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Our Process
As a service-oriented
company, the main focus of Healthy Painting, LLC is to deliver the highest
quality result for each client in the healthiest manner possible. We offer insight,
education, comfort, and trust in a confident and comfortable manner. While we love clients who are engaged in
each step of the project, clients who hire us due to our experience and
reputation and let us loose to take care of things can count on being very
satisfied with the results.
Here is a look at
exactly what to expect from us, from the free estimate all the way through
the follow-up of a completed job.
We offer this
“peek inside the mind of the contractor” to offer you insight into why we ask
the questions we ask and what you may want to consider before getting estimates
for your project.
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Of
course, our process starts when you contact us:
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Just call or text
us at 206.650.4587
or
email us at: info@healthypainting.com
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What We Will Ask You
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How
did you hear about us?
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A lot of our
business comes from the referrals of happy clients. We want to be able to
thank those who passed on our name.
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Have
you checked out our website or listened to our podcasts?
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This lets us know
what you already know about our company:
* that we are
more than an established company with a strong commitment to excellence on
each job
* that we bring
with us our decades of experience, educational trainings, environmental and
community commitment
* that we are licensed,
bonded, and insured
* that every job
we do is backed by our 100% high-quality service & satisfaction
guarantee.
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What
is it that you want done?
Interior,
exterior, or both?
Is it a touch up, a room, a whole house…?
Are
you fixing the place up for your family or are you getting ready to sell?
Is
this for your home or a rental
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Details are
important.
It’s important to
know ahead of time what you may be getting into because not all projects are black
and white (color pun intended). In some cases merely touching up something may
be all that is needed for a major impact (e.g., ceiling only, walls only,
trim only). At other times, a job will
include extensive repair and restoration work, and there could be a lot of
decisions to make regarding strategy, materials, cost, and time.
What is the
purpose of the project (your home, your rental, readying for resale)?
We find that, all
too often, people putting up properties for sale are looking to get away with
the smallest financial investment possible, to the point of unfortunate compromises
on quality. Over the past 32 years, we have come upon many jobs that were executed
poorly by property sellers – we often meet the buyers in their process of
undoing the damage. Something does not
have to be a structural or foundation issue for it to be an unfortunate and
avoidable surprise for new homeowners!
Are we the best painting company for you?
There are many painting contractors in the
field and they run the gamut of price and quality. We are high-end painters
and are best suited for clients that are looking for the highest level of
experience, quality, and guarantee available.
* We do not take
on a project simply based on the fact that it is available.
* We do not
compromise on the quality of our labor nor on the quality & safety of
materials.
* If someone is
seeking to “just get it done fast and cheap,” then we are not a good match
for that job.
We have turned down many projects for
these very reasons.
There are a lot of good painters out
there, if you’re looking for a great painter, call Healthy Painting, LLC!
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Do
you have any health or safety concerns that relate to this project?
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Do you have allergies,
chemical sensitivities, asthma or respiratory ailments? Do children, elderly individuals, or pets
live in the home?
Many of our
clients initially sought us out for our expertise in personal and environmental
health. Please don’t be shy – these
issues are too important and we will work with you to decide what the best
products and work methods are for your project. There is so much more to
being a healthy company and providing healthier alternatives to the standard
painting and painting-related services than just using a can of paint that
has the words “green,” “eco,” and “low or no voc” printed on the label.
Let us prove to
you that quality, beauty, health, and safety can be accomplished on your
project.
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When
was your home built?
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We ask this
because the law is very specific regarding structures built before 1978
because of the use until that time of lead-based paints.
On April 22,
2008, EPA issued a rule
requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed
at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010,
contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb
lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before
1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent
lead contamination.
Contractors that
work on structures built prior to 1978 are required to participate in a
lead-certified training course and then obtain legal certification for their
company.
*** Please make sure, no matter who you
hire, if the law applies to you, that these documents are current and valid
before signing a contract!***
We have completed
these trainings and have obtained this certification. We have also completed additional trainings
from the American Lung Association and the National
Center for Healthy Housing, and we
are members of the Northwest Eco-building
Guild. See our website’s “Training
& Affiliations” page for more information.
But what about
homes built after 1978?
Just because this
law draws a line at 1978, does not mean all volatile and toxic materials
suddenly vanished in that moment. Although
your home may have been build post-1978, you can rest assured that our
commitment to the health of your home and family remains our ultimate goal.
