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Crown moulding is a classic architectural feature that has been used for centuries to add elegance and sophistication to interiors. Whether you’re renovating an old home or looking to add a touch of class to a new build, crown moulding can make a significant impact. In this blog post, we’ll get a glimpse of the history, types, and installation tips for crown moulding. A Brief History of Crown Moulding Crown moulding dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was used to decorate the tops of columns and walls. Over the centuries, it has evolved in style and complexity, becoming a staple in European and American architecture. Today, crown moulding is a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their interiors. Types of Crown Moulding There are several types of crown moulding to choose from, each offering a unique look and feel: Traditional Crown Moulding : This style features a simple, elegant design that works well in most homes. It’s often made from wood or plaster and can be painted or stained to match your decor. Dentil Moulding : Characterized by a series of small, rectangular blocks, dentil moulding adds a touch of classical elegance to any room. It’s commonly used in more formal settings. Cove Moulding : With its concave profile, cove moulding creates a smooth transition between the wall and ceiling. It’s a great choice for modern and minimalist interiors. Egg and Dart Moulding : This ornate style features a repeating pattern of egg-shaped ovals and dart-like points. It’s perfect for adding a touch of grandeur to traditional homes. Conclusion Crown moulding is a timeless addition that can elevate the look of any room. With various styles to choose from and the option to DIY, it’s a versatile and rewarding home improvement project. Whether you prefer a classic or modern aesthetic, crown moulding offers a way to add character and charm to your home.

Residential remodeling can turn a house into a dream home, but it often comes with disruption and chaos. One critical aspect, which should never be overlooked, is cleanup. Proper cleanup ensures the health and safety of occupants and enhances overall satisfaction with the finished product. This article emphasizes the importance of good cleanup during residential remodeling and why it should be a priority at every stage. The Impact on Health and Safety Maintaining good cleanup practices during remodeling projects is essential for the health and safety of everyone involved. Construction debris, dust, and hazardous materials can accumulate quickly, posing risks to workers and residents alike. For example, studies show that construction dust can increase the risk of asthma and other respiratory issues, particularly in vulnerable groups such as children and individuals with pre-existing conditions. Regular cleanup can reduce dust levels, making the environment safer. In fact, a clean workspace can reduce the likelihood of injuries on-site by up to 30%, according to safety statistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Additionally, proper disposal of hazardous materials such as old paint or chemicals is vital. Safe handling of these substances prevents accidents or environmental damage. Following local regulations for hazardous waste ensures that these materials are managed properly and disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal As a remodeling project progresses, the area can quickly fill with tools, materials, and dust. This clutter distracts from the beauty of the renovation and makes it difficult for homeowners to appreciate their space's transformation. Imagine walking into a room where freshly painted walls are obscured by dust and debris. Regular cleaning allows homeowners to see the beauty developing in their home, enhancing their excitement. Research indicates that a clean environment can boost morale and lead to a 20% increase in overall satisfaction with remodeling projects. By removing clutter, design elements like newly installed cabinets and fixtures can truly shine. A clean kitchen or bathroom gives homeowners a better feel for how their new space will look and function. Increasing Efficiency and Productivity Good cleanup practices significantly affect the efficiency of the remodeling process. An organized and tidy workspace allows workers to accomplish tasks more quickly. Research shows that workers in clutter-free environments can be up to 25% more productive. When spaces are organized, workers save time previously wasted searching for tools or materials. A clean site promotes a smoother workflow, ultimately leading to faster project completion. Moreover, keeping the workspace tidy helps prevent accidents. For example, in a study by the National Safety Council, clutter-related accidents were identified as a leading cause of workplace injuries. By regularly cleaning, projects can identify and address hazards, ensuring a safer work environment. Maintaining Communication with Homeowners Communication between contractors and homeowners is crucial for success. A clean, organized worksite fosters a positive atmosphere for open discussions. When homeowners visit a tidy workspace, they see professionalism and respect for their property. This is critical; 76% of homeowners report that a clean job site increases their trust in contractors. A respectful environment comforts homeowners, encouraging feedback and collaboration on design enhancements. For instance, if a homeowner wants to make last-minute