Month: September 2019

Benefits of Hiring A Painting Company

Paint is one of the easiest ways for homeowners to spruce up their home. A splash of color can make a huge difference in any room. Painting is one of the most time-consuming projects as well. Many homeowners decide against the hassle of doing it themselves and hire a painting company to paint for them. Here are some important questions to ask before deciding on one.

What References Do You Have?

All businesses are successful because of their customers. And, all of the fancy advertising in the world will not bring in more customers if the company doesn’t do good work. Word of mouth is the oldest form of advertising for any business. Many times, Americans will talk to their friends and family when they start looking for a painting company. In the new technology era, there are great websites for homeowners to read reviews about many different companies. Depending on the sites, these reviews will be honest, unbiased accounts of the work performed. Some painting companies may even have a website with reviews, but often times these are handpicked to reflect a more positive view of the company.

How Long Have You Been in Business?

Bad businesses do not tend to stay around for very long. If the company is not professional and customer friendly, previous clients will stop referring them to their friends and family. Worse, if the painting company is less than honest, the police may decide how long they stay in business. Most often, the companies that have been around awhile are a safe bet. They treat their clients right and do not use shady tactics to get more money.

Are You Licensed and Insured?

Depending on the locality, painters need to be licensed by the government to perform work. While some areas do not require licensing, some require the business to register in order to collect business fees and taxes. Others require the license to ensure good business practices are being followed and to track performance. All painting companies, though, should have insurance. They should have workers compensation insurance to cover any accidents to their workers and liability insurance to cover any damages or even theft that may be caused by their crew.

How Is the Contract Structured?

The contract is the most important part of the deal. It should list in detailed fashion all the work to be performed. This should include a detailed list of what work is to be performed by the painting company and at what points in the project payment is due. Due dates should not be specific dates, but a list of milestones. It should also include a detailed list of materials and who will be performing the work. Some painting companies will use their own employees while others may contract out to a third party. The most important thing for homeowners to consider when hiring a professional painter is how they treat people. Early in the process of interviewing different companies, the ones that take the time to explain things are usually the best.

Article submission by St. John’s Painters

How to Spice Up your Backyard with new Furniture & Decor

For most homeowners, the backyard is a place to gather with friends and family to relax. They might have a deck, patio or an open grassy area with some sun and some shade. Create a place where people can sit and relax. Choose a theme, coordinating colors and materials. Choose comfortable yet sturdy furniture that can handle inclement weather. There are many different styles of chairs that can be used with outdoor furniture and other elements to create a relaxing atmosphere. Consider how many people will gather and what types of activities they might like to do in the backyard space.

-Loungers

Lounge chairs are versatile for sitting upright or for sitting back and stretching out the legs. Loungers can also lie flat for sunbathers or nappers enjoying warm weather. These are especially popular poolside, but are versatile enough for nearly any deck, patio or grass area.

-Benches

For a more formal atmosphere, such as a garden or a gazebo, use benches that seat two or more people. They come with and without backs and arms, depending on personal preference. Backyard furniture comes in a variety of materials, and benches are no exception. Consider wrought iron, resin or aluminum for sturdy seating.

-Wheels

For a more versatile seating arrangement, choose seating and lounges with wheels. They roll best on a flat surface and allow guests to move closer to their friends or add another person to the social circle. Wheeled lounge chairs are convenient for sunbathers who want to rotate which direction they’re facing for optimal tanning as the sun moves across the sky.

-Chairs

When choosing what type of chairs to buy, consider whether they should have arms or not. When paired with a table, use chairs with or without arms. For casual group seating on the grass or patio without a table, however, armrests will offer support for the guests’ elbows and forearms. Use coordinating tables beside the chairs in group seating for guests to set down food and beverages. Another option is cushioned seating. Decide how comfortable the chairs are without cushions. They may be added to encourage people to sit for a while or to match the rest of the outdoor decor. Chairs with separate cushions allow the updating of the patio set by replacing just the cushions.

-Rockers

For the ultimate in relaxation, count on the rocker. The gentle motion creates a calming atmosphere. Rockers typically come in single or double seating. Wood, resin and other outdoor materials are easy to clean and come in a variety of colors. Most styles have high backs to encourage the people using them to sit back and relax as they rock. When choosing outdoor seating, use backyard furniture that fits the space and adds to the relaxing atmosphere. Seats should match the decor and coordinate with the theme and color scheme. Choose pieces based on location and activities to create the best use of outdoor furniture.