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What
work was done in the past?
Do
you know who did the work?
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Although this
information may not seem as important as many other things related to the
project, it very well may provide a basis of understanding for any potential
issues that could come up. Being that we’ve been in the business for so long
we have an understanding of how to do a great job, whether it is starting a
project from a fresh perspective or remedying an existing situation. We have
a very thorough understanding of how other home owners, individuals, and
contractors tend to do things based on their knowledge, experience, and
commitment. Often we can determine what level of quality was executed towards
the preparation and the finish, as well as the types and qualities of the
materials used.
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Do
you have any of the old paint or products left over from the last time it was
painted or know what was used?
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All of our
decisions are based upon our commitment to health and quality.
Although it is
not imperative, it is very helpful to know what products and materials were
used in the past. As with many things in life, the ingredients and quality of
paint and painting-related products have changed significantly throughout the
years (mostly for the better). This is generally more of an issue with older
homes, but not exclusively. For example, how much have we all heard about
off-gassing issues in brand new homes?
At one point in
time, most paints contained lead, and following that much of the paint was
oil/alkyd based, and then there was a general mix between oil/alkyd and
latexes/acrylics. Although it is not generally recommended to do without
proper and thorough preparation, you can potentially coat oil/alkyd over
latex/acrylic. However, you absolutely
should never try putting latex or acrylic directly over oil/alkyd.
If you are starting
a fresh project, the products that were used in the past are not necessarily
much of an issue. If your project involves touching up, matching existing
work, or doing just one wall, then knowing the products that that were used
previously would be much more important. Touching up, matching or doing part
of an area is nearly impossible without using the exact same paint (from the
exact same can) that was used prior. Paint needs to have been stored properly
in order to maintain its usability. Over time, elements such as sun, heat,
water, and dirt will make the surface nearly impossible to match, and even
the same paint will eventually become unusable in storage.
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Do
you know what type of products that you want to be used on this project?
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We work with you
to determine which products, colors, sheens, and methods of application make
the most sense for the results you desire and honor the commitment and
reputation that our company has earned.
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Do
you have colors or some ideas about colors picked out already?
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Color choice is
very personal. After so many years in the business, the client’s choices of
colors and combinations colors are something that rarely fails to be exciting
and refreshing to us, every single time. As each and every client is unique
and individual, their tastes and preferences in color choices are unique and
individual as well. There are seemingly infinite colors and color
combinations available to choose from. The many possibilities and deeply
personal relationship to color can make it equally challenging and difficult
for some clients to choose.
In order to
operate our business as efficiently and effectively as possible, It is
imperative that all decisions regarding which colors and sheens are going to
be used, and exactly where they are going to be applied, be made prior to
solidifying any details of a project. This policy within our company prevents
us from even putting a project onto our schedule until all colors and sheens are
selected and documented by the client. Every color requires its own application and
the amount of time, effort, and cost could vary significantly depending on
your choices. Deep and dark tones require more coats and are much more
challenging to apply than lighter colors. Though often visually appealing,
many yellows, reds, and oranges are particularly translucent and can be quite
challenging. There are similar considerations
to be made regarding sheens. The general rule of thumb is “the lower the
sheen, the warmer the look and feel” a room will have. Eggshell is the most difficult sheen to
apply and to touch up. Every product has its own level of durability related
to color and sheen, due to the ingredients required to produce each of the
desired results. If you are concerned
about how a completed project will wear, we can talk with you about that.
The conversations
we try to avoid have to do with color choices. Over the years, we have found that decision
is just too personal for most clients. We work with several competent and
very capable color consultants/designers and are happy to pass on their
contact information to you, if you so desire. If you prefer to make your own
color decisions, we suggest you get a small sample of what you like and try
it out ahead of time. Sometimes pulling out a piece of furniture (that can be
pushed right back over the test area, once it has thoroughly dried) and doing
some of the wall, or trying a section inside of a closet works out great if
you wish to keep your experiment a bit hidden away. Please know that whatever
brand or kind of paint you use in order to affirm your color decision, we can
match the color you want completely for your project.
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Have
you carefully examined all surfaces, areas, and structures for any
pre-existing damage or other issues?
