Questions we get most

Most two-story houses take one to two weeks of working days, spread across dry weather. A three-story Victorian with a lot of trim takes longer. We write a range into the estimate, not a promised date, because the forecast sets the calendar.

Yes. After we walk the house, we send a written estimate that lists each surface, the repairs, the number of coats, the products and sheens, the colors, cleanup, the schedule and when payments are due.

Rot or damage we find after the old paint comes off, extra colors you add later and scaffold or lift work that isn't listed. We stop, show you, and agree the price in writing before we do anything extra.

For exteriors, move cars off the drive and tell us about gates and pets. You don't have to be home. For interiors, we move furniture to the middle of the room and cover it, but please clear shelves, walls and small items first.

Yes. The EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule applies to paid work that disturbs paint in homes and child-occupied buildings built before 1978. The firm must be EPA Lead-Safe Certified and use set work practices. Our firm number is in the footer, and the Houses built before 1978 page walks through the steps. Your state or city may add rules; we'll tell you what we know.

Bare wood gets primer, and every surface gets two finish coats. We choose the sheen with you: usually low sheen on siding, satin or semi-gloss on trim, and a floor-rated enamel on porch floors.

We buy it and list it on the estimate. We use premium exterior and interior paint, name the product, and give you its data sheet if you ask.

We check the forecast the evening before and again at 6 a.m. Wet boards and wet caulk don't get paint. If rain starts mid-day we cover what's open, clear the site and text you the next dry day. Rain moves the schedule; it doesn't change the written scope.

Washing off moss and dirt, scraping loose paint, sanding edges, caulking and priming bare wood are in the estimate. Replacing rotted wood beyond small patches is priced on its own line once we see how much there is.

Plastic and drop cloths go down under every work area, and shrubs near walls are tied back or covered. Inside, floors, stair treads and furniture are covered, and we vacuum at the end of each day.

A deposit books the dry-weather slot, and the rest is paid in stages that are written on the estimate. We don't offer financing; if that matters to you, ask us before you decide.

Yes. We'll bring painted boards to the house and look at them on the north and south sides in the light you actually have. Many Seattle houses already have a three-color scheme, and we can match it.

Sometimes. If your house is a landmark or sits in a historic district, exterior color changes may need review. Ask your city's historic preservation office before you buy paint, and tell us what you hear.

Ask us for the product data sheet for any paint we propose; it lists what is in it and how long to stay out of a room. We'll plan which rooms to do first so you have a place to sit.