We love our customers and many of them love us back. Being in any service oriented business one expects to be treat with dignity, courtesy and kindness. We watch what we say, try to wipe our feet, clean up, be punctual and just set a plain good example.
Most contractors give free estimates. We are flexible so as to meet your schedule. Burn up our gas and time to maybe have an opportunity to serve you. The expense of these "free estimates" are borne by the contractor and are a part of the business.
How many people actually appreciate the costs in money and time that we expend for your benefit? I say that most do, but many show a great lack of respect. They could care less about a contractor's time spent away form his family, the costs incurred if they think of it at all.
So, you may ask. Why the rant? Because you can't take the time to let me know that (a:) you received the proposal and (b:) that you have made a decision about the job.
A little "thank you for coming out and providing this estimate" would be nice. We get that often. but some where, some how, many people just forget how much that little kindness means to a guy or gal who went out of their way to provide a "free" estimate.
Show you appreciation. Even if you did not choose us. Contact your contractor and let him know you appreciated the time they took out of their busy day, for you. It will make their day and set you apart from the crowd.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
We got "Quoted"!
The Recent issue of "Taste Of The Bay Magazine" asked us about some recent trends in painting and our views on a few subjects. They took Family Professional Painting's answers and included them in both the article and a side bar.The October issue is out, but the website as of now has not been updated.
Due to editing, they got the gist of what we were saying correct, but the numbers are off. So here are the actual answers copied and pasted from the email:
If you are willing to be quoted, please answer the following for me:
1] Regarding color: What are the trends in color choice you are seeing this year?
The big trend has been bringing nature indoors. Muted greens seem to be the color of choice followed by tans. Also pure white on trim is slowly being replaced by off whites and creams.
2] Regarding paint in general: What are some of the major factors people should consider when choosing a paint for their home (interior paint primarily).
First, stick with the premium products. They cover better and retain color longer in sunny areas and tend to touch up easier.
Second, think about paints that are washable and scrubable. If you have pets or children, you will get mess on the walls. Having the ability to clean the surface prolongs the time between having to repaint. Staircases, (why don't kids use the handrails?) bathrooms and hallways are prime candidates for dirty handprints
3] Are there any myths or misconceptions people tend to have when choosing paint?
Three big misconceptions are that that you need a shiny satin or semi gloss paint to be able to clean it and that cheap paints are just as good as premium paints. Last is that enviromentally safe paints don't work.
There are some excellent matte/flat paints that offer a durable washable/scrubable coatings. Benjamin Moore's excellent Aura line and Berh Flat Enamels come to mind.
Second, cheap paints are just that, cheap. Manufacturers have to cut corners somewhere and that is usually in the resins and colorants made into the paint.
Say you are painting a room and you can either spend $40.00 on paint or $100.00 on paint. The cheap paint burnishes (leaves a shiny spot) the first time you try to clean it and after 3 years it just looks poorly. Now you decide to re-paint. That material cost you $13.33 per year.Same color and room with premium materials. A good washable paint and it looks good for 10 years before it needs to be re-painted. That material only cost you $10.00 per year and saved you a lot of headache. Premium paints are a better long term investment.
When "green" paints first hit the shelves, they left something to be desired. Most were harder to work with, covered poorly and just didn't last. Technology has finally caught up and some of the best paints out there are enviromentally sound products. In fact all of the waterbourne paints available in the area are vastly more green than just 5-10 years ago.
Not a huge difference and they can't be blamed for editing. (I get longwinded) Of course we are always happy to receive any publicity and would like to thank Kimbra Cutlip and Taste Of The Bay Magazine.
Due to editing, they got the gist of what we were saying correct, but the numbers are off. So here are the actual answers copied and pasted from the email:
If you are willing to be quoted, please answer the following for me:
1] Regarding color: What are the trends in color choice you are seeing this year?
The big trend has been bringing nature indoors. Muted greens seem to be the color of choice followed by tans. Also pure white on trim is slowly being replaced by off whites and creams.
