How To Plan an Exterior Painting Project in Winter

How To Plan an Exterior Painting Project in Winter

As the temperatures start to drop and we start to spend more and more time indoors, it’s common for us to put a pause on our home renovation plans. But, believe it or not, winter is actually one of the best seasons for taking care of all your remodeling and repair needs. From installing a new set of windows to replacing your entry doors to even repainting, these tasks can all still be completed despite the cold. So, don’t let this time go to waste simply because it’s a little chilly outside. This is how to plan an exterior painting project in winter and get it done just in time for the holidays.

Establish the Scope of Work

The first step for any successful home project is to map out exactly what work you want done and to what scale it’ll need to be. For instance, you may choose to get your entire home repainted or just your patio or deck space. Depending on which you choose, you’ll have to customize the rest of your plan to accommodate these foundational needs. So, determining this from the start will be critical in the rest of your efforts moving forward. This step also gives you an opportunity to anticipate any potential setbacks in the process and what you can do to better streamline its success.

Set Your Project Budget

Once you have a clear picture of the work you want completed, it’s time to figure out if it can realistically fit into your budget. There are a lot of additional household expenses in the winter, such as heating and gifts for loved ones. Therefore, it’s important that you aren’t overspending on your painting efforts. If you’re unsure of how to begin pricing your project, consider reaching out to some local contractors for quotes. These initial price estimates will let you know just how much you can expect to pay on average for your particular job without locking you into an official contract.

Fortunately, it’s also common for contractors to offer special deals on projects that take place during the winter months. This is because business tends to be slower as we near the holidays and lowered prices is one method used to draw up business.

Determine a Timeline

Planning an exterior painting project in winter should also involve developing a timeline for when you want the work completed. This means setting a desired start and end date to the work as well as leaving wiggle-room for potential issues to arise. Your time frame may also need to be adjusted to accommodate your contractor’s schedule, and you might have to start sooner than anticipated to finish by the holidays. This is especially the case if your chosen business is closed on or near these dates, so always run your timeline by them prior to booking. Additionally, be patient when creating this portion of your plan as things will be prone to change during this hectic time of year.

Choose the Right Painters

As previously stated, certain house painters will provide you with specialized deals for winter projects. However, this doesn’t automatically make them qualified for the job. As you’re researching different painting companies in your area, make sure that they have experience working during the winter months and are familiar with the challenges it presents. Otherwise, you could end up with some results you didn’t expect. Quality companies will be very forthright with this information and will even encourage that you read their past client reviews for reference.

This search might require you to check out several different companies before you make your decision. But this is just fine as long as you’re being thorough. After all, if you’re going to put in the resources, you want to ensure that the job is getting done just the way you want it.

Purchase the Proper Painting Products

After finding the right professionals for your project, it’s time to acquire the proper materials. This involves choosing a color and picking up a paint product suited for winter conditions. If you haven’t yet decided on a color, it’s encouraged that you reach out to your hired professionals for advice on the matter. They can help you weigh your options and inform you of the pros and cons of using certain hues on the exterior of your home. These individuals can also help guide you through the process of choosing the right types of products for winter painting.

Unfortunately, using standard paint during winter causes the mixture to congeal and become difficult to spread. In fact, these paints will rarely dry properly in the cold and will flake off before the season is over. As such, it’s crucial that you’re using specialized winter paint, which is mixed with additional substances to help it bond to the home’s surface. In your research, pay extra attention to how the paint is rated. Most will be effective above 50 degrees, but you might need to find something else if you expect even colder weather.

Keep Track of the Weather

Most importantly, make sure you’re tracking the weather in the days prior to and during your painting project. While exterior paint will dry much quicker due to the dryness in the air, you don’t want your efforts to be thwarted by a sudden storm or below-freezing day. Therefore, you’ll want to keep an eye out for sudden dips or spikes in temperature and adjust your timeline accordingly. As a general rule, you’ll want to do the work towards the middle of the day and skip any days that are stormy or fall below 40 degrees.

On the plus side, since many contracting businesses will have less work during the winter, it’ll be easier to change your workdays to accommodate the weather. Just be sure you’re openly communicating these decisions with your professionals.

