Tim Eaton LLC

Serves New Haven, CT

35244

Hired 72 times

1 employee

41 years in business

Not yet available

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and Zelle.

Next Service

Hours

Sun Closed

Mon 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Tues 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Wed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thurs 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Fri 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sat Closed

Credentials

Background Check

Tim Eaton
Completed on 7/13/2021

Introduction

HELLO! I'm in STAMFORD CT. I do not service LONG ISLAND. Also, my minimum service call is $550.00 for small items and half day projects. Tabletop refinishing starts at $750. Furniture stripping and refinishing can take several days and prices start at $1200. Please do not inquire if you're not prepared to accept my minimum pricing structure. Each inquiry cost my business a fee. Please be considerate, SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY!!! That said, the worst mistake a potential customer can make is to not ask a technical question or to assume something can't be done. In many instances, the answer can save you considerable money and the advice is free! I'm proud to offer a wide range of services to enhance the appearance of any home or business. For more than thirty-five years I have been devoted to offering services from color matching damaged painted surfaces (including faux and Venetian plaster) I use state-of-the-art dust extraction equipment that eliminates sanding dust leaving your home or place of business spotless and dust-free. I also use low V.O.C. coatings and waterborne stains eliminating odors and environmentally harmful substances. I am capable of correcting paint issues and color matching that a lot of other contractors shy away from. As a matter of fact, many paint contractors call on me to resolve issues they cannot address themselves. That's the level of experience I'm proud to offer. What I like most about my job is the consistent positive reaction I get at the completion of my projects. Many of my customers have told me they didn't think their finish could be saved or their color could be perfectly matched. I love proving them wrong and walking away knowing I have made them very happy.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

An average room can be painted for between $500 and $1000 depending on degree of preparation and amount of trim. However, pricing is determined by a multitude of factors: distance travelled, tolls, materials to be used, level of difficulty, amount of surface area, accessibility... My pricing is predicated a lot on previous projects with similar attributes. With many years of experience I have a pretty accurate picture of the degree of involvement and what my labor and overhead costs are. I base my bottom line on those costs including insurance and we negotiate from there.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I do my best when I'm contacted to understand exactly what the customer needs. In some cases a few pictures sent to my e-mail help me understand the scope of work involved. I then offer advice and a site visit to determine the conditions and the expectations of the customer. After a visit, I write a formal price proposal in Quickbooks. When it is accepted I ask for a small deposit, usually around ten or fifteen percent, to secure a spot on my schedule. I often encourage my new customers to contact several names on my referral list to assure them of my integrity and my intention to do the best job possible.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I regularly attend local chapter meetings of both Wallcovering Installers Association and the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. Both organizations have educational programs. I also go to Pro Shows sponsored by distributors and manufacturers of the products and tools that I use in my discipline. I just signed up for a prep to finish seminar for sprayed finishes at a local paint store.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I got started painting as a college student as a way to help pay for tuition. I painted my parents' new house after my brother had designed it and had it built. I never looked back.

What types of customers have you worked with?

We are used to interacting with customers with high expectations. Detail oriented customers are the hardest to please but those are the ones we respond to best because it inspires us to be the best we can be.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

We are just now finishing an outdoor screened in porch compete with cedar clad tray ceiling with ceiling fans, recessed speakers and a stone fireplace. We painted columns, headers and ceilings and used natural wood preservative on sanded down recycled railings, new lattices and on the floor. Just in time for summer fun. The customer is thrilled. We've been on this project for close to a month.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Always check references and length of time the prospective service provider has been in business. This way if you have a problem you know the contractor has a reputation to protect and will respond to your needs to do just that.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

The customer should be asking questions beyond the price. It seems the bottom line is often the basis for hiring not the level of experience or the commitment to the industry. The lowest price is not necessarily the right price as cutting corners often leads to quality problems down the road. Folks are often surprised at the scope of services we provide. Our profession is much more complex and demanding than the average consumer can understand. There are trade organizations to which we proudly belong that are dedicated solely to the exchange of information and the betterment of the painting, coatings and wallcovering trades. An educated consumer employing an educated craftsman raises the bar for the whole industry.