2] Regarding paint in general: What are some of the major factors people should consider when choosing a paint for their home (interior paint primarily).
First, stick with the premium products. They cover better and retain color longer in sunny areas and tend to touch up easier.
Second, think about paints that are washable and scrubable. If you have pets or children, you will get mess on the walls. Having the ability to clean the surface prolongs the time between having to repaint. Staircases, (why don't kids use the handrails?) bathrooms and hallways are prime candidates for dirty handprints
3] Are there any myths or misconceptions people tend to have when choosing paint?
Three big misconceptions are that that you need a shiny satin or semi gloss paint to be able to clean it and that cheap paints are just as good as premium paints. Last is that enviromentally safe paints don't work.
There are some excellent matte/flat paints that offer a durable washable/scrubable coatings. Benjamin Moore's excellent Aura line and Berh Flat Enamels come to mind.
Second, cheap paints are just that, cheap. Manufacturers have to cut corners somewhere and that is usually in the resins and colorants made into the paint.
Say you are painting a room and you can either spend $40.00 on paint or $100.00 on paint. The cheap paint burnishes (leaves a shiny spot) the first time you try to clean it and after 3 years it just looks poorly. Now you decide to re-paint. That material cost you $13.33 per year.Same color and room with premium materials. A good washable paint and it looks good for 10 years before it needs to be re-painted. That material only cost you $10.00 per year and saved you a lot of headache. Premium paints are a better long term investment.
When "green" paints first hit the shelves, they left something to be desired. Most were harder to work with, covered poorly and just didn't last. Technology has finally caught up and some of the best paints out there are enviromentally sound products. In fact all of the waterbourne paints available in the area are vastly more green than just 5-10 years ago.
Not a huge difference and they can't be blamed for editing. (I get longwinded) Of course we are always happy to receive any publicity and would like to thank Kimbra Cutlip and Taste Of The Bay Magazine.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Tips for LinkedIn users
Here's a link for all you business people who use LinkedIn. A few good tips there.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The Time Savers
“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.”
Socrates
“From the time we're born until we die, we're kept busy with artificial stuff that isn't important”.
Tom Ford
Time is a big deal anymore. Most never seem to have enough of it and once it’s used you can’t get it back. Work, family, kids, sports, friends, cut the grass, paint the house. (aaarrrgh!) Well in this multi part blog (I don’t have time to do it all at once) we are hoping to introduce you to a few things that make the painting faster and more efficient.
Of course the fastest and most efficient way to get that painting project done is to hire a professional paint contractor. Hiring a pro allows you to carry on your day to day life. You can perform more productive and more enjoyable tasks instead of the drudgery of painting. (Hint, hint!)
SO, if we haven’t scared you off yet, the number two tip (number one is hiring me) is purchasing a good brush.
“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.”
Socrates
“From the time we're born until we die, we're kept busy with artificial stuff that isn't important”.
Tom Ford
Time is a big deal anymore. Most never seem to have enough of it and once it’s used you can’t get it back. Work, family, kids, sports, friends, cut the grass, paint the house. (aaarrrgh!) Well in this multi part blog (I don’t have time to do it all at once) we are hoping to introduce you to a few things that make the painting faster and more efficient.
Of course the fastest and most efficient way to get that painting project done is to hire a professional paint contractor. Hiring a pro allows you to carry on your day to day life. You can perform more productive and more enjoyable tasks instead of the drudgery of painting. (Hint, hint!)
SO, if we haven’t scared you off yet, the number two tip (number one is hiring me) is purchasing a good brush.
Surprised? Don’t be. A good brush is designed to perform several important functions that will make painting faster and easier.
1. A good brush is designed to hold more paint, so you cover more surface area before having to load (dip) it up again.
2. Pro brushes are designed to release paint quickly and smoothly, with less effort.
3. Pro brushes are offered in multiple designs and filament materials. This allows you to tailor the brush to your needs.