If you’re looking to paint the exterior of your home during this upcoming winter season, feel free to give Bear Mountain Custom Painting a call. Our exterior home painting experts in Cumming, GA have experience with painting in these colder conditions and, as such, know how to get you the best results this time of year. We can also assist you with choosing the perfect color for your home’s needs and we’ll answer any questions you have about our winter scheduling.
How To Plan an Exterior Painting Project in Winter

Reasons To Replace Your Windows in the Winter

Reasons To Replace Your Windows in the Winter

It’s no secret that having quality windows is crucial during the winter months. In fact, between the energy you save and the comfort you maintain, it’s one of the most beneficial upgrades you can make during this time of year. However, when we think of having our windows replaced, we very rarely consider doing so past the first major chill—leading us to wait longer than we have to. These are a few reasons to replace your windows in the winter and why this process is so effective.

Issues Are More Noticeable

To begin, waiting until the winter months to replace your windows can actually help you identify what’s wrong with them in the first place. In warmer seasons, the home’s interior and exterior temperatures are still close enough that drafts often go unnoticed. Humidity during these seasons also reduces some overall energy loss. But in the winter, the air is much drier and thinner, making it uncomfortably obvious when your windows aren’t up to the task.

Better Deals on Installation

The fall and winter seasons are when contractor work loses demand. As such, most installation professionals will refer to this time as the off-season and start offering deals to drum up additional business. By choosing to replace your windows in the winter, you’re automatically making yourself eligible for discounts that can save hundreds of dollars during the project.

Increased Scheduling Flexibility

Another important reason to replace your windows in the winter is the amount of flexibility you have when scheduling installation appointments. Since window installers tend to have more available time slots this time of year, you’ll have more power over when you can get the work done. Whether you want the project completed as soon as possible or would rather wait for a warmer day, the choice is entirely yours.

Immediate Energy Savings

But, best of all, getting new windows during the winter allows you to experience just how much of a difference they make. You’ll be able to see firsthand how much energy you’re saving and, likewise, how much money you get to keep in your pocket. New windows will also reduce the amount of wear and tear your heating system experiences and will help to prolong its lifespan.

If you’re looking to increase your home’s energy efficiency for the long winter to come, reach out to Bear Mountain Custom Painting. Our window and door replacement services in Cumming, GA are fast, efficient, and guaranteed to get you the quality results you need.

Best Paint Colors for Home Office Productivity

Best Paint Colors for Home Office Productivity

For those who perform their work duties out of the house, their home office is an essential component of a fruitful day. After all, these rooms are designed to increase focus, concentration, and, as a result, overall productivity. However, if this space isn’t properly optimized as a working environment, you risk failing to keep up with your work. Believe it or not, even using the wrong type of color can have a devastating effect on your ability to work. These are the best paint colors for home office productivity and what they can do for your mind.

Light Grays

Light gray colors are among the most popular for home office spaces as they calm the mind and keep it from wandering. It’s a great color for those who want to eliminate distractions from their environment and simply focus on their work. Best of all, if base grays are too flat and cool for you, you can combine your chosen shade with other subtle colors to get a slightly different effect. Beige-gray, for example, offers the same soothing effect that gray does with a slightly warmer atmosphere to promote comfort.

Warm Whites

Though many think of white as a boring color to put on the walls, it’s also one of the best paint colors for home office productivity. This is because it creates a blank slate that makes a room appear clean and organized. For some, these traits help clear the mind and make individuals feel as though they’re in control of their environment. However, for others, this color can be overwhelming simply due to the number of possibilities it presents. So, you should always experiment with whites first to determine how they’ll affect you.

Soft Pinks

Soft pinks and reddish hues are useful when promoting a productive environment as well. This is because warmer colors are often better at triggering our brain’s creativity and making us comfortable—which also helps with improving focus and concentration. Therefore, if you need a bit of inspiration, these colors are the way to go.

Bright Yellows

If you find that you simply need some extra energy to power through your daily tasks, you might want to go with yellow instead. Bright yellow hues are reflective and tend to generate more light within a room. This, in turn, quickens the production of energy within your body and keeps you from slowing down throughout the day. With these boosts, it becomes much easier to stay focused throughout several consecutive projects.

For more advice on what colors work best for a home office setting, reach out to Bear Mountain Custom Painting. Our experienced home interior painting experts are well-versed in the effects certain colors can have on our moods. As such, they’re the perfect resource to utilize as you determine the most effective colors for your office.

