Frequently asked questions

What should I expect during a consultation?

During our estimation visit we will guide you through the process step by step. A typical consulation will take about 30 minutes to complete. When we arrive, we will walk the project with you to gather all of the information necessary to prepare your proposal. We will listen to your concerns, discuss your options, and offer suggestions that will help you to create your perfect painting project. Once we've clarified all of the details of your project, we will prepare and submit a well detailed proposal for you to review that outlines all of the services to be performed, along with the price for your project; often times you will receive a digital proposal via email that outlines the painting project, type of paints that will be used, estimated time to complete project, and the total price of your painting project.



What should I look for in a good painting contractor?

There are many factors that you should carefully consider when choosing a painting contractor to work on your home. All painting contractors are NOT created the same. It's absolutely Ok to shop around for quotes but remember that quality painting services can and should come at a reasonable price. Keep in mind that there's many Joe's with a truck out there who are quick to entice you with a lowball number. Do not fall for this. Not all Paint jobs are created equal! Don't be the low-price shopper who gets what they pay for and then wonders why. Good contractors, should be insured and licensed by the State of New Jersey. They should also abide by OSHA regulations, and respect you and your home. They should be responsive and caring to your concerns as a customer. There are several key things to look for when choosing a painting contractor. At the very least, check to see if they are licensed, insured, experienced and capable of completing work. With Squared Away Solutions Painting and Construction LLC, you can be rest assured that we are the right choice for you.



How do you apply the paint?

We use a variety of application methods; from brush to roller to airless spray application. Our method of application will depend on what best suits your particular situation and your comfort level, but it will always be the method that will provide you with the best quality finish possible.



How long will my painting project take to complete?

Each painting project is unique. Depending on the Scope Of Work to be completed your estimator will discuss with you the projected start date and completion date of your project before work gets under way. However, the vast majority of our painting projects take less than a week to complete; even whole-home repaints.



OK, I’ve decided to hire you as my painting contractor. Where do we go from here?

We want to make the process as easy on you as possible. Just contact your estimator or call our office (973) 969-2805 to let us know that you have accepted our proposal, you can also sign the electrical proposal we emailed you and we will contact you right away to schedule your project, get a list of your color choices. We’ll handle all of the details and stay in constant contact with you throughout the job to keep you updated on the progress.



What if I have some changes that I would like to make or additional work that I would like to have the crew take care of while they’re already at my home?

We encourage you to feel free to talk with your estimator or project manager if you have changes that you would like to make or additional work that you would like to have completed. In most cases it is more cost-effective for us to issue Change Orders or Additional Work Orders during the course of the project than for us to come back after the project is complete. We are always happy to accommodate your requests!



What kind of paint do you use?

We use top quality paints from most major brands. The brand of paint we use can be influenced by many factors including customer preference, the nature of the project, and other bid specifications.



Is Squared Away Solutions Painting and Construction licensed and insured?

Yes! We are Licensed with the State of New Jersey. Our state contractor license number is 13VH11091700. We carry full professional liability insurance.



Do you charge for estimates?

We never charge a fee to provide an estimate for your painting project.



How will my personal property be protected from paint?

On interiors, after you have removed your delicate items, all areas or remaining items, will be covered with clean drop cloths or plastic sheeting. On exteriors, shrubs and surrounding areas will be protected so that no evidence of paint splatter or paint peelings remains.



Do I need to move everything from the rooms before you paint?

Please move all small items and breakables. Unless agreed otherwise, we will move and protect all of the furniture and fixtures.



What are different paint sheens?

Sheen refers to the light reflectivity of the painted or varnished surface. There are varying degrees of sheen, from no sheen to high gloss. Though some paint manufacturers may refer to their paint sheens by different names, generally, from lowest to highest, paint sheens correspond to these reflective degrees: Flat finish Eggshell finish Satin finish Semi gloss finish High gloss finish



Oil vs Latex?

Latex paints are more environmentally friendly than oil based paints. With oil based paints there are paint fumes to contend with that can be particularly bothersome on interior painting jobs. There is also a by product of dirty paint thinner that requires a trip to your local toxic waste site. (We always get rid of this waste as part of our work.) There are other factors as well: Latex primers and finishes have been improving tremendously over the years and are very durable. For instance a latex finish on an exterior painting job will stay elastic for years, where oil based paint dries to form a hard and more brittle film. Surfaces expand and contract with weather. While the latex paint will move with the surface, the oil will tend to crack sooner with this movement. The advantage of using oil paints is that it will give a smoother look as it tends to layout better on the surface and so not show brush marks as much as latex. Also, as was already mentioned, oil dries hard so it tends to be more washable than latex.



What is VOC and why do I care?

All paints, varnishes, and solvents contain volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Exposure to VOCs can trigger asthma attacks, respiratory problems, eye irritation, nausea, or dizziness. Because of these health concerns, a number of paint manufacturers have introduced Low or No VOC paint alternatives.



What is a low VOC Paint?

The Environmental Protection Agency states that, to qualify as Low VOC, latex paint must contain no more than 250 g/L and 380 g/L for oil paint.



How do I know if I have lead paint?

f your house was built prior to 1978, chances are it has lead paint on it. A lab test can be done if you want to make sure.



How long will it take for the paint to dry?

Acrylic (latex) paint dries much faster than Alkyd (oil). Usually a couple of hours is plenty of time. Oil paint though should dry overnight. Flat paint may dry faster than semi gloss.



How do I maintain my interior painting job?

Interior paint typically gets dirty in many situations: hand prints around switches and knobs; splashes in kitchens and bathrooms; marks on hallways and corridors; “soot” accumulating above electric lamps and other heat sources. Removing dirt before it accumulates not only improves appearance, it reduces chances of it getting permanently embedded in the paint film. Check for dirt periodically and assume it will be present in and near cooking areas (airborne cooking oil) and at all places at hand height. Always initially clean the surface with a mild detergent using a sponge or a soft cloth. Resort to harsher cleaners only when necessary, recognizing that alkaline cleaners can dull the sheen or gloss of oil based paint. Abrasive cleaner will burnish nearly any paint and will dull the gloss of satin, semigloss and gloss products. Washed surfaces should be rinsed thoroughly because residual cleaner can interfere with adhesion of paint applied later.



How do I maintain my exterior painting job?

On a regular basis you should walk around the exterior of your home looking for dryrot, water penetration, cracks, and chalking. About once a year it is a good idea to pressure wash your home to remove the accumulation of surface dirt.



What if it rains while you are painting my house?

We keep a close eye on the weather and weather forecasts. If it start raining while we are in the middle of a painting job, we simply stop and return after it drys up.