design changes, they are more likely to voice these ideas in a clean, welcoming setting. By prioritizing cleanliness, contractors can foster more positive and productive relationships. Preparing for Final Inspections Conducting final inspections is essential once remodeling is completed. A thorough cleanup makes this process easy and effective. Inspectors often evaluate the cleanliness of a site when assessing the quality of work. In a survey, 85% of inspectors stated that clean sites reflect a contractor's attention to detail. A clean workspace not only showcases the quality of work but also helps easily identify cosmetic touch-ups. Dust accumulation can hide flaws, making it challenging for both homeowners and contractors to identify areas needing additional attention. Final Thoughts Good cleanup is a key element of any successful residential remodeling project. It impacts health and safety, enhances aesthetic appeal, increases efficiency and productivity, maintains positive communication, and prepares for final inspections. Overlooking cleanup can lead to serious issues, including health hazards, dissatisfied homeowners, and project delays. By prioritizing cleanup throughout the remodeling process, contractors can ensure a smoother outcome, leaving homeowners happy with their newly transformed space. As you consider your next remodeling project, remember: a clean site is not just a happy site, but a vital foundation for your dream home. A clean and organized remodel means a job well done.

Y our laundry room must have more than a shelf and two laundry units. You want extra space and some added features to make laundry an easy and efficient task. In this article, we will dive into these aspects to show you the potential laundry experience you could have. T he first thing that needs to be done is adding cabinetry across the wall. The cabinets can be installed over the appliances, or perpendicular to them. If the space is big enough, adding a counter space under the upper cabinets with base cabinets will drastically add more storage space for the linens and soaps you stock up on. It can also give you a place to fold some laundry.   N ext is a feature that brings your laundry game day to the next level. Adding a utility sink or a small vanity sink with cabinet storage underneath will allow you to wash clothing stains near the washer before you throw a load in. Better yet, when you pour detergents with a cup, no one wants to run to the nearest sink to rinse the residual soap left in the cup. The sink saves you the extra steps and time. Sometimes, your laundry room is located right before you head out to the garage or the backyard, leaving a convenient sink to wash up after working outside. Below is a progress photo of a laundry room that Horton Remodeling was commissioned for: BEFORE AFTER Here are more design ideas: Simple additions, like this one, and a paint job drastically increase your property value. It can attract more attention when renting out or selling your property because many homes don’t have laundry room features. As you explore new ways to update your investment, this article can be added to your roster of ideas!

W hen buying a new property, you encounter functional and cosmetic problems. Getting these projects done can be daunting. It is also challenging to know how to accomplish it efficiently based on cost, time, and quality. Removing wallpaper is one of the projects that can slow down your home remodeling goals because it is difficult to know the most efficient process to deal with the wallpaper, not to mention the severe inconvenience to slapping some paint on the walls and moving on with your other projects. In this article, you can learn about the cheapest, the balanced, and the most expensive ways to remove wallpaper. T he cheapest way to remove wallpaper is to have yourself scrape it off or have it primed and painted by you or a professional. Scraping requires scalding hot water applied to the wall with a sponge and thick gloves. To paint it, oil prime the wall to seal all the edges and throw on whatever color you want, either by you or a professional. The surrounding wall finishes and textures can potentially make this method provide an undesirable finish unless this is an accent wall. If it is an accent wall, you can get creative with it, as it is a single wall, different from the rest. T he best bang for your buck; the balanced way; is to entrust a professional to seal the wall with oil primer, hide the edges of the wallpaper with joint compound, and apply the necessary finish. This method, practiced by us at Horton Remodeling, is a surefire way to eliminate wallpaper, providing you with peace of mind and a high-quality result. T he most expensive method is to hire someone to scrape off the wallpaper and skim over the wall to fill in voids and defects. This method requires removing it with hot water or a steamer first. Here is some before and after photos of number 2! Above is the process of priming the wallpaper, coating its seams, texturing the wall to match surrounding walls, and painting! No matter which method you choose, the wallpaper adhesive typically holds the wallpaper permanently. When it is sealed with an oil primer first, the end result will last another lifetime, as though it is a part of the home. The balanced method is typically the best route because it provides an optimal finish while compromising on the work required. May your next home remodeling project go well without the stress of wrestling with wallpaper.

