We strive for ultra-clear communication at all points –before, during and after the job.

Step 1. Your Painting Project Pre-Bid Meeting:

• Discuss the interior or exterior painting project that you would like to have completed.

• Determine if there is Lead paint in any of the existing paint coatings? Test for Lead paint as needed.

• Establish your "level of expectation" so the painting project outcome meets or exceeds your expectations.

• Determine your desired time frame for starting the painting project and the final date of completion.

• Itemize any special conditions at your work site regarding children or pets.

• Discuss the details of the crew's presence in your home during the painting project and any of concerns that you might have.

Step 2. Your Painting Project Bid:

• Measure the area to be painted. Western Accents can determine the labor and material cost by estimating the total surface areas to be painted and comparing to previously completed painting jobs. (We have more than 35 years experience!) This bidding experience insures an accurate bid price for labor and material costs, not just a "guess".

• Evaluate the composition and condition of the surfaces to be painted and whether the completed painting project will meet your expectation. This is an important area often overlooked by many. All too often a client will say "I want this repainted," but what they are actually expecting is for the painted surface to be restored to original condition, not just repainted.

• Plan for any surface repair or necessary preparation. We will itemize and explain why any possible surface repairs may be necessary so that the completed painting project results meet your expectations.

• Identify obstacles such as plants or tight corners 30 feet up in the air.

• Determine coatings and color schemes. Paint or stain? Dark colors versus light colors.

Some colors require two coats; others can take up to five.

• Establish color placement of trim and accent colors.

* Can I change my mind?

Of course you can, but keep in mind that changes often require more work hours and more materials. Changing to another paint color in mid-project means cleaning out painting equipment such as sprayers and may also mean extra masking. If this is the case, we will give you a change order to our estimate to approve in advance.

* What if I’m not sure how many colors or what trim I want accented?

Give us your best guess and then tell us it’s just a guess. Before starting your project, we will give you estimates on any change orders you want to make to the original estimate

* Do you offer color scheme advice?

Generally no. We are paint applicators, not designers. However, because we do have a great deal of expertise in applying coatings, we can often tell you if a scheme or finish you are considering may present additional costs or difficulties, such as requiring extra coats for full coverage. If you would like the help of a professional color designer, we can recommend two or three for you to choose from.

* Should I get more than one painting bid?

Homeowners and project managers often get competing bids before deciding on the best painting company for their project. When getting multiple bids from several contractors, however, be sure to tell them all the same thing so you can compare apples to apples. (Also, please make sure you are working with a licensed and bonded painting contractor. Check on their record with the Construction Contractors Board and for homeowners, please make sure you are dealing with a reputable contractor before any money changes hands.)

Step 3: Scheduling Your Painting Project:

• Exterior paint projects require a bit of flexibility due to weather related delays and other factors we can’t control. We will try to give you an accurate start date and keep you updated on the schedule as the work gets closer.

• Interior painting projects are set up on a schedule with a start and estimated ending date. It’s important that we know if you have certain deadlines or goals for the completion of the work.

• What can I do to prepare for work to begin?

For both interior and exterior painting projects, please clear the areas as much as possible and be sure to put fragile items in a safe place, well away from the areas to be painted.

For interior painting please remove pictures and wall hangings. If they are to be returned to the same location after painting, please leave the hangers in place. Otherwise, the nail holes will be filled prior to painting. Please disconnect all electronic devices such as audio/visual equipment and computers.

For exterior painting projects, please identify any plants or shrubbery that should require special attention. Western Accents personnel will do everything in their power to protect landscaping during the painting process, but the possibility of damage does exist and it may be best to temporarily transplant shrubbery to avoid accidental damage.

When spraying, we do everything in our power to mask and cover anything in the spray zone (such as cars in the driveway or shrubs), but anything you can do to protect your treasures (such as moving your car well away from the spray zone) is an added measure of security for you.

• Do you move furniture?

Although we prefer to have all furniture moved from the areas to be painted, Western Accents' personnel can move the larger pieces to the center of the room or into an adjacent area if needed. Please let us know in advance so we can schedule our crew time accordingly.

Step 4: Your Painting Work Begins

• Arrival day:

You will meet the Western Accents team leader and team who will be working on your project. If you have questions feel comfortable asking any member of your Western Accents team. Our painters are experienced professionals and will be well versed in your project.

• Work in Progress

While on your project, we do our very best to provide a professional and non-intrusive presence. However, in jobs where large ladders and paint sprayers are involved, it’s not always possible to be invisible or silent. If you have any concerns, please feel free to address them with any member of your Western Accents team, and we’ll do everything we can to accommodate you.

We strive to be professional at all times and for that reason, we ask our painters not to play radios or smoke on site. At the end of each day, we clean up as much as possible. Occasionally we need to leave masking and plastic drop cloths on overnight so we don’t add to the job cost by remasking for the next day’s work.

* What if I’m not clear about something?

If you have any concerns about the project or if you aren’t clear about the exact terms of the bid (such as whether a certain decorative detail will be painted in trim or accent color), please ask your Western Accents team member as soon as possible, and we’ll get it squared away. Again, good communication throughout the job is ultra-important and we’re happy to take whatever time is needed to make sure your concerns and questions are answered.

* Do I need to leave the site while you’re painting?

Generally, it’s fine for you to stay while we’re painting. Most of the paints and coatings we use are low VOC and have very little odor. When sanding interior projects, we mask off openings to keep the dust in as small an area as possible. On exterior paint projects, you may have to live with your windows covered for a few days—some people find this a bit claustrophobic and prefer to be elsewhere while that painting is going on.

* But I have children…

We love kids. Many of our painters have children of their own. But paint projects and kids aren’t the best combination. For sake of your children and everyone’s safety, it’s best to keep kids well away from the work areas. Ditto for cats, dogs and other pets.

* Can I schedule other contractors while you’re working?

It depends. Consult your Western Accents team leader and we’ll see if we can accommodate you. Important note: If our work depends on other work being completed (such as carpentry or roofing), please let us know at the time of estimating and keep us updated so we can dovetail our schedule with the other job.

Step 5: Completing Work

• Walk-Through:

When your project is near completion a member of your Western Accents team will walk around with you to inspect the work and make sure it is done to your satisfaction.

If anything needs attention, this is the time to address it.

• Job Completion:

Upon job completion, we will ask you to sign a project acceptance sheet. We expect payment at that time.

• Evaluation:

Your satisfaction is very important to us. Western Accents is a “continuous learning” company, meaning that every project we do is an opportunity to improve our services even more. We take evaluations very seriously and would very much like to have your honest feedback on how we did. After we complete your project, we will ask you to fill out a feedback form. Or, if you prefer, we’ll be happy to hear your feedback in person or over the phone.