Snappy Painting

In order to provide the most accurate estimate for labor and materials, I like to physically see the space in question rather than work from blueprints or measurements that might be emailed. I produce estimates with line items that reflect the cost of a specific task within a room. For example, there might be a line item for painting a living room, and a separate line item cost for painting the trim in that same room. That way if you decide to do or not do a specific line item(s) you would know exactly how that would affect the bottom line.

I would come out to your house, assess the condition of the walls and discuss your vision of your project. After taking notes on the specifics of the jobs, I later send you a formal bid by email. Once accepted I collect payments in a couple different ways. If it's a short job of 3 days or less, I typically just invoice you at the end of the project for the labor and paint/materials. If the job is 5 days or more, I usually request a deposit up front covering a portion of the labor and paint/materials followed by a final invoice upon completion. I supply all paint and materials and those costs are charged to you as a separate line item on the estimate you receive.

No formal education/training, but I do have 27 years on the job experience :)

I started painting 27 years ago (the last 25 years being self-employed). I began as a painter for commercial customers (apartment buildings, some offices, etc). After a couple of years of that I became self-employed and worked with residential clients which was immeasurably more satisfying to work with. Being a very outgoing and gregarious personality it's a pleasure being able to chat with customers and giving advice on colors or design changes vs working solitary in an empty apartment unit.

I've worked with an average of about 30 customers per year throughout the Mpls-St.Paul metro area. From Minnetonka to Lakeville to Woodbury to Blaine. I've seen all sorts of homes from traditional to modern to craftsman, to you name it. The number of personalities of my clients is as varied as the number of colors I've ever applied to any walls over the year.

I'd have to say one of my favorite recent projects was working on a street level urban condo in downtown St. Paul. With the floor to ceiling windows on two sides of a corner unit, it was just a fun experience being really a part of the city while I worked on this project for a few weeks. The color change really fit the urban location and it needed a bit of TLC with the condition of the walls, so overall it came a long way in both the physical condition of the walls as well as the overall aesthetic. Just a really fun process from start to finish.

I always tell potential customers to get more than one estimate. Compare and contrast not only prices, but more importantly, compare the personality and "feel" of your potential contractor. Remember, you have to co-exist with this person for the next 3-15 days in your home. Your contractor needs to fit in with your family as far as vibe and trustworthiness. Shopping based purely on price is usually a bad idea. Or as the old adage goes, "Good painting isn't cheap, and cheap painting isn't good."

I don't think there are necessarily questions that need answers before talking to a professional. I think meeting with a professional for a personalized estimate in your home is the right time for asking questions. It's there that any specific questions are better addressed. A time and space where the contractor is better suited to not only answer questions but also using their years of experience help guide you by using real world examples/experience to help shape how the objectives of your project can be best laid out.