No one likes surprises, especially in the remodeling realm. It's impossible to draw up an idea and begin remodeling tomorrow because it is quite an involved process. This post discusses the proper steps and considerations involved in remodeling with a company. Checklist As a homeowner, you have the power to shape your space. Start by creating a list of your wants and needs for the remodel. This list will guide the process, showing what can stay and what can go. Your vision will be brought to life. For instance, you might say, "I want to keep the floors but replace the cabinets and faucet. Also, the kitchen doesn't have a hood vent, and I need one." Your Budget After listing the requests, you will assess your budget based on the quotes they receive from various companies. The budget will narrow the scope of work and set the project in the correct perspective. Usually, companies charge fees to look at your job and start design consultations. Therefore, it is imperative that the budget is decided on beforehand. It is also important to research and choose a reputable company with experience in the remodeling field. This helps avoid consultation fees from different companies. Design Phase The design is crucial to tying your needs and wants together. Hiring a remodeling company with all the resources at its disposal will be valuable to you if designing a vision is something you are incapable of creating. Design is one of the exciting parts of the project because you can make plans that will transform how you feel about the space being remodeled. Research what styles and color schemes fit your taste and budget. Taking the extra time to figure this out will give you the satisfactory result that makes the project, and all its woes, worth it. The design may look similar to the examples below, which shows plans and customer requests Good Pros for Hire After all the conversations and brain work have been completed, the dirty work will commence soon. If you have yet to hire professionals at this stage, it is a good idea to do so. When hiring professionals, clarity will be your best friend. Actions can be carried out immediately when you are clear on your decisions. Having all the proposals and ideas listed, ranked in priority, and sent to the professional will ensure everyone is on the same page. Everyone you hire for your team should know the plan of attack. When hiring a professional, ensure you find someone who treats your home like it is their own and is willing to defend your wants and needs. Make sure you find someone who communicates daily and answers your messages in a timely fashion. Book The Calander The next step is scheduling, which requires one to map out the project's general direction and when certain phases should be done. The scheduling is decided upon between you and the remodeling project manager. For example, it makes sense for any drywall work to be done before countertops are installed in a bathroom remodel. Sometimes, it cannot be completed that way because another subcontractor must complete their work before the drywall work is finished. The project manager knows when the work should be inspected if need be. Inspections are another aspect of the schedule that is required mostly for additions. Authority Permissions You or the project manager will need to obtain necessary permits from the local authorities to ensure that the work completed is in accordance with codes and regulations. Once the plans are laid out and the scope of work is ironed out, these documents can be sent to the city. Out With the Old, In With the New Now begins the phase of demolition. Strategically and efficiently, the professionals will haul away the old in preparation for the new. If there are any unexpected costs, like an electrical code violation behind the wall, they usually come up during the demolition phase. Shortly after, the framing, rough plumbing, rough electrical, and drywall will be installed. Near the end of the project, the finished work will be completed. New fixtures will be installed, drywall will be finished and textured, electrical fixtures will be installed, painting will applied, and flooring will be installed. Be aware that the project may not go in that order depending on the context of the projects. Satisfaction Walkthrough Once all of the final details and walkthrough items are completed, the crew you hired should thoroughly attend to anything that was displaced during the remodel and all the mess. During the walkthrough, you will have the chance to make sure you are satisfied. If you have a remodeling project in mind, hopefully, this will inform you and prepare you for what's to come.