4. With proper care, pro brushes would likely last a homeowner a lifetime.
We could write several blogs on just which brush to use where. So in the interest of brevity let’s narrow it down to just a couple. Today, most painters and homeowners alike use predominately latex/acrylic paints. So, a synthetic bristle brush is in order.
Brushes do come in several levels of “stiffness”. As a general rule, if you are working in the heat a stiffer brush is better. The heat will slightly soften the bristles.
Brushes also come in different widths, angles and shapes. Again, in the interest of brevity, we recommend you use the widest brush you are comfortable with. This allows maximum paint pickup and release while dipping (loading) less.
If you are cutting in trim, you are going to want an angled brush. If you are doing siding or flat boards you probably want a straight brush.
If you want a recommendation. If I had to have just one brush, I’d go with Wooster Brush’s Alpha line. They have the stiffness, can be used in all paints and are available in most popular shapes and sizes. A 2 or 2.5 inch angled sash is good for most novices. Pro’s are going to have a selection. (One of my favorite’s is the semi oval)
Hope this information helps. If you are looking for local help, go to an actual paint store, the big box stores won’t have the selection or the personell to help you find the best match.
You can also visit Wooster’s site here. They have great customer service, and online dealer locator and more.
You can also view my earlier review of Wooster’s new Chinex FTP brush by clicking here.
Our monthly newsletter, Around The House News, features expert advice and tips from professional painting contractors. The newsletter contains several areas of interest including home care, painting and repair, and tips for around the house. Best of all it's free. Sign up for your copy here.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Time For A Great Tool
A Great Tool
Most contractors love tools and painters are no exceptions. We are always looking for that something that makes work go faster, easier and more productive. If it makes employees happy and raises moral it’s a definite plus. If it is relatively cheap, hell, we are ALL elated.
Well, I aim to tell you about one such tool. It is generally under-utilized this time of year. During the summer months most of us are trying to squeeze one more hour out of every day. Doing as much work as possible before it rains, before winter, or just trying not turning down work. It’s easy to get caught up into trying to get it all done, knowing that it may be gone the next week.
This tool costs very little, but the rewards can be tremendous. It only is available several times a year and even your customers know about it. It is the long holiday weekend.
Most contractors love tools and painters are no exceptions. We are always looking for that something that makes work go faster, easier and more productive. If it makes employees happy and raises moral it’s a definite plus. If it is relatively cheap, hell, we are ALL elated.
Well, I aim to tell you about one such tool. It is generally under-utilized this time of year. During the summer months most of us are trying to squeeze one more hour out of every day. Doing as much work as possible before it rains, before winter, or just trying not turning down work. It’s easy to get caught up into trying to get it all done, knowing that it may be gone the next week.
This tool costs very little, but the rewards can be tremendous. It only is available several times a year and even your customers know about it. It is the long holiday weekend.
I know you guys and gals bust butt as much as possible. I hope that you take advantage of this 4th of July weekend and take a breather. Enjoy some time with family and friends, have a few drinks and burn some meat on the grill. Relax, the job will be there next week and you and your employees can return rejuvenated and refreshed.
Happy 4th of July!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Big Box Stores and Pro Painters. The good, the bad and the ugly.
The appeal of big box stores is undeniable. Sheer buying power enables them to sell at generally low prices. Then there is the convenience of getting many products from a single location. For the home owner or even a small contractor, you can get almost everything in one trip. I know of many carpenter/home improvement guys that are at Lowe’s or Home Depot almost every morning. But when it comes to paint contractors, most of them avoid these stores like the plague.
It’s not like they don’t have decent products. Like many paint stores, they carry several grades and price points of paint, so there should be something for just about all projects. They are brands that are well advertised so the consumer should not be alarmed at big box type paints. Even some of the hard core pros will admit that they have decent (maybe not the best) paint lines.