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The less
significant concerns we are referring to are certain types of spills and
stains that are either permanent or cannot be easily removed. Spilled paint
or drips of paint on or around the work surfaces and area are very
commonplace. Some of this can be dealt with by the contractors, when they
clean up, yet much of it is has often long since set and may not come up.
The more
significant concerns are things that are cracked, broken, or missing, such as
windows, siding, trim, roofing, and flooring. It is very common for clients
to not even be aware of issues that have existed in their homes for many
years. Some of these issues may impede starting or completing contracted
plans, and may need to be addressed.
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Do
you have a budget in mind for the project?
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It’s safe to say
that with very little effort you could find someone that says they “can paint.”
Despite all of the legal requirements, the painting contracting field is very
easy to get into. Therefore, the level of quality and consistency between
different individuals and companies providing services is extremely
unregulated.
Only the clients themselves
know what level of quality, experience, and budget they are able to or choose
to put into any project.
For our company,
aside from possessing all of the required elements needed to operate a
business legally (which anyone can buy), our experience, education,
commitment, and the testimonials of our clients serve as our best
credentials.
As important as
it is for a potential client to decide if we are good match for what they are
seeking, it is equally important for us to know what expectations the client
has regarding service, quality, and guarantee, in order for us to determine
if we are a good match.
* We do not take
on a project simply based on the fact that it is available.
* We do not
compromise on the quality of our labor nor on the quality & safety of
materials.
* If someone is
seeking to “just get it done fast and cheap,” then we are not a good match
for that job.
We have turned down many projects for
these very reasons.
There are a lot of good painters out
there, if you’re looking for a great painter, call Healthy Painting, LLC!
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Do
you have a start and/or completion time in mind?
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We live in a time
when there is always something that has to be done or someplace that we have
to be. Our time is important to us and there is generally not enough of it.
We have come to expect “fast” as being a way to do things.
Our service is
not quite aligned with that mindset. It’s safe to say that the time it takes
to deliver our service is rarely “fast,” and if that’s what you’re looking
for there are certainly many options available. If what you are looking for
is a service that is delivered efficiently with guaranteed high quality
results, then we may be considered the best match for your needs.
We do everything
within the means of our small individually-focused business to accommodate
the varying needs of all our clients. It’s important for us to know your timeline
expectations in order to efficiently schedule projects around each other. If
need be, our services are available year-round and around the clock, which we
have done many times helping out clients with those last minute projects that “just had to get done.”
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If
we were to secure the job, is there any work that you are having done that
needs to be completed before we start?
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We do not paint
until everything that needs to be done beforehand is completed.
Although we are
primarily an interior/exterior painting company, we also offer painting-related
services. After many years in the business, we have acquired the ability to
perform many contracting related tasks that you may not automatically expect
us to be able to do. Just ask!
We also work with
and have acquired a list of many contacts of quality individuals and companies
that provide the services that we do not provide, that we believe share our
level of quality and commitment to environmental responsibility.
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The Estimate
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The estimate is
usually our first meeting with potential clients, and it gives us both a chance
to get a feel for each other and the project.
Although we
provide what is considered to be one of the lowest cost remodels available,
it is not something to be taken lightly and still requires an investment.
If we are to do
the work in the most proper, thorough, and professional manner possible and stake
a 100% guarantee upon it, it is going to require a reasonable investment of
time and energy, in order to meet and look at things.
What we will do
at the estimate:
* We will show
you photos of past projects along with our legal documentation and training
certifications.
* We will go
through any specific questions of note (you will have had a chance to review
these beforehand and either sent them back or hand them to us when we get
there).
* We will ask if
you have any questions or concerns that are particularly important to you.
* We will ask
about any pre-existing concerns (cracked windows, dripped paint, damaged
siding, broken gutters, and so on.)
* We will ask
about and look at any old materials that you may have available on site.
* We will ask if
there any particular surface or area(s) that you do not want touched.
* We will take a
scraper, sandpaper, and a small drop cloth to the project site and we may work
a small section. This helps us see exactly
what we are getting into (more commonly with exterior projects).
* We will then
measure the project.
* We will ask if
you have a preferred window of time for the project start and completion.
* We will ask if
there are any new questions or concerns.
* We will leave
you with an introduction packet.
* We will make
sure we have all your contact info and ask how you would like us to get the proposal
to you and let you know when you should expect to receive it.