Ceilings can often be overlooked as a feature that changes the feel of any living space in a home. Your home could be the most luxurious house on the block but with a boring ceiling in the living room. Your home could have the popcorn ceiling that many despise. Whatever the case may be, you have fun, stylish, and unique options! Sometimes, it's the repairs that bother you. If you have water staining on a white ceiling, get some spray paint and spray your eyesore away. Just be sure to shield your walls and important items from the over-spray. If you have other stains, it helps if you spray bleach on it with a 70% water and 30% bleach mixed ratio in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the solution onto the stains and repeat until the stains are gone. Shield yourself and important items while spraying. This method works best for white ceilings. Another thing you can do is caulk ceiling cracks to make the ceiling more youthful. It's best, however, to have a professional come and properly repair the cracks for you. Professionals, like Horton Remodeling, typically tighten loose sheetrock and re-tape and re-apply durable compounds to your ceiling to ensure the damage never occurs again. Getting a paint job done to the ceiling can rejuvenate the room. If you decide on a lighter color, the room could feel the freshest it has ever been. If you decide on a darker color, you can make your living space cozier than before. You can also have a stenciled paint design accentuating the living space. Ceiling moldings can be applied where the ceiling meets the walls, adding elegance to the living space. A plain trim board is a good start, or you can purchase moldings with more complex curves. You can paint the molding a different color than the ceiling or leave a natural wood look. Installing beadboard, shiplap, or other paneling can completely transform a living space. Depending on the wood you install, it can affect the warmth, depth, feel, and even the smell. Because of the random grain and knots in the wood, you can have a unique texture to the ceiling. After installing it, you can paint, stain, or varnish it. You can also wallpaper your ceiling with simple or complex designs. This option allows you to choose a particular theme, such as Japanese or Spanish. Installing coffered ceilings displays recessed ceiling panels with a revealed border molding around each panel. Installing faux beams can give the ceiling extra depth. They can also add a rustic appeal with a bare wood look, or you can paint them a different color. Ceiling medallions around light fixtures add character and charm to your ceiling. They can be great focal points in the kitchen or dining room. You can even paint them to match your paint schemes and other designs. Tin tiles or ceiling panels can add industrial or vintage accentuation to the space. You can have a tray ceiling installed for a recessed center. Adding moldings compounds the elegance of this ceiling choice. The center can be painted a different color. Lastly, different lighting options can yield different outcomes. Recessed lights open up the space as long as they are evenly and strategically placed. They also add a modern, clean look! Pendant lights and chandeliers are statement fixtures that draw attention to your style. These fixtures could capstone the ceiling vibe you were looking for. With hundreds of options to choose from, you can be sure to have a ceiling that is meant for you. You can't be bored with these options!

When beginning your kitchen remodel, every single feature installed is important. For example, if a light bulb is a different color, it will throw off how the kitchen feels. That example is on a small scale. Countertops, however, require you to make a significant choice. They cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in materials, and it’s a finishing piece of the kitchen. It is one of the first features you notice when you walk into a kitchen. The list below can educate you on the different types of countertops. Marble Countertops Pros: Can increase property value because it is a timeless and natural material with no additives and resins Cons: Stains easily, especially with something acidic, and needs sealing annually. Quartz Countertops Pros: Durable, won’t easily crack, scratch, or chip. Non-porous, stain resistant, low maintenance, versatile, and popular. Cons: High price, susceptible to heat damage because the resins prove to be vulnerable to heat, requires professional grade installation, Granite Countertops Pros: Natural material, heat resistant, scratch resistant, stain resistant, low-maintenance, sanitary due to low porosity, versatile in many applications, can add value to your home. Cons: Looks dated depending on the application, can have a busy design, seams will show, requires a sealant coat annually, prone to cracking and fading, cold, heavy, and expensive. Concrete Countertops Pros: Can be custom-sized and shaped, difficult to scratch and impervious to heat, small items can be embedded for effect, durable and long-lasting, can improve resale value, is stainable to different colors Cons: Expensive, regular sealing is required to avoid staining; its excessive weight can tax cabinet frames and floors depending on the counter thickness Butcher Block Countertops Pros: Available in plenty of wood types and stain colors, affordable, will last for 20+ years, easy to repair, is meant to be cut on if one would like to, Cons: Dents easily, scratches easily, not moisture resistant, reacts to temperature fluctuations, can be burned if pots are too hot, needs to be resealed and sometimes filled and sanded to keep it top-notch. SAE 304 Stainless Steel