Professional & Dependable Since 1984

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to paint my house?
A: Well, how does the paint look? Is it dingy, sometimes dirt and mildew can make a house look dingy and all that is needed is a good power wash with a mildicide, However if the paint is peeling or chalking (if it comes off on your hand when rubbed) it needs to be done soon.

Q) My paint is chalking why can't I wait to paint?
A) when paint starts to chalk (powdery paint comes off on your hand when rubbed) that is a sign that the paint is starting to break down, the reason that it is imperative that you paint as soon as possible is that once the paint starts breaking down it will continue to deteriorate. If the old paint breaks down enough the whole house will have to be primed with a bonding primer which will increase the cost of your paint job, Also if the old paint breaks down enough it can cause pealing in which case it can not be warranted.

Q) My paint is peeling what can I do?
A) Unfortunately aside from stripping, priming and repainting there is very little that can be done once paint starts peeling. Once paint begins to peel it will continue, even if you get a good paint job over top, the old surface underneath will continue to peal causing the new paint to peel off as well.

Q) What should I look for when choosing a painting contractor?
A) Your house is a valuable investment and you want someone reputable. Ask you friends and co-workers who they use, always check references, make sure your contractor is licensed and insured (with at least workers compensation insurance), and never ever pay any money before the job is done.

Q) Why does it matter if my contractor is insured?
A) You want an insured contractor because if any one is injured on your job they could sue you the home owner. D. Decker painting is fully insured (we carry both workers comp and liability insurance).

Q) My contractor wants a deposit what should I do?
A) We have heard many stories about people that have paid a contractor up front, then the contractor disappeared with there money leaving the home owner to pay again to get the job done. D. Decker painting never accepts up-front money.

A: You as the homeowner can be held personally responsible for injures sustained by an uninsured worker while they are on your property. You can be in a very awkward position with your own insurance company as a result of this type of accident. Most people do not realize this, but it can be verified by a phone call to your attorney or insurance agent. Always ask for verification of insurance if you have any doubt. And remember a companies general liability insurance is not the same as workers compensation !

Q: If I change the colors will the job cost more?
A: Sometimes yes, Sometimes no, some colors cover very good and some very poorly, yellows and reds are the worst covering colors. We will let you know when you pick your color if we think that additional coats will be necessary and how much more it could cost if multiple coats become necessary.

Q: Why should I put sealer or stain on my deck if the wood is pressure treated ?
A: Pressure treated wood will not rot, but it will cup, warp, split and splinter if it is not sealed so water will not absorb and then evaporate in a number of cycles

Q. How much paint do I need to buy?
A. Our quote will include all materials, as well as labor.

Q. What will you do to avoid paint drips? The last painter dripped paint on our roof and shrubs.
A. A quality job is as much about what the paint doesn't go on as it is about what it does go on. We protect the areas around our painting with drop cloths and, if a drop of paint gets on something it shouldn't, we clean it up immediately.

Q. We have some rotted wood. Can you make repairs?
A. Yes, Our crew's can do small repairs, for larger we have a carpenter that will give you a quote or you can use a carpenter of your choice.

Q. Will the new paint cover mildew?
A. Never paint over mildew, It is a living organism and will grow through the new paint. Prior to the start of painting we will come out and wash your house using chemicals to clean and kill the mildew on the house.

Q. We have drywall damage and water stains. Do you make these kinds of repairs?
A. Yes, All cracks are properly scraped out, filled and sanded. All holes are filled and sanded smooth, Caulking is inspected around all windows and frames, doors and door frames and re-caulked as needed. Crown molding, chair rail and trim are all caulked and properly prepared. All nail pops are repaired and sanded. Water stains, are primed before painting and grease and heavy dirt accumulations are cleaned.

Q. Can you help select colors?
A. We are not professional color consultants, however, we will assist you in making a choice that you will be happy with.

Q. I have several estimates and there are big differences in the prices.
A. If you get an unusually low estimate, it may be that the company does not have adequate insurance or may even be unlicensed; they could be paying cash to employees instead of incurring payroll expenses; they may be taking shortcuts with proper preparation before painting; or they simply didn't properly estimate the work to be performed.

Q: How much will it cost my company for an estimate?
There is never any charge for a proposal, no matter how small or large your project may be.

Q: The house doesn't look that bad. Why should I paint?
A: We feel that a house is a lot like an automobile in the fact that the investment is large and the maintenance is a must. You wouldn't wait until the engine blows to check or change the oil. A layer of paint only 1/1000th of an inch thick can protect your home - perhaps your single largest investment. Outside paint provides a layer of protection against airborne dust, pollution, dirt and all types of weather and climate conditions. Inside your home paint resists staining and damage from finger smudges, kitchen grease, furniture grease and the wear of everyday living.

Q: Should I paint or stain my wood deck?
A: You should certainly protect your deck from unnecessary moisture intrusion and the harmful effects of the sun's ultra-violet rays. Use of a penetrating stain, containing water repellant ingredients in most cases will protect your deck best. The pigment in the stain will absorb the ultra-violet rays from the sun and protect the wood fibers from degradation. In most cases a stain will need maintenance every 2-4 years while clear sealers require maintenance every 1-2 years. Prior to finishing the deck it is important to wash the deck thoroughly to remove dead wood fibers, dirt, and any mildew spores. One final note, if you plan on cleaning your deck with a pressure washer take caution not to use excessive pressure or spray at an improper angle. Improper use can severely damage your deck and cost you much more than you saved by undertaking the project yourself. Take the worry out of this type of project and hire the professional contractor.

Q. Is it always necessary to apply two coats of an exterior paint?
A. Actually, if you are painting new siding or where all of the previous coating has been removed, you should first apply a coat of primer followed by two coats of paint. However, if the surface was previously painted and that old paint is still sound, a single coat of a quality paint will probably suffice. Your local independent paint retailer can advise you as to whether two coats will be necessary for your particular situation.