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Scheduling Project/Beginning
Work
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Scheduling
a start date:
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After receiving a
signed copy of the proposal, the client’s completed color/sheen form, and the
deposit, we are ready to commit to a start date for the project.
In our business, we
do everything we can to accommodate the schedules of our clients, yet it is
very difficult to predict an exact start and completion date and time of any
project. We take the time it needs to do it right and to be able to honor our
reputation and guarantee. Once we are given a preferred start and end date, providing
that spot has not been previously secured in our schedule, we do everything
we can to meet that request.
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Photos
and yard sign:
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We ask for
permission to take photos of our progress and to place our company’s sign on
your property for the duration of the time that we are working on your
project.
We never share
any specific personal information about you or your project with anyone, ever.
The only information we ever share is the part of town where the project is located
and the type of work we are doing or have done there.
Sign placement
serves the dual purpose of promoting our high quality, health and community-focused
service, along with letting others know that you are improving the look,
quality, and value of the your home and property, and doing so in a
conscientious manner, which is ultimately an asset to the neighborhood as a
whole.
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Talking
to neighbors:
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Letting neighbors
know that you are having some work done on your property informs them that
there will be some unfamiliar people/vehicles/activity taking place. Especially
with exterior projects (ladders, drop cloths, storage, etc…) or locations
where parking or shared living challenges are present, this is an opportunity
to work out any potential access issues. We can provide them with our contact
information and assure them that we would be available for any questions or
concerns about themselves, their property, or the project as a whole.
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Carefully
examining the structure for any pre-existing damage or issues that might have
been unknown to the home-owner prior to beginning:
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This is the point
where we thoroughly examine the project site for pre-existing damage or
issues that the homeowner has not already communicated to us. Some pre-existing issues may be better
detected by us due to our level of experience.
This protects the
homeowner from having issues they are not aware of that could potentially
lead to bigger problems if not tended to.
We are thoroughly
committed to our reputation and your satisfaction, beyond the scope of our
work. We will not allow something to slip by or merely work over something
merely for the sake of collecting a check and moving on to another project. We
absolutely do not cut corners or bypass something just because the client may
never see it. Our client relationships are built on trust and the potential
for future referrals and projects.
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Establish
a safe area to store tools and materials that will be used on the job-site:
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Although we
occasionally will do a project that lasts for one day, the majority of our
projects last longer. While there are companies that do it, we do not see it
as efficient or sensible to tear down a fully set-up project and take all the
tools off of a job site each day when work will cover several consecutive
days. Having a safe place to access our
tools and materials which does not inhibit the client’s ability to access their
home just makes good sense.
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Rest
room access and usage:
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Many construction
companies that do more intensive and expensive remodel and construction will
fit the cost of a portable restroom unit into their estimates. Except for
large restoration projects, this is much less of a common practice in the
paint contracting field. We are generally able to work out restroom access with
clients, and we do so with the utmost commitment to cleanliness and respect.
We do understand that this does not always fit with the wishes or concerns of
some clients, and we are always up for the potential of bringing a portable
unit onto the property or using off-site facilities.
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Places
to get local sustainable meals and coffee shops:
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If you know
places like this in your area, please share the information with us. We love to help other local businesses that
share our values (and discover great places to eat in the process).
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Contact
information:
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At this point we
are going to make sure that we have all your contact information and that you
have all of ours.
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Any
other questions or concerns you might have:
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We will ask if
there might there be anything that you would like to bring up or anything you
wish to ask us before we proceed.
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Doing the work
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Starting
work inside:
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When working
inside, we will need to have the furniture and other objects moved away from
the walls and areas that are to be worked on. It is often better to remove
everything from the area completely; yet putting everything into the middle
of a room/area is often adequate. If we are doing the ceilings, it is
important that access is not impeded.
All items that
are breakable, valuable, or sentimental need to be removed from the work area
prior to the start of the job.
It is important
to mark any nails, hooks, hangers, brackets that are to remain intact. The easiest
way is to this is to place a small piece of tape (the blue tape works best,
on account of its high visibility and low tack) directly on top of the piece.
We can assist you
with any of these tasks if need be, provided the need for this is communicated
ahead of time. Otherwise, please plan to have the area ready for us when we
arrive.
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Starting
the work outside:
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When working
outside we will need the client to remove all screens from the home or
building prior to the start of the project, as well as anything that is
leaning against or attached to the structure that will impede us from having
complete access to all surfaces of the home or building.