Countertops Pros: Heat-resistant, hygienic, easy to clean, non-porous, won’t stain or rust, and indestructible compared to stone counters. Cons: Can get dents and scratches and highlight your fingerprints until you clean it off; pots clashing with your metal counter can be loud and may look ugly to some, can look ugly over time because you can’t repair it, and there is little risk involved in getting metal shavings in your food. Tile Countertops Pros: Lots of designs to choose from, inexpensive, can install it yourself, can use high-end materials at lower cost. Cons: Can break or chip, grout lines, messy installation, mildew build-up, tiles fall off the counter’s edge, not timeless material; especially if the tiles break, you may not find a match. Solid Surface Countertops Pros: Non-porous, homogeneous, can buff out scratches, easy to clean Cons: This countertop is soft. So, it is scratchable, can be deformed by high heat, and is difficult to fabricate. Laminate Countertops Pros: Laminate is heat-, stain-, and scratch-resistant. It is easy to clean and the least costly countertop on the market. Cons: knives, sliding metal objects, heated pots, and dishes can permanently damage the counter; only allow for drop-in sinks due to their construction; and not a timeless material. Depending on what brand you purchase, good maintenance practices will make any of these countertops last a while. Consider customers’ experiences with different counter types and professional opinions before making one of the most important decisions for your kitchen remodel.

Remodeling something as big as your kitchen or even your bathroom is almost a dream. You look through stock photos on Google or Pinterest and find yourself asking, “How is this going to begin to manifest?” remodeling is an uphill battle involving research and finding the best resources for you. Often, people will sit with a remodel until they find the remodeler that fits their needs, has their ideas and needs in mind, and cares about their home. This blog post could help you find that company. Meticulous is Your Assurance While you continue to ponder who will remodel your home, let us begin by reminding you of these items: In the future, long after the company has finished your remodel, will you be worried about leaks? Fire hazards? Electrical issues? Code violations? I’m stressed typing this part already! You are putting your life and your livelihood in someone’s hands. What remodeling company is going to care about that? There is a bridge of trust that must be crossed for sure. A meticulous company typically has these worries in mind. Internet Presence Another thing to remember is their internet presence. Scour through the company’s website and web browser reviews. In the reviews, you will notice whether or not they have an outstanding number of people who give five stars. If they have terrible reviews, it’s time to scan the next entity. Even if they have five stars, read why they got different star ratings like a 3-star rating. Ask yourself, “What about this client’s experience made it a sub-par service?” On the website a good company usually has an innovative website that lists the remodel processes and prices clearly and caters to the customer. Hopefully, your initial reaction to their website is, “These people look like they have it together.” Usually, the website will give you almost everything you need to know to decide if this company is the best fit for you. By comparing and contrasting different 5-star companies through the website and the reviews, you can narrow your options down to the optimal remodeler for you. Reviewing Documentation Another way to evaluate the array of remodelers is when you receive different estimates and proposals. After receiving these documents, you can see the services provided to you according to the total price. By comparing and contrasting the service descriptions and price breakdowns, you may find that one contractor does not mention floor protection in the proposal. In contrast, the other will note that they cover and protect your home during construction. An example like this points out how much they care about your home. Another thing to remember is how quickly you received your documents. If a remodeler is thorough about your project, it may take a month or two to finalize your project requirements before construction begins. Sifting Past Experiences As a customer, you can ask past clientele and vendors about their experience with a certain organization. Past clients will not lie to you; they paid thousands of dollars to complete a remodel. Either they had a great experience, or it could’ve been better. The last thing to munch on is making sure you have set expectations with the contractor. It’s a good idea to record what was said so you don’t wake up with doubts. Listing out your wants and needs will save future headaches for any professional because sometimes pros lack the consideration necessary for good customer service. Sometimes, it’s best to hire the pro to do a simple install or a drywall patch; that way, you see beyond any shadows of doubt what their work ethic is, how clean they are, and if they are carefully moving around the home with breakable items. A good experience on a small job will reflect well on how they manage your remodel. With a remodel, it can be a good thing that the process seems slow. Only as long as the company is working on your project every day. I have heard stories of contractors showing up once a week and not coming when they said they would. To simplify this article, remember that it comes down to conscientiousness and reliability with whom you decide, and everything else tends to fall into place.

