Preparation Levels
WHAT ARE YOU PAYING FOR?
MINIMAL PREP
Our painters will spend a minimal amount of time on preparation, usually enough to just remove any abviously peeling paint without sanding it smooth. Prime as required. Will differ depending on the project at hand. This will be included in the estimate.
This level of prep is usually not recomended since the surface will not be covered by warranty because it isn't expected to last long.
I usually will only recomend minimal prep on something like an old fence that you want to just make look better for a short tim before knocking it down and rebuilding it.
On something important like your home, requesting minimal prep thinking it will save you some money now is a poor idea. It will likely cost more in the long run since you will have to repaint again in the next few years or even sooner.
STANDARD PREP
Unless otherwise specified, this is the level of preparation that will be done on your project. Included in the estimate.
For Interior this means that all walls will be scuff sanded, all wholes filled and sanded smooth, etc. The final finish will meet the industry standard.
For Exterior this means that all peeling will be scraped and sanded smooth. The goal is remove all failing paint and sand the edges until you can no longer get a fingernail underneath the exiiting paint layer. Prime as required. In the final finish you will still be able to see where the areas of peeling were under close inspection, depending on how many layers of paint exist.
All standard preparation is covered by our industry leading warranty.
REFINISHING
Refinishing will only be recomended in a few specific situations or when a client requests it. Refinishing is usually charged by the hour so it is not included in the estimate originaly, it will be added on after the project is complete.
Why charged hourly? In situations such as removing wallpaper or sanding an entire deck or siding back down to bare wood, it is impossible to estimate how long it will take. I could make an educated guess, but if I over estimate it will cost you, and if I under estimate, it will cost me. This way it fairest for both parties. The hourly rate depends on the job at hand.
For the average job, I usually do not recomend a refinish level prep simply because it is much more than required to ensure a long lasting finish. However, to make the surface appear brand new again, a refinish is advised.
Refinishing is of course the best option, but when comparing the cost vs benefit, many find it satisfactory to do standard prep, as is the industry standard.