Top Fall Home Renovation Projects

Top Fall Home Renovation Projects

When it comes to taking on our home improvement or renovation projects, many of us choose the summer season to do so. This is often due to the warmer climate and overall sunnier weather. However, just like there are tasks we should only think of completing during that time of year, there are also those that are best done in the cooler months. Fall is considered the off-season for many professional contractors and, as such, it’s common for us to forget about these days as being an option. But, fortunately, as you tackle these top fall home renovation projects, you’ll find that is anything but the truth.

Repaint Interior and Exterior

Painting, both the interior and exterior, is one of those projects that many of us do to freshen things up for the spring and summer. But, believe it or not, paint products are actually better at curing to a surface when it’s cool outside. Lowered temperatures tend to sap moisture from the air and keep humidity at a minimum. Without the excess water in the environment, your products will dry much quicker and form a better seal along the walls.

It’s important to remember, though, that you shouldn’t start this type of task if it’s already too cold outside. Temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit will cause your paint to dry out faster, but, in doing so, it’s less likely to properly stick to the walls or siding. For this reason, the preferred weather for painting projects is at least 50 degrees and dry.

Fill Cracks in Driveways and Walkways

Fixing cracks and gaps in your outdoor concrete is also a top fall home renovation project to consider during the fall months. This is because, like paint, epoxy or latex patching products don’t dry as quickly in hot or humid climates. So, when you’re looking for a way to finally level out those gouges in your walk and driveways, this time of year offers the highest success rate. Additionally, when the earth freezes, it causes moisture in the dirt to expand and force cracks further apart. For this reason, it’s often better to accomplish this task now rather than later.

Clean and Fix Gutter Systems

Make sure that you’re devoting some of your efforts to cleaning and repairing your gutter system as well. These fixtures are key to keeping the water from melting snow off your foundation and, inevitably, seeping into your home. As such, you want your downspouts to be clear and well-secured to properly direct the water. You can even choose to install mesh guards over the top of your system to prevent excessive quantities of leaves from falling into the drainage pipe as the seasons change. Just be sure that you’re consulting a professional with any complex fixes or replacements, as it’s crucial that your system functions correctly.

Install Insulation in the Attic

You may also choose to install insulation in areas of your home that don’t currently have any. Attics, in particular, are rarely insulated upon construction, and they’re the primary place where indoor heat escapes. Due to this, many homeowners undergo this improvement simply to cut back on their heating expenses. Insulated attics also allow you to better diversify how you use that space. With more heat in this part of the home, you can start storing more temperature-sensitive items or even turn it into another room.

You should consider installing additional insulation in other areas as well, such as around the windows and doors. Like the attic, these places are prone to letting heat out and wasting energy. So, while you’re inspecting them for leaks and gaps, take some time to ensure your home stays comfortable through the winter.

Replace Missing Roof Shingles

Though your roof might look fine from where you’re standing on the ground, there could be several missing shingles you’re not noticing. This can become a problem in the winter should the snow pile up and melt into your unprotected attic. As such, use this season to perform a thorough inspection of your roof and replace any missing or broken shingles before it leads to water damage. This is another project that you’ll want to hire a professional for, as doing work on the roof can be dangerous for those who haven’t been trained.

Repair Damaged or Rotten Wood

This is also a great time to get rid of any rotten sections of wood along the exterior of your home. Since humidity is the main cause of wood rot, it commonly develops during the spring and summer months. For this reason, it’s recommended that you get the wood repaired or fully replaced before it begins to snow. The moisture produced when the snow melts can further sink into the wood and facilitate additional rot growth, making your home less structurally sound over time. So, addressing this issue now can save you a lot of trouble and money later down the line.

Build or Fix Up Your Deck or Patio

Last, but certainly not least, fall is perfect for starting any home additions or exterior adjustments. As mentioned previously, this time of year is considered to be the off-season for professionals. Therefore, it’s one of the only periods where you can get a great deal on deck or patio projects. These deals can save you thousands of dollars and help you get the most out of your budget. Northern Atlanta’s dry climate also makes performing these tasks easier, which, in turn, reduces the amount of time the project will take as a whole. This means that you won’t have to worry about managing a prolonged job, and you’ll get to enjoy your new space much sooner.