Sometimes it feels like there is not enough room for anything. Sometimes we have the inner speech saying "get off your lazy..." and we clean and organize and do the boring task most of us hate. In this article I hope you find ideas that will permanently open your living spaces, regardless of the mess you may or may not need to attend to. Open Up Your Floor Plan: Create an open floor plan to make your main living area feel less crowded. This layout offers a feeling of spaciousness without increasing the home’s overall square footage. Part of your plan could be simpler furniture or mounting your TV so you can get rid of the entertainment stand. Use Area Rugs: One of the simplest yet most effective ways to separate an open floor plan and create individual areas is with area rugs. Rearrange Furniture: Create the perception of individual living spaces within an open floor plan simply by rearranging furniture. Add Simple Barriers: Invest in physical barriers for added separation when family members are vying for space to call their own. Re-Paint the Area: You can paint your walls lighter colors or paint 3 walls a golden color with a contrasting accent color on the 4th wall. Remove Walls: Demolish shared walls between living spaces. For instance, maybe there’s a wall between the kitchen and the living room. You may be able to create square openings in the middle of a shared wall. BE SURE to ensure that the wall is not LOAD BEARING. Read here for more information on load-bearing walls. Install Skylights: Ceilings can feel like they are too low. Adding a typical 2’ x 2’ skylight is compelling enough to drastically add the illusion of depth to your home while adding free light. Multipurpose Islands: Consider an open-plan layout that blends the kitchen with living or dining areas. Multipurpose islands serve as dining spots, preparation areas, and storage spaces. Remember, the key is to use light, neutral colors on both walls and furniture to create a roomy feel. Maybe the simple option is organizing and throwing away things you do not need. However, that’s a boring option! May these ideas inspire spaciousness!

Load-bearing walls are a crucial part of any building’s structure. They support the weight of the building and distribute it down to the foundation. Understanding these walls is essential for both construction professionals and homeowners alike. What Are Load-Bearing Walls? Load-bearing walls are structural elements that bear the weight of the building above them, transferring it to the foundation below. Ceiling joist ends rest on the top of these walls as well. They can be constructed with 2x4 or 2x6 wood walls, or more hardened material, like brick or blocks. Refer to the image below: Importance of Load-Bearing Walls Load-bearing walls are vital for the structural integrity of a building. They support the floors, roof, and any additional levels of the building. Without these walls, buildings would not be able to stand up to the forces of gravity and could collapse. Identifying Load-Bearing Walls Identifying load-bearing walls can be tricky, especially in older buildings. Here are a few tips: Blueprints: The surest way to identify a load-bearing wall is to refer to the building’s blueprints. Wall Direction: In general, load-bearing walls run perpendicular to floor or ceiling joists. Exterior Walls: Most often, exterior walls are load-bearing. Eaves: Eaves are the edges of the roof that extend beyond the walls of the exterior substrates. However, it’s always best to consult with a structural engineer or a professional if you’re unsure. Can You Remove Load-Bearing Walls? Yes, but it’s not a DIY job. Removing a load-bearing wall requires careful planning and execution to ensure the building’s structural integrity isn’t compromised. Typically, a temporary support wall is built, the load-bearing wall is removed, and then a beam or another type of structural support is put in its place. Load-bearing walls are an essential part of any building. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to renovate or a professional in the construction industry, understanding these walls is crucial. Always consult with a professional when dealing with these structural elements to ensure safety and structural integrity. Remember, when it comes to load-bearing walls, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Are you tired of finding water leaks in your kitchen or bathroom? Don't let this frustrating situation get the best of you and don't pull out the checkbook just yet! Instead, take control and fix the leak yourself with these 2 easy stages. Stage 1: Identification First, identify the source of the leak by using a flashlight, dry hands, and a clean rag. Check your drain pipes, feel for any moisture, and examine the water lines and the shut-off valve. Once you've found the source, it's time to tighten the connections. Below are possible leaks you may be experiencing. Drain-Pipe Leak: Shut-Off leak: Water Line Leak: Stage 2: Resolution To tighten the connections, you will need two crescent wrenches and a 6-in-1 screwdriver. Run hot water over the drainpipe and hand-tighten the connections. Be careful not to over-tighten or break the drain line. If it's a water line, use your crescent wrench to tighten the nut that threads onto the shut-off valve. Don't forget to check the screw holding the handle of the shut-off valve and tighten it too. If it's leaking where it meets the water pipe, use two crescent wrenches to tighten it and provide counterpressure on the water pipe to prevent leaks behind the wall. If required, remove the faucet's water lines before turning off the shut-off valve. In Summation By following these simple steps, you can fix the leak without spending hundreds of dollars on a professional. However, exercise caution while providing counterpressure to avoid breaking anything. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, hire a professional. Take back control and say goodbye to water leaks!