All vegetation
needs to be trimmed/cut back to an adequate distance that will allow us to access
the surface. There are many ways to protect greenery that is important to you
and cannot be moved. Please communicate the need for this ahead of time so we
can adequately prepare for it.
All items that
are breakable, valuable or sentimental need to be removed from the work area
prior to the start of the job.
It is important
to mark any nails, hooks, hangers, brackets that are to remain intact. The
easiest way to do this is to place a small piece of tape (the blue tape works
best, on account of its high visibility and low tack) directly on top of the
piece.
We can assist you
with any of these tasks if need be, provided the need for this is communicated
ahead of time. Otherwise, please plan to have the area ready for us when we
arrive.
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Dropping
off:
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This is a term
used by painters which basically means using drop-cloths to not only protect
the work area, but to capture any paint or material that drops from the
surface as it is being worked on. We use reusable cloth drops on most
projects, except for those that fall under the lead rule when we are required
to use disposable plastic.
In the specific
instances where plastic works better than cloth, primarily due to its being
so much lighter (for covering some furniture), and we are not working under
the lead rule, we make it a point to reuse it as many times as possible until
it has completely outlived its usefulness. Our methods are an exception in an
industry that will put down tons of plastic, roll it up at the end of one
project, and throw it away just because it is more convenient. This is one of
the most common abuses of the SPRAY painting field, and there is no way
around it with that style of paint application.
On jobs that last
consecutive days, we pick up the drop cloths from walkways/entryways, steps/stairs,
hallways or areas that are being used when the work is not being done and
concerns for safety are present.
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Taping
and papering:
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On every project
there are areas that must be kept free of paint. Although most of the time
drop-cloths are adequate for these areas, there are circumstances when painter’s
tape and paper are more appropriate. We are committed to being conscious and
responsible in all of our decisions regarding materials, therefore we use
these particular products sparingly. This is another exception in an industry
that will put down tons of tape and paper, roll it up at the end of one
project, and throw it away just because it is more convenient. This is another
one of the common abuses of the SPRAY painting field, and there is no way
around it with that style of paint application.
We do not spend
any time taping all the glass surfaces of a window, then tear it off when it
is done and deal with the residue that is left on the glass. Our level of
craftsmanship and experience allows us to do a great job of painting it
outright without the waste. You will
be impressed!
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Cover
plates, hardware and other fixtures:
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We have a general
rule that when encounter cover plates, hardware, and other fixtures that are
to be kept free of paint, we remove only those that are easily removed and won’t
cause any unforeseen issue in the future by doing so. When we are faced with
hardware or fixtures that could possibly be damaged by their removal, we adequately
protect them in place.
It is common
practice for some painters to remove everything (fixtures, hardware, and in
some cases even the trim detail) from an area prior to doing the work and
then put it all back at the end of the project. We absolutely do not do any
of this. It far too inefficient and risky from a structural and mechanical
standpoint.
When you are
great at what you do, it is not necessary to tear everything apart, put it back
together afterwards, touch up that which was compromised in the process, and trust
that it will all work out. Our method is to protect everything, do as little
deconstructing as possible, and do a great job painting.
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Cleaning
(exterior):
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The cleaning or wiping
down of areas/surfaces is performed in different steps of the process on an
exterior project than it would be on an interior project. With the exterior
it is done first, and with an interior it happens after much of the
preparation has taken place.
What you should know:
* When beginning
to wash the outside of a home or building, all windows and doors must be kept
closed.
* When cleaning the
exterior, we very rarely use a pressure washer. We use a regular garden hose
and scrub brushes. Many contractors use method of an extreme power washer
blasting as an alternative to spending the time doing a proper and thorough
preparation.
* When you use a
pressure washer on your house, you are ultimately removing a lot more than
just dirt. In the case of most older homes where a long period of time has
passed since the last paintjob, there are often areas of peeling paint
alongside wall surfaces of compromised integrity, primarily from being
exposed for any length of time.
* A pressure
washer can cause structural damage, as well as force water into areas that
could cause leaks and create water damage inside the home, far worse than a
hose and scrubbing could do. There is also a much longer period of time needed
to adequately dry out the surface structure that has been blasted with a
pressure washer, as opposed to that of a thorough hose and bucket scrubbing.
