes up and pull back in long after dusk. If so, you may actually be unaware of the condition of your home’s exterior or the fact that it may need freshening up. In this blog we will provide you with a list of signs that it is time to paint your home.

Do an exterior walk of your home during the daylight hours, on a weekend if you work during the week. This is the best time to notice if the paint is fading. It is easiest to identify if you can find a nook or cranny on the house that is shaded and compare the sharpness of the color with an area that is in the direct weather more often.
The paint shows signs of wear aside from fading. For example, perhaps the exterior of the home is showing signs of rot or mold. Those are indicators that the home’s exterior needs some serious attention which may include repainting.
If the caulk is cracking on the exterior surfaces of the home or otherwise appears brittle, this means the caulk has lost its elasticity and should be updated. In other words, the exterior needs to be repainted. This will prevent further wear and tear on the home.
You are selling your house. This is often a difficult decision. You really don’t want to pay to update the home’s exterior if you are not staying there, but potential buyers are attracted to homes that look fresh and updated. It’s called curb appeal and the most common way to get it is by painting. Consider the cost and benefits. Ultimately you can pass the cost of the painting on to the buyer in the form of a higher price.

Finally, a home’s exterior should be painted every five to ten years. Knowing this – you may be in need of a paint job. If so, don’t hesitate to call the experts at University Painters, Inc. Your home is our business.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

31 October 2018

What Does an Exterior Home Painting Cost Estimate Include?

Hardly anyone questions the reality that painting the exterior of your home increases its value – sometimes exponentially. Most will also agree that painting your home’s exterior is a tedious, labor-laden job that can quickly become overwhelming. The job requires a large amount of preparation and may include a variety of complex nuances that lead the homeowner to abandon any thought of undertaking the process themselves, and instead place the job in the trusted hands of professionals. What factors are involved in painting the exterior of your home? The most common points are listed below.

Labor costs compromise the bulk of the price. Of course, there are dozens of resources that will purport to give you the average cost of hiring a painter. One source says $50 per hour per painter with a bottom line of $2400 – $7000 for an entire exterior of a home. Another resource estimates exterior painting costs of $30.00 to $35.00 per hour with commercial jobs priced at $25.00 to $45.00. Still another source says painting an average home between 500 and 1,500 square feet can cost between $1,000 and $3,000

You can see there is no single price for labor. Other factors that must be taken into consideration include the number of stories of your house and ease of accessibility to reach all areas.

Paint is going to be the next big expense. If you purchase paint that runs between $25 – $40 per gallon with an average home exterior of 3000 sq. ft., the paint will run anywhere from $375 – $600. However, if you purchase more expensive paint, the price will go up. For the record, research shows that most homes need to be painted every 5 to 7 years and the better paints offer you better protection against the ravages of the weather.
Other costs include power washing the exterior surfaces prior to painting, which can run $75 per day rental fee; there’s no reason to purchase a power washer unless you will be doing long-term power washing on a patio or other surfaces. Ladders and scaffolding can run up to $75 a day as well, and then there are the variety of tapes, sponges, brushes or power sprayer equipment to apply the paint.

Then there is the homeowner’s time and frustration. Exterior home painting is an exacting job. Hire the professionals at University Painters, Inc. Your home is our business.

Maintenance, Paint Colors

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

21 July 2018

Summer Time Is Painting Time

exterior painting, home painters Summer can be a great time to complete home improvement projects, especially if they’re outdoor projects. If you’re thinking about painting your home’s exterior, consider the following tips to get the best results.

1. Prepare. For the best results, take the time to prepare the painting surface. It should take as much time to prepare as it does to paint. Wash off dirt or mud, scrape or sand any peeling paint, treat areas that have mold or mildew, repair any gouges, cracks, or other damage. The extra effort will be worth the time spent.

2. Time of day. Spend as much time as possible painting in the morning before it gets hot. Evenings are good a time to paint as well, but even after the sun goes down, the exterior of your home retains heat.