For assistance with any of your home renovating endeavors this fall, give us at Bear Mountain Custom Painting a call. We offer top-notch painting and remodeling services, with skilled professionals that are dedicated to providing you with the results you’re after. We also specialize in a diverse range of projects to ensure that we can help with whatever your home may need—whether it be traditional painting or gutter installation.
Top Fall Home Renovation Projects

Signs Your Deck Needs Work Done

Signs Your Deck Needs Work Done

For those of us who have them, backyard deck spaces are at the center of our home entertainment activities, from hosting outdoor gatherings to enjoying relaxing nights under the stars. They’re just as important to our lifestyles as any other home amenity. However, when you’ve had your deck for a long period of time, it’s easy to lose sight of the things that indicate severe damage. These are a few crucial signs your deck needs work done and what could happen should you ignore them.

Support Posts and Beams Are Rotten

Rot is one of the most dangerous forms of damage your deck can sustain over time—especially when it’s located in the supporting beams. Wood rot is a form of fungus that grows when the wood is moist, and it slowly eats away at the material around it. This eventually weakens the structural integrity of the deck and increases the danger of walking on it. If some sections of wood are discoloring or becoming soft to the touch, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.

The Deck Isn’t Level

You might also need to repair your deck if it’s no longer level enough to walk on. In areas with rainier weather and softer ground, supporting posts often start sinking into the mud. This not only raises the chances that you’ll slip and injure yourself but also makes your deck less usable. For this reason, make sure you occasionally inspect your deck for any sections that may be dipping and reinforce them before they can become a larger problem.

Boards Are Cracked and Splintering

Another important sign your deck needs work done is if its boards are starting to crack or splinter. After years of exposure to the harsh outdoor elements, the top layers of wood will begin to decay and become rough. If allowed to persist, this will eventually cause parts of the wood to splinter away from the rest of the board and become a safety hazard. Therefore, make sure to occasionally sand down these areas and stain your deck to protect it from future storms.

If you happen to identify some of these signs with your own deck, reach out to Bear Mountain Custom Painting to address them. In addition to house painting, we also have a staff of professional carpenters in Cumming, GA that specialize in rotten wood replacement and deck repair. Let us help you get this space back into the proper condition so that you can continue to enjoy it for years to come.

Questions To Ask Before Choosing a Paint Color

Questions To Ask Before Choosing a Paint Color

The idea of picking out a new wall color for your home might seem like a simple one, but it may not turn out that way. In fact, there are many things to consider during this process, and even a slight color variance could leave you with an effect you didn’t want. This is why it’s crucial to devote some time to the selection process and really plan out what you want to accomplish with that specific space. Here are some questions to ask before choosing a paint color and how your answers can affect your finished product.

How Will I Be Using This Room?

First and foremost, it’s important to have an idea of how you’ll be using the room. This is because certain colors can affect how you perform certain tasks. For instance, people primarily use their bedrooms for sleeping and relaxation—so they commonly gravitate towards more soothing tones in this space. On the other hand, people often use bright colors in living rooms to promote more energy.

What Atmosphere Do I Want To Create?

Next, you should spend some time thinking about the atmosphere you want the room to have. The color should still promote a certain reaction, but in this case, it’s more about the feeling the color invokes. Yellows are typically cheerful and happy, and blues or natural hues are more calming.

How Much Natural Light Is in This Space?

Another question you should ask before choosing a paint color is how much natural light you notice within that particular room. Color is capable of absorbing or reflecting light, so you could throw the brightness of the space out of balance if you choose the wrong color. For this reason, if you have a lot of light in a room, you can go with a slightly darker color. If you have less light, go with a lighter color to make the room appear brighter.

What Other Colors Are Being Used Nearby?

Make sure to think about how your new color will contrast with the colors you already have nearby. A home’s color scheme doesn’t need to be exactly the same between rooms, but keeping them in the same family creates consistency. It’s typically a lot more effective to take inspiration from the hues you already have around you.

If you’re struggling to answer any of these questions, or if you have others and you’d like to get additional information, give Bear Mountain Custom Painting a call. Our experienced, skilled professional house painters have worked with a multitude of color schemes and types of paint. As such, they can offer vital advice during your decision-making process.

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