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Scraping:
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Primarily on the
exterior, proper and thorough scraping is where the bulk of the real preparation
happens (especially with older homes). There is more to doing it right than
that which meets the eye. An inadequate “once over” would most certainly
compromise the end result of many homes. We scrape every surface, in every
area. Nothing is untouched - every crack and crevice. We do not make any assumptions about
something being adequately scraped or an area not needing it. We are breaking
loose the old paint. You can almost hear the house taking a breath.
Initially, we scrape
all loose paint from the house concentrating on one section, scraping from
various directions to ensure optimal loose paint removal. Once the initial
scraping is completed, we then perform a complete second scraping. Often, as
air and sunlight infiltrate the structure during and after the initial
scraping, more paint will tend to loosen. Every single inch of the house is
gone over thoroughly a second time.
We certainly do
interior scraping, though to what amount and degree is determined on a case
by case basis.
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Sanding:
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This is the most
labor intensive part of our interior projects. Using a contractor’s lamp on
each and every square inch of an interior projects surface, we remove every
imperfection, indentation, and bump.
We do exterior
sanding, though to what amount and degree is determined on a case by case
basis.
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Cleaning
(interior):
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On the interior,
the complete and thorough wiping down and cleaning of all surfaces follows
the scraping and sanding. All horizontal surfaces and most vertical surfaces
are vacuumed, and then everything is wiped down with hot water. Generally no
cleaners or solutions are used. All trim work is wiped down with a non-toxic,
(nearly) bio-degradable solution that assures the most thorough and durable
application of coating products possible.
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Spackling:
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Using the safest
and most non-toxic spackling available, we fill any and all surface
imperfections (holes, indentations, cracks or recessed damage). Anything that
compromises the surfaces’ potential for being as flat as possible, or compromises
the surfaces’ intended texture is safely, properly, and adequately repaired.
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Caulking:
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On interior projects,
caulking is applied inside of the corners where the walls meet walls and
ceilings and along the edges and seals of trim work. While increasing the
visual aesthetics of an interior, it also helps to conserve energy, and keep
out air, moisture, and outdoor life.
On exterior
projects, caulking is applied around windows, doors, trim work, soffits, and
rooflines as well as to cracks, holes, and smaller open spaces. When done
properly, exterior caulking can significantly increase the aesthetics. The
proper and thorough application of caulking is much more imperative on the
exterior than the interior in terms of its ability to help conserve energy,
keep out air and moisture, and to keep outdoor life from getting inside.
On older homes,
caulk breakdown is generally quite significant. It is safe to say that most
homes are not caulked adequately. There are right and wrong places to caulk (between
most siding boards - no!). Going above
and beyond is something we do when it comes to proper caulking application
because of the value to the client.
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Priming:
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Proper priming, most
especially on older home exteriors, can be more important than the topcoat/surface
coat. Priming is something that is often taken for granted and executed
inadequately. It is often mistaken for a merely visual component, rather than
the integral part of many paint jobs that it is. Quality primer is important
and it helps to create the palette that makes for a more quality finish
coat(s).
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Painting:
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There are right
and wrong ways to paint, and a proper and thorough job is very
distinguishable. We paint in places that are beneficial and useful, that the
client may never even see. All of the steps prior to the painting having been
executed properly are responsible for turning the actual painting into a work
of art. This is the part of the project that delivers a sense of a job well
done.
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Initial
task completion check:
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We have an
extensive checklist we use to make sure that we are satisfied with a project’s
results. Most people do not know everything to look for in a properly
executed job, but as professionals, we do. Before we even ask a client to
sign off on a project, we must be satisfied as a company, or it’s not done.
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Clean
up:
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This is one of
our signatures that is most often acknowledged and recognized by clients.
Clients have communicated shock and amazement on how thorough a job we have done
cleaning up.
* We work to make
cleaning up and being organized a daily activity and not just something we do
at the completion of the project.
* We go above and
beyond the cleaning efforts of most workers, often clean up after work that
was done in the past and often clean up parts of the worksite that do not
have anything to do with work we even did, because it made everything look
better.
* Our cleanliness
reflects our commitment to the environment, the homeowner, and our
appreciation for the work.
* We clean the
windows and gutters on all exterior projects and clean all of the exterior
windows in the rooms/areas we have worked in, regardless of how little work
we did or how little of a mess we might have made.
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Have
all cover plates and other items removed been replaced?
