If you’re tired of staring at the same boring beige walls, it may be the best time to update your Pleasanton home with a new color and finish. While interior house painting is a manageable job even for novice DIY enthusiasts, there are good reasons to hand the paint job to a professional.

When you hire professionals for your interior house painting project, you can expect them to handle everything, from inspecting your home to the final clean-up. It frees up time to focus on the things that matter most to you.  They may also handle additional tasks such as crown molding installation and painting, wood rot repair and light carpentry work.

You know you hired a good and reputable painting contractor in the Livermore area when he does the following steps before actually painting the walls:

1. Initial inspection: Evaluate the condition of the surfaces to be painted, looking for any damage, peeling paint, or mold.

2. Surface preparation:

• Cleaning: Wash the walls to remove dirt, grease, and other contaminants.
• Repairs: Patch holes, cracks, and any imperfections with appropriate fillers.
• Sanding: Sand the walls to smooth out rough areas and to ensure proper adhesion of the new paint.
• Priming: Apply a suitable primer to the walls, especially if the surface is bare, has stains, or is a different color than the new paint.

3. Protecting surrounding areas:

• Covering: Use drop cloths to protect floors and furniture.
• Taping: Apply painter’s tape to edges, trim, and any areas that should not be painted.

4. Final inspection and cleaning: Ensure all repairs and preparations are properly done and clean the area one last time before starting to paint.

5. Material Selection: Choose the right paint and materials for the specific surfaces and conditions.

These steps help ensure a smooth, even finish and that the paint job lasts longer without issues like peeling or bubbling.

What to Look for a Painting Contractor to Paint Your Home?

When you hand the house painting job to professionals, it’s the best decision. The next step is to find a qualified painting contractor for your next project.  When hiring a painting contractor to paint your home in Sunol, consider several crucial factors to ensure you get a high-quality job at a fair price. Here are some tips:

1. Experience and reputation:

• Experience: Look for a contractor with several years of experience in the industry.
• Reputation: Check online reviews, ask for references, and look for any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau.

2. Licensing and insurance:

• Licensing: Ensure the contractor is properly licensed according to local and state regulations.
• Insurance: Verify that the contractor has liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance to protect you in case of accidents or damage.

3. Detailed estimates:

• Written estimates: Get detailed, written estimates from multiple contractors. The estimate should include the scope of work, materials, labor costs, and a timeline for completion.
• Breakdown of costs: Make sure the estimate provides a clear breakdown of expenses for labor and materials.

4. Quality of materials:

• Paint quality: Ask about the brands and quality of paint they plan to use. High-quality paint will last longer and provide better coverage.
• Preparation work: Ensure the contractor prepares the surfaces correctly, which may include cleaning, sanding, and priming.

5. Warranty and guarantees:

• Warranty: Check if the contractor offers a warranty on their work and what it covers.
• Satisfaction guarantee: Some contractors offer a satisfaction guarantee, ensuring they will address any issues that arise after the job is completed.

6. Professionalism and communication:

• Professionalism: Note how professional and courteous the contractor and their team are during initial interactions.
• Communication: Assess their communication skills and responsiveness. Good communication is crucial for a successful project.

7. References and portfolio:

• References: Ask for and check references from previous clients.
• Portfolio: Review their portfolio to see examples of earlier work, especially projects similar to yours.

8. Contract and payment terms:

• Contract: Ensure all terms are detailed in a written contract, including the scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and any warranties.
• Payment terms: Beware of contractors who demand a large payment upfront. A reasonable down payment is standard, with the balance due upon completion.

By carefully evaluating potential San Ramon painting contractors based on these criteria, you can make an informed decision and hire a professional to deliver quality results for your home.

Preparing the Workspace Before Your Painter Arrives

You may want to prepare the surface and the entire workspace before your painting contractor arrives. Doing so is an excellent way to save money and downtime, leading to a smoother and more efficient paint job. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Surface preparation

Clean the walls and surfaces:

• Remove dust, dirt, and grease from the walls using a mild detergent and water. Rinse and let them dry completely.
• For tougher stains, water and trisodium phosphate (TSP).

Repair damaged areas:

• Fill holes, cracks, or dents with a spackling compound or filler.
• Once the filler is dry, sand the area smoothly to ensure an even surface.

Remove old paint or wallpaper:

• If necessary, remove peeling or flaking paint. Use a scraper or sandpaper.
• For wallpaper, ensure all adhesive residue is removed and the wall is clean and smooth.

Sand the surfaces:

• Lightly sand the walls to create a smooth surface and improve paint adhesion.
• Wipe down the walls after sanding to remove any dust.

Prime the walls:

• Apply a coat of primer to any repaired areas or surfaces needing improved adhesion, such as glossy surfaces or new drywall.
• Allow the primer to dry completely.

Workspace preparation

Move furniture:

• Remove furniture from the room if possible. If not, move it to the center and cover it with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.

Remove wall hangings and fixtures:

• Take down framed pictures or artwork, mirrors, and other wall hangings.
• Remove the light switch and outlet covers, and cover the switches and outlets with painter’s tape.

Protect floors and fixtures:

• Cover the floor with drop cloths, plastic sheeting, or rosin paper to protect it from paint spills.
• Cover any remaining fixtures with plastic or painter’s tape to protect them.

Ventilation:

• Ensure the room is well-ventilated by opening windows and using fans if necessary. It will help with paint drying and fumes.

Lighting:

• Make sure the room is well-lit. Good lighting will help the painter see any imperfections and apply the paint evenly.

Clear the area:

• Remove any clutter or items that might obstruct the painter’s access to the surfaces for painting.

By taking these steps, you’ll create an ideal environment for your painter to work efficiently and achieve the best possible results.

Final Words

Whether you hire a contractor or choose the DIY route, proper preparation is necessary to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. But if you truly care about quality work, choose a qualified painting contractor – and Custom Painting, Inc. is here to help! We’ve been operating since 1982, having acquired extensive experience and expertise in all aspects of interior and exterior painting, with a strong emphasis on customer service. 

We at Custom Painting, Inc. have earned an excellent reputation for keeping our clients satisfied through our commitment to delivering quality work and post-project customer service.  We serve Bay area cities including Tracy and Fremont.

Reach out to Custom Painting, Inc. today and let us help you bring your vision to life with our expert painting services. Whether you have questions, need more information, or are ready to start your project, we’re here to assist you. For immediate assistance or to speak directly with a member of our team, please call us at 925-294-8062. Prefer to reach out online? Fill out our online contact form on our website. Provide your details and a brief message about your project, and one of our representatives will get back to you promptly.