We Love Victorians!
Alameda, California is well known for its maritime history, a history which has produced some of the most beautiful old homes imaginable. The island in the Bay is full of century old wooden homes, built by master craftsmen, many of whom were also ship builders. Being a painting contractor in the Bay Area allows Signature Painting to take on projects that many contractors in other places dream of. The restoration we are currently doing on this 1892 Victorian home is a major undertaking, but just the type of project that we really enjoy doing. A project like this takes meticulous preparation to ready the aging wood surfaces for paint, we’re looking forward to keeping you posted on our progress. Check back next week to see the progress Signature Painting has made on this beautiful Alameda Victorian home.
Article Written By William McKenzie
General Partner
Signature Painting
Selecting a Paint Contractor 101
Now that you want a makeover for your home, you’ll have to choose a painting contractor. Where do you begin? Here are a few pointers to point you in the right direction. No two painting contactors are alike. Each contracting company has their own set of standards, values, and procedures. Other ingredients include employee commitment, experience, and quality of work performed. It is up to you-the consumer-to decide which company you’ll want to do the job.
You can search the yellow pages of the phone book or do an internet search, but unless you know what to look for it can turn into a frustrating waste of time. Ask yourself, “What do I want from a painting contractor?” If your answer is professional and quality work, that’s a start. But you can take it one step further. When doing your research, check to see if the painting contractor is certified and licensed. This means that this painting company has been educated and trained. This is important since you are trusting complete strangers to paint your home. Perhaps the best way to find a painting contactor to paint your home is trough simple referrals. Ask a friend or a family member if they know a reliable and trusted painting contractor. This could give you an instant jump start and save your hours of searching and phone calls
If you can’t find a contractor through a reliable source like a family member or a friend, then it’s time to get out the yellow pages or hop on the internet. Write down any questions you may have ahead of time. Don’t forget to ask your new prospect if they are licensed and insured with general liability and workman’s compensation. You should also know that by law, your prospect is required to have a contractor’s license. If the company isn’t licensed then they may not be qualified or have the expertise needed to complete the job. If you want to check to see if that contractor is certified you can call the Contactor’s State License Board at 1-800-321-2752. You can also visit their website at www.cslb.ca.gov
If you want to check to see if the contractor is insured you can ask them to fax or send you a copy of their insurance directly from their insurance company. It’s always best to be thorough in your investigation. After all, this is your home, and you want the best paint job you can possibly get. Hiring a qualified painting contractor vs. a non-qualified contractor can mean a great job well done or a potential disaster. Now that you’ve been properly educated on how to choose your painting contractor you’re on your way to having the home of your dreams!
Signature Painting: Serving 8 counties:
Napa County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, Solano County, Sonoma County, Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Marin County
Visit us at: http://www.signaturepainting.us/
Or call for a free estimate: 1.800.736.0468
A Safe Home is a Healthy Home
Considering a total home renovation? While you want your outcome to be a beautiful home, it is also important that you hire a painting contactor that is professionally certified in all areas. Hiring a certified painter could mean a difference between a quality job versus a life time of problems. If you’re renovating, chances are you’re trying to revive an older home. This is an exciting adventure, but there are health risks if your
home was built before 1978. Beginning April 22, 2010, all painting contractors need to be certified in the area of renovation. This is due to the large amounts of lead that can be found in paint. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has issued a new rule that requires remodeling companies get certified. Each company will have to pay a $300.00 registration fee with the EPA. At least one employee will need to be trained as a certified renovator through EPA, which will cost a few hundred more dollars out of that company’s pocket. If that company isn’t registered through the EPA fine, charges of over 3,000.000 could incur for each job.
With an April 22nd deadline around the corner, you don’t have to worry about finding the right painting contractor to do the job. Here at Signature Painting we beat our competitors to the punch. We are already certified with EPA. This makes your search for a certified paint contactor less of a headache. Safety is top priority here at Signature Painting. We certainly don’t want anyone to get lead poisoning. We have taken it upon ourselves to keep informed and updated on all health measures of renovating and painting your home. As your paint contractor, we play an important role in the prevention of lead exposure. An ordinary renovation can create dust with lead contaminants. Here at Signature Painting we believe in lead-safe work practices, protecting you and your family from the hazards of lead.
We not only provide quality work you can be proud of, but we provide you With the comfort of knowing our company is certified and knowledgeable in all areas of health and safety-providing you with trained professionals who know their trade. We guarantee our work from start to finish and promise nothing but impeccable service by certified professionals. And while our focus is to prove quality service, we also recognize the value of safety. After all, a safe home is a healthy home!
Signature Painting: Serving 8 counties:
Napa County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, Solano County, Sonoma County, Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Marin County
Visit us at: http://www.signaturepainting.us/
or call for a free estimate: 1.800.736.0468
For more information on lead based paint in your home visit: http://www.homeownernet.com/eco-friendly/leadpaint.html
Make your home lead paint free…call us today!