3. Wind. If the weather forecast predicts breezy or windy conditions, postpone your painting. Blowing dirt and debris can stick to wet paint. If that happens, you’ll be back at square one sanding and scraping paint. The same goes for rain. Avoid painting either before or after a storm.

4. Sunlight. Don’t paint in direct sunlight. The sun can increase the temperature of your home’s exterior by 10 to 15 degrees. It may affect how well the paint adheres to the surface. Schedule painting time so you can be in the shade throughout the day. It’s some times referred to as “following the sun”. Take advantage of overcast days to do as much painting as possible.

5. Temperature. The optimal temperature for painting is around 75 to 80 degrees with less than 50% humidity. Avoid painting on the hottest days. If paint dries too fast, which means the water portion of the paint is evaporating too quickly, it can cause cracking or peeling. To slow the rate of evaporation, put ice in the bottom of your paint container, cover it with a plastic liner, and then pour in the paint.

For the best results any time of year, contact University Painters. We’re experts in our field and are prepared to tackle your painting project. Call us today for a free estimate.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

19 May 2018

Keep Your Home’s Paint Looking Like New

When you paint your home’s interior or exterior, you can keep it looking new longer if you know how to take care of it. Most people paint their homes then forget about it until it needs to be repainted. Regular maintenance can extend the life of the paint in your home and ultimately save you money. Here are three tips you may not know.

1. Keep an eye out for any spots or stains from dirt, grease, or crayons, etc. It’s easiest to clean spots when they’re fresh rather than after they’re ground in and covered with more dirt. Take into consideration the finish on your wall. Scrubbing too hard on a matte wall may remove more than just the stain. Try to remove the stain with a damp sponge first. If the stain is stubborn, add a little dish soap on the sponge and try again.

2. Mold is never a good sign. It usually develops in moist, damp areas such as bathrooms and basements. If you find mold, you can purchase special paint to cover the area, or you can start with a simple solution of water and bleach. Check the surface a few months later to make sure the problem has been solved. If the mold continues to spread, you may want to call in a professional to help.

3. Most people don’t realize that paint can fade the same way fabrics can fade. Start with a high-quality paint to avoid this problem. However, if you’re unsure of the quality of the paint you have on your walls, or if you like your room sunny and bright all day long, consider tinting your windows with a UV coating.

A little effort will keep your home looking freshly painted for a long time. The professionals at University Paints use the finest quality materials and are available to consult with you about your painting needs. Contact us today.

Maintenance, Paint Colors

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

31 March 2018

Painting Your Walls With These Colors Can Brighten Up Your Mood

Are you redecorating or looking to freshen up a space in your home? Are you looking for the right paint color to boost your mood? Choosing the right color can be a challenge, especially when you want different shades in different rooms. You don’t want your home to be the same color throughout.

The bedroom, for example, should be a calming and relaxing oasis where you get away from it all. Meanwhile, the dining room should make you feel alive and social. Sometimes white and off-white doesn’t always cut it. Try out some of these colors to improve your mood.

Blue

Blue is a popular shade because it’s so calming and relaxing. It helps devoted yogis to stay centered and focused. Blue can lower your blood pressure, clear your mind, and help steady your breathing. It’s perfect to use in a room where you meditate, lounge and rest, or practice yoga often.

White

Believe it or not, white is a tried and true color. Some people are afraid to paint their walls white because it can attract dust and dirt. Painting your home white will make it look more open and inviting. While it’s not a calm or relaxing color, white can make you feel happy and clean.

Yellow

Liven up your home with bright sunny yellow. Nothing is more joyful than walking into a yellow kitchen early in the morning. Most people are drawn to yellow because it represents the sun’s rays. Use it in rooms where you entertain your family and friends such as the breakfast room, kitchen, or sun room. However, if you have severe anxiety, you may want to choose a softer hue.

Green

This color is perfect for your office as it can reduce anxiety and promote prosperity. When most people think of green, they think of emerald green or bright green. This shade comes in relaxing hues that’s gentler on your eyes and is known to be calming and soothing. For those who love the great outdoors but live in the city, they may choose to use blue-green or forest green.

