• There are several key things to look for when choosing a painting contractor. Always check to see if they are licensesed, experience and capabile of completing work to your satisfaction. Look for reputable companies in your local area that have references and photo's of prior work.

•  The cost of a painting job is determined by the level of preparation, attention to detail and quality desired. The old adage is tur you get what you pay for. Accepting a low-bid or negotiating a lower rate may lower the price but if the painter cuts corners to get the job done it will end up cost you more in the long run. Give each painter an identical brief and ask them to itemise the expenses so that you can compare how the money is being spent. You don't have to accept the highest bid but never select a painter solely on price either. You need to feel confident and informed about what you are getting for the money you are being asked to pay.

•  A good quality paint job should last a long time. Interior and exterior paints will have different lifespan's depending on exposure to the elements and the type of surface to be painted. As a general rule most exterior paints will last on average 7 - 10 years. The minimum durability is 2 - 3 years for exterior paints, and 3 years for interior finishes. The keys to good paint performance are proper surface preparation, high quality materials and quality application.

•  Firstly, you should discuss any issues with your paint contractor and ask that they be fixed. Protech Painting offers a technical inspection services We will make a detailed inspection and point out any important issues. You may use this report to resolve the dispute, either in face-to-face discussions with your painter or as evidence at a legal hearing.

• For interior work, we ask that you remove all furniture and valuables from the room. For exterior jobs, trim scrubs and bushes close to the house and remove potted plants, bbqs or sporting equipment that can get in the way. Before starting any job we will always do our best to move furniture, window treatments and fixtures. On completion of the painting we will place all items back in their correct location.

• It will vary from paint to paint and the weather conditions. Expected drying times are listed on the paint can. It generally takes two weeks for paint to fully cure and before a newly painted surface can be scrubbed. For more information see our interior, exterior care tips.
  

• Your house painter will supply all paint and materials. The quotation provided to you by your painter will list the paint brand and color that will be used. Customers may supply their own paint but this is rarely a good idea and often voids any type of warranty from the painting contractor.

• Many professional painters will help you select colours but remember they are experts at painting not choosing colours. It is a good idea to look through magazines, make a list of the colours of your furnishings, go to your local paint store and get colour swatches and test pots. If you want a complicated colour scheme, it may be a good idea to hire a colour consultant. Many professional painters and paint manufactures offer this service

• For interior surfaces, dirt and scuff marks should be cleaned immediately with soap and water. Don't use abrasive cleaners or scrub newly painted surfaces before the paint has cured (usually two weeks). Make sure your painter leaves you with some touch up paint and the details of the brand of paint used, colour number etc so that when it comes to repaint you can match colours.

On a regular basis you should walk around the exterior of your home looking for dryrot, water penetration, cracks, and chalking. Once a year it is a good idea to wash your home to remove the accumulation of surface dirt. High-pressure washes shouldn't be used more than once every 12-18 months.