The typical mindset of the homeowner is to keep expenses as cheap as possible. An understandable need as the economy ebb and flows. When it comes time to repair your home, you would like a speedy, quality, repair. In the painting industry, you will be quoted various prices, all of which depend on quality and speed. Since this article is about painting your home, we are going to delve into what a fast job looks like, and what a quality job looks like. Hopefully, you will gain understanding of why you may get different prices from various professionals, and ultimately hire the professional that best fits you. The Fastest Paint Method Let us begin with a fast job. A fast paint job entails this scope, usually done with a paint sprayer machine: The professional masks off doors, windows, walkways, and anything that may be affected by overspray (overspray meaning the fine particulates of the paint that bounce off the painted surface, like spraying with a spray bottle). The professional may fill noticeable cracks in wood, stucco, baseboard, drywall, depending on exterior or interior paint jobs. If the work is outside, a good professional should recommend pressure washing and scraping your walls. Doing so will remove loose and chalky paint, ensuring the new paint coat has maximum adhesion. The professional takes a day or two at most to spray the entire home, again, depending on exterior or interior jobs. This fast job, across the board, is the cheapest you will find because it spits the paint rapidly, covering the previous paint lickety-split. However, spraying does not allow the paint to seep into wood grain, hairline stucco cracks and holes; all of which are areas for water to build up, and rot away over the years. Horton Remodeling has seen spray painted homes, and in only a few years the paint begins to fade because the method only “blankets” the substrate. This is good for clients who need a quick maintenance coat, but not good for clients who need a long-lasting job. The Best Paint Job Let's finally talk about a high-quality paint job. A good paint professional recommends roll-n-brush method: The professional follows proper preparation practices listed above, except it requires less masking and drop clothes, and more time is spent brushing and rolling. The professional begins brushing the paint close around windows, doors, light fixtures, etc.; also known as cut in work. The professional begins rolling the paint on all required surfaces. This process can take up to a week and more, and uses more paint, depending on the square footage in question. As you can see, this job takes longer for a good reason. This is because you are physically pushing paint into every crevice, which gives a deeper and more durable hold. It provides better coverage and leaves the paint drying denser than the spraying method. It also takes more time for the paint job to fade away. The bottom line here is that this finish costs you more. More time spent is equivalent to more money necessary to complete. Additional Considerations As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. When making a hiring decision ask yourself these questions: Will they adequately cover and mask off? Will they leave spots where old paint is showing through? Will they leave paint drops on landscaping or other property? Do they work efficiently? Do they communicate effectively? Do they dress neatly, and uphold a tidy work environment? Will they keep track of your requests? Also consider their paint methods (spray vs. roll – n – brush). The items discussed in this article are all variables that hold potential in price differences between different pros. As a customer you will run into all kinds of people. Some people may show up, and the project manager has shared zero information to the professionals, so time ends up being wasted there. Sometimes you will have people who just show up one day to say “we are here to work now! Ready or not here I come!” Typically, these are situations for companies who charge less than others. But if you factor in what has been written in this page, you will hopefully have a better chance of getting what you need.