Every house needs work done to it at some point, and many homeowners struggle with deciding how to go about it. They can always take on the work themselves, but the best results and highest efficiency usually comes from a professional paint contractor. However, not every contractor is the right one for your home. Be sure to make note of these questions to ask a paint contractor to learn as much as you can about them.

1. Is the Contractor Licensed?
If your contractor is as reputable as they say they are, they should be licensed by the state to work on home projects. This license guarantees that the contractor meets the state’s standards and basic qualifications and requires them to maintain those standards during every job. If their quality of service were to drop, they would run the risk of losing their license.

2. What Services Does the Company Offer?

Many painting contractors obviously specialize in painting projects, but they may also offer additional services for improving other areas of the home—they can help with everything from small tasks to larger renovations that can increase your home’s value.

3. Do They Offer a Warranty and Are They Insured?

Licensed contractors generally offer warranties for their work to ensure that the results remain high-quality, but double-checking the coverage is still important. It’s also beneficial to ask whether the company is insured to further ensure you’re protected from possible damage.

4. Can the Company Provide References?

Before you hire a contractor, make sure their past clients were satisfied with the work. Getting other opinions and looking through a portfolio of their work will give you an accurate idea of what kind of work they can do for you.

5. What Kind of Materials Do You Use?

Knowing whether the materials used are VOC-free or sustainable could greatly influence your decision to work with the contractor. Their knowledge of how to use those materials is also important. For instance, they should know that oil-based paints should be applied in temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit so that they cure properly, while water-based paints need a temperature of at least 50 degrees.

6. How Much Will the Job Cost?

Though the results are quality, hiring a contractor can be expensive. Therefore, you should know how much you’ll be paying before you agree to the project. This will ensure that you don’t end up paying more than your financial situation allows.

7. How Long Will the Job Take?

Getting an idea of how long the project will take will help you organize your schedule accordingly and give you an idea of when you can get your household back in working order.

8. Who Can I Call if I Have Any Questions?

If you have additional questions after the start of your project, you’ll want to know how to get them answered. Upon communicating with a contractor, be sure to request the contact information of someone who can answer these questions so that you can remain aware of the project’s status.

If you’re looking for a contractor to answer all your questions, Bear Mountain Custom Painting can do just that. Our home painting experts in Atlanta are here to answer these questions as well as any others you may have during the process.

Siding is an important part of any home. Offering a series of functions, it’s what makes a home a shelter for those that inhabit it. Despite its importance, many homeowners aren’t aware of the differences between the types of siding or how certain ones could greatly benefit their lifestyle. Do a bit of research and find out which siding works best for your home.

The Purpose of Siding

A home’s siding accomplishes multiple essential tasks. Whether it’s protecting us from the elements or simply adding visual appeal to our properties, our siding is the glue that holds our houses together through the years. In harsh weather conditions, such as thunderstorms and snow, your siding holds moisture and frigid temperatures at bay. This ensures your comfort and protects the more sensitive parts of your home from deterioration.

Siding is also what makes a home look like a home. It is available in many different types, colors, and designs, and it is customizable to fit any style, so you can enhance the character of your home. The materials and the color you choose can greatly affect the home’s curb appeal and value among the neighborhood.

In addition, siding also plays a role in increasing a home’s overall value. When the time comes to sell your home, well-maintained siding is a key trait that buyers will look for. This will also serve to generate more profit for you, as the increased interest in your home will raise the market price.

Siding Materials

There are several different types of siding, and each one has their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Knowing these characteristics as you start your search is crucial to deciding which one will best suit your home and environment.

Metal Siding

Sleek and reflective, metal siding is commonly used on homes with a modern design. Aluminum, steel, and copper metals are the materials typically used for this look. While this siding doesn’t mold or rot when exposed to the elements, it does have the potential to rust if it’s not installed properly. Despite this drawback, metal siding is the most beneficial choice for those who don’t want to perform regular maintenance. Some upkeep is required, as this siding is easy to scratch and dent, but overall, it’s the sturdiest siding option.

Wood Siding

Wooden siding is popular for its natural patterns and deep colors. Your choices in wood often include pine, fir, cedar, and redwood, so you have a variety of looks and colors to consider. Cedar siding, in particular, is the most commonly used of these options and is the most customizable. You have to regularly protect this siding with a fresh coat of stain, but your efforts will revive the original luster of the wood and keep it protected from the elements for the next three to seven years. Wooden siding is also considered as one of the most eco-friendly products on the market.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding has been the most popular choice for years. In fact, according to Plastics News, “Some 27 percent, or 213,000 of the 795,000 houses completed last year, have vinyl siding as the primary exterior wall material.” Low maintenance and durable, this siding is perfect for busy families because it only requires an occasional wash. Vinyl is also customizable in both color and layout, which makes it very appealing to those looking for a specific style. It’s important to note, however, that vinyl siding is susceptible to extreme weather conditions and can crack in strong storms.