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We put back
everything and will often pick up new switch and outlet plates, if they are
going to increase the visual aesthetic of the room.
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Has
all garbage been picked up, properly secured, and removed from work-site?
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Part of our
service includes taking away all of the trash accumulated during our time on
the project. We have our own refuse and recycle cans and we take everything
to the transfer station ourselves and dispose of all items properly. We throw
out the trash, we recycle the recyclable, and we dispose of hazardous waste
per the requirements of the location. We welcome questions regarding the
proper way to do this and will be offering more on this soon. We are always
open to helping the client know what is hazardous and even disposing of it for
them for a reasonable fee. Please don’t just let someone haul away and
dispose of hazardous materials improperly, merely because it is convenient or
comes at a low cost.
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Have
all paint cans been closed securely and been labeled properly?
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We mark all of
the paint cans by colors, sheens, and rooms, to make identification easier in
the future. We let you know how to properly store materials, which is
basically keeping them dry, away from kids and pets, and not in an area that
is susceptible to freezing temperatures. Although we use the safest and
healthiest paints available, they still need be used and stored with care.
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Has
everything that was moved been put back?
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In many cases it
is best to leave things alone for at least 24 hours before putting anything
back. We will put back anything that we helped move initially, if the finish
quality or the curing process is not going to be compromised, otherwise we
generally leave it up to the client. Of course, if you need help with this
after the surfaces have cured properly, please talk with us about it.
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We
then give the client an opportunity to sign off on the project:
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At the point we
feel we have completed everything, we then encourage the client to go over
every aspect and decide whether or not the outcome has met their expectations
or if there might be anything that may still need attention.
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Address
anything that is needed until final client approval:
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If the client
does find anything, it is likely very minimal. In most cases, the client will
not find anything, yet we tend to all matters until a 100% client approval
has been met.
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Inform
client of future cleaning & maintenance protocol:
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We let clients
know how to properly care for the work we have done and to certainly contact
us with any issues.
It is really best
to try not doing anything with the surfaces until the paint is fully
cured. How long does it take paint to cure?
Although on the surface, paint can appear to be dry within several hours, the
truth is that it can take 3 or 4 weeks to fully cure. This is a process that
has to do with the technical makeup of the product and is something that must
happen before the product reaches its full level of quality and durability.
After the proper
cure time, it is always best to use a soft, clean, color-free white cloth with
hot water rung out as much as possible and to carefully wipe - not rub - the
surface. Many cleaners are likely to
produce a discoloration or a stain that may never go away.
Certain paint and
stain colors are more likely to change over time and more drastically under
certain conditions. For your interior spaces, minimizing sunlight exposure,
particularly during the brightest part of the day, by using drapes and
curtains can help limit this process.
Similarly, there are ways to protect exteriors from the constant rain
and sun of our area. Ask us about it!
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Finish
photos:
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We take our final
photos of the completed project.
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Loading
up the equipment and all that need be disposed/recycled:
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We take all
tools, equipment, and refuse off the jobsite.
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Send
invoice, guarantee, and reference & contact list request:
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We will then send
an invoice, a certificate of satisfaction guarantee, and a request for a
reference and inclusion in our contact list.
Healthy
Painting, LLC has always offered a 100% guarantee of satisfaction.
We request a
reference from all of our clients for the same reason that we request the
opportunity to place our company sign while we work on your project. There is
no better way to build our business and continue to inspire and educate than
to demonstrate the high quality of our work and happiness of our clients.
Our contact list allows
us to keep in touch with our clients and let them know of any specials we may
be running. Of course, no client’s personal information is shared with
anyone, ever, and anyone can opt out of our contact list. But why would anyone do that when we are so
incredibly charming?
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Keeping up with the future
of Healthy Painting
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http://healthyhomecast.blogspot.com/
Listen to our
podcast! We interview leading community members in the areas of charity,
safety, well-being, health, leisure, protection and maintenance of the
planet. For those that we love and
those that will be using and counting on this stuff long after we are gone.
http://www.healthypainting.com
Stop by our
website! See what’s new.
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In conclusion
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So basically
that’s it. Hopefully this creates a bit of understanding and ease with the
process. We appreciate your interest and consideration of our services, and
we appreciate when you share the experience and information with others.
Thank you, Darryl L. Whalen
Healthy Painting,
LLC
206.650.4576
info@healthypainting.com
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