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29 July 2015

How A Residential Painter Austin, TX Residents Trust Can Help Any Homeowner With Improvements

By Phyllis Schroeder


Any homeowner looking for a home improvement project that can make a real difference should consider hiring a qualified contractor to paint the exterior. Adding a fresh coat of paint can make any house look decades younger. A reputable residential painter Austin, TX property owners rely on can help any consumer improve a home's street appeal and increase its overall property value.

One thing the homeowner should take care of before the contractor and crew arrive is closing all the windows. This will allow the workers to get started masking off the glass with tape or plastic sheets. Covering the windows keeps paint from splashing on the glass and making a mess while the painters are working.

Removing all the storm windows and putting them in temporary storage is another thing homeowners can do before the painters arrive. This gives the workers easy access to the window trim. All windows and doors must remain open for a few days after the project is complete. Closing the doors and windows while they are still tacky with wet paint ruins the finish.

Painters will remove as much of the old paint as possible and power wash the entire exterior of the house to provide a suitable surface that allows the new paint to adhere. This involves scraping with hand tools in addition to using a power sander. The painters should use a system with a high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, vacuum to limit the dust flying around during this step.

The contractor should include any charges for minor repairs necessary to do the job right. The workers will make sure to secure any loose molding pieces or shingles. They will fill in any cracks, holes and other imperfections with caulk and putty.

One coat of paint is all most houses need. Contrary to what some people think, adding multiple layers does not increase the longevity of the finish. In fact, the opposite is true. Paint adheres better to building materials than it does to paint. If there are multiple layers of paint, the top layer is much more likely to flake and peel off.

The homeowner should always receive a detailed estimate in writing. The contract should include the cost for materials and labor as well as the estimated completion date. The contractor should guarantee that the workers will clean up after themselves daily. It is important for homeowners to research the painting company before signing the contract or handing over any money. Consumers should ask for references and follow up with phone calls or emails. Most contractors can provide before and after photos of previous projects allowing potential clients to judge the quality of work.

Homeowners lacking the proper experience should always leave exterior painting to the experts. The job can be dangerous because it involves working on ladders and using hazardous chemicals, including solvents. Amateurs who attempt to do this type of project without the necessary skills and proper tools are likely to be injured or do damage to the property. Leaving exterior painting to the experts is the most effective way to make sure the job is done right the first time.




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