Red

You can use red as an accent color or all over your walls. Some people find red too loud in large amounts. Use a softer shade in a room where you and your family frequent the most. It’s a perfect color for socializing with your friends and family, especially around the holiday season.

Need a fresh coat of paint in your home? Contact University Painters today to find out about our interior painting services. We can bring new life and help improve your mood. Call our estimators to get a quote on your next interior painting project.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

28 March 2018

Painting Your Home Office With These Colors Can Increase Productivity

Working from home can pose a challenge. It can be hard to concentrate on your work, especially with your family around. If you need to boost your productivity you may need to repaint your office. Walls that are white or gray can dampen your mood and put you to sleep.

Color has a direct affect on how you work and how you perform your business. Chromology, also known as the psychology of color, has been used by companies for years to improve the morale and moods of their employees to better achieve their business goals. Depending on what you do, choosing a new color can help improve your mood and boost your productivity.

How do you know which color is the best for you or your business? Read on to learn more.

Green

This seems like a no brainer but green is the perfect color for your home office. This color helps increase productivity and prosperity. It’s also a soothing color that can help reduce anxiety, especially if you’re stressed out from your job. As it’s a balanced and calming color, money will easily flow to you. Not bad for a fresh change of paint.

Yellow

Yellow isn’t only a bright and cheery color that’s often used in dining rooms and kitchens. Designers love using this color in home offices. It helps boosts your ego, makes you happier, and gives you an optimistic outlook on your work environment. Having this risky color will make you more creative and make you want to take more risks when it comes to your career.

Red

Red has a powerful affect on the mind and body. It helps increases your heart rate, raises your blood pressure, and makes the day go by faster. This is a great color to use if you’re not riddled with stress and anxiety. If you do, though, red may be overwhelming and have an opposite affect on your mind.

Blue

Blue is another soothing color that can help relax your mind during an action packed day. It also helps aid with concentration and wakefulness. Blue is a good choice to use if you’re someone who communicates with his colleagues often and needs to get to the point. Add blue tones to your home office to increase concentration and productivity.

When it comes to decorating your home office, ask yourself which color will personally help you. Have University Painters help you choose the right color. Contact our estimators to get a free quote and to help you with your next project.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

4 March 2018

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.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

15 January 2018

Should You Paint Your Home’s Interior During Winter?

People often associate painting as a task ideally done in warm weather. You may have to wait for warmer temperatures if you are doing an exterior painting job. Things are different however if you are doing an interior painting job. Winter is actually an ideal time to get it done. Here’s why winter is the best time for an interior painting job:

You Get Great Deals

Painting contractors tend to be busier during summer but winter is traditionally a lean time in this industry. As a result, you can get better deals for an interior painting job at this time than in the overbooked summer when people want to have their exterior painting work done.

Painting Gets Done Faster

Exterior painting jobs, regardless of the season, begin when the sun comes up and end when the sun goes down. It is not a good idea to keep painting at night for quality and safety reasons. For interior painting jobs, however, it is still possible for the painter to do his job even when the sun goes down because he is indoors. The sun won’t matter for painting jobs done inside the home, giving the painter more flexibility to finish the job faster.

Winter Air Is Great For Curing Paint

Summer may be ideal for painting projects but there are parts about it that painting contractors do not enjoy. One of these is the humid summer air. The more humid it is outside, the longer it takes for the paint to dry, which means more time is added to the tasks, making interior painting job more expensive.

Painting During Winter Gives You More Time And Allowance For Summer Projects

You will have more time and money this summer to focus on other projects that are ideally done in the warm weather if you get your interior painting project out of the way. Instead of doing interior painting this summer, you may want to work on the facade of your house instead.

Make the most of the opportunity to paint your home’s interior this winter. Breathe new life and make your indoor walls more colorful this season. Make sure that you entrust this job to a reliable contractor with years of experience in the industry. Feel free to contact us at University Painters for the interior painting job you want done this winter.