Brick Siding

With proper maintenance, brick siding can last a lifetime. This, and its distinct reddish hues, make for a classic and sturdy appearance. Though it isn’t often used in current construction projects, this siding offers a rustic charm that still appeals to many homeowners. Unfortunately, this beauty comes with a price. Next to metal siding, brick siding is one of the more expensive options to purchase and have installed. Even so, this siding is extremely weather-resistant and doesn’t need to be repainted or stained.

Fiber Cement Siding

Made from a mixture of wood, sand, and cement, this siding is also a popular option among homeowners. It offers the same look and textures as wooden siding without the weather or insect sensitivity. However, it tends to be more expensive than traditional vinyl siding and it needs to be repainted every decade. Since the paint pigment doesn’t soak entirely into the material, this siding is also prone to chipping under the harsh sun.

Stone Siding

Stone siding is made from a variety of natural stones. Some of these include limestone, granite, and slate. Like brick, this siding is expensive to purchase and install, but it is durable and weather-proof. Stone also doesn’t require a lot of maintenance and can give your home a natural look.

Stucco Siding
Created from mixing cement and sand, stucco siding is applied to a home in a series of layers. These layers are what make the siding strong enough to withstand the harsh summers of warmer climates. This stucco siding, however, doesn’t resist moisture very well and can crack when used in areas that see a lot of rainstorms.

Choosing Siding for Your Home

When the time comes to choose your home’s new siding, it’s important to remember that you have options for a reason. All the different kinds of siding have their preferred uses, as well as their drawbacks, so deciding on the right kind for your home is a matter of your location and lifestyle. As you search, be sure to keep your area’s climate in mind to ensure you purchase a product that can handle it. For instance, some materials have better water resistance than others, so if you live in an area with frequent and heavy rainstorms, it might be best to consider a siding that can lock out moisture.

Other contributing factors often include energy efficiency and cost. In areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, you often have to make use of the air-conditioning or heating units in your home. To keep this energy from seeping out of the siding and going to waste, it’s crucial to search for energy-efficient siding. While this purchase may be a bit more expensive than the standard siding, it will save you money on your energy bills in the long run.

Additionally, you want to consider the material’s durability. While some sidings can last for long periods in the right conditions, others may need to be maintained, repainted, or replaced after only a few years. Be sure to compare durability ratings in your search and ask a professional how well your choice will stand up to the weather, rot, and seasonal insects.

Most of all, you need to find siding that fits with the aesthetic of the home itself. In fact, color and texture combinations are a powerful way to convey your own personal style. It’s important to remember, though, that while you might like a certain texture, certain sidings such as brick or stone have limited color pallets. Keep this in mind while you narrow down your options and it can speed up the decision-making process.

Reach out to Bear Mountain Custom Painting for more information on siding products and siding installation services in Atlanta. Our trained professionals will walk you through the process to choose the perfect siding for your home.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, the median age of homes in the U.S. remained at 37 years as of 2016. This age varies across states—for example, the fast-growing state of Nevada boasts a median age of 21 years, while “half of all owner-occupied homes [in Georgia and Arizona] were built in the last 25 years.” It’s clear that many homeowners live in older houses, which may need freshened up with a fresh coat of paint sooner rather than later. It’s important, therefore, that homeowners know how to get the best results when their houses inevitably needs repainted. Here are a few of the many reasons to hire a professional paint contractor and the benefits of doing so.

Efficient, Quality Results

Allowing a professional paint contractor to take on your project will provide you with quality results in a timely manner. These professionals know how to best get the job done. From helping you choose the right paint finish to applying that paint, they have the experience to walk you through the entire process without sacrificing time. You can always paint your walls yourself—but professional paint jobs are proven to increase the overall value of your home.

Insurance and Clean-Up

Professional contractors are also insured to protect the quality of the job. No matter how much experience a professional may have, accidents can happen—insurance ensures that the contracting company will cover the costs of any damages so that you can remain worry-free throughout the duration of the project.
Contractors also offer clean-up services upon the project’s completion. These services ensure that you get the benefits of a quality job without the additional stress of cleaning up any debris around your home.

Design Suggestions

Because these professionals know the ins and outs of the trade, they can educate you on what design choices would best suit your personal style. They’re also up-to-date on the latest design trends and technologies, so they can tell you what you need to achieve your desired look. This includes helping you choose the right color paint and crown molding design to emphasize your home’s charm.

Additional Services

Many contracting companies also offer more than just painting services. From door and siding installation to window replacement, contractors can assist you with a variety of home improvement projects, which can come in handy if you have more than one project to take care of.

At Bear Mountain Custom Painting, we aim to provide you with the best results for a variety of home improvement projects. Our painting, siding, carpentry, and window replacement experts in Atlanta, Georgia, will get you a few steps closer to your dream home.