So what is it that drives professional painters away? From my networking with painters across the country, it falls into 7 categories.
1. Junk: Many pros just don’t believe that the big box carries a good product. To be truthful, not everything that the big boxes carry is good. But anybody can buy low grade crap from any of the established paint stores too. Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, PPG all have top notch and slop grades of paint, with plenty of choices in between.
2. Afraid of change: Most people don’t embrace change, new and different can be scary. Switching from a tried and true product to the unknown can be frightening. After all, how is this new stuff going to work? What happens if it doesn’t work?
3. Warranty: Sure, lifetime on the can looks good; it is impressive, it screams“BUY ME BECAUSE YOU CAN TRUST ME!) But can you? What happens if you DO have a problem? Who do you talk to? Will they back it up? I know at my 2 main paint suppliers, if we have a problem they are there. They back us up with product and reimburse our time. I know who to talk to and they know me. It’s not like dealing with whoever’s shift it is.
4. Selection: There is more to painting than just paint. We need quality brushes, a larger selection of roller pads, leak proof drops, parts for spray rigs, some good scrapers and all that stuff doesn’t have to be cheap Chinese stuff. How about items for RRP jobs. (And if you don’t know what that is, you are a couple of years behind already.) Pro painters don’t want to go to one store for paint and another for quality sundries.
5. Price: Even though you have decent every day pricing, the specialty paint stores still beat you on most things. Besides, I think if somebody is buying paint weekly or monthly, they should get better than the occasional sale price everyday, specially when you are lacking in other areas.
6. Ego: Maybe ego is the wrong word, but most contractors like going to a store where they have built a solid relationship. I only know my paint rep at Home Depot. Don’t know if he is married or single, what he has done prior, and after being my rep for over two years I have spoken to him maybe 3-4 times.
Now, I know my Sherwin Williams rep, he comes to my jobs, calls or emails me, I have met his girlfriend and he has met several of my family members. He calls when there are sales and just to see how things are going. The local PPG store I deal with, I know the owners wife, rode motorcycles with his brother, he knows my fathers and brothers and I even have his personal (not business) phone number. So instead of ego, we will say relationships.
7. Service: Part of the lack of service flows from the relationships (or in this case, lack thereof) that business people build. The business model that the big box employs prevents a comparable level of service. Come in get it and get out.
To be honest, HD had tried to kick it up a notch. They do have a pro program
that is geared to the guys that buy mass quantities. (Which is really more for
builders and new construction, like THAT is going anywhere these days) I am
enrolled in the Home Depot program. You receive a minimal pricing break that
can be matched or exceeded by a sale. They also offer a horrendous fax/online
ordering system.
Horrendous? Here’s my experience with the Home Depot “online ordering”. I get
to the store to pick up my order at the “Pro Desk”.
Me: “I’m here to pick up my order”
HD Pro desk schlep in Annapolis, MD: “What’s the name?”
Me: “Family Professional Painting”
Schlep (looking around): “I don’t see it, when did you order it?”
Me: “An hour and a half ago.”
Schlep: “Well, it should be here. Let me call the paint department” (wait a few
minutes) “The paint department didn’t get it. When did you say you sent it?”
Me talking slowly: “I sent it an hour and a half ago”
Schlep: “Well. Let me look around the desk?” ………….I don’t see the fax.”
Me: “I sent it to the email you gave me”
Schlep: “Oh….let me look”……..”Here it is.” ……”You should have faxed it.”
Me: "I was on the jobsite when I sent that. I don’t carry a fax machine, that’s like
riding a horse to work. Does anybody do that?”
Schlep: “Well….we only check the emails first thing in the morning. You
should fax them for now on.”
Me: “I don’t even own a fax any longer. Why would you give out the Pro desk
email if you don’t regularly check it?”
Schlep: “I’m sorry, just fax it next time.”
That is just one example. I have called, emailed at night so it can be picked up the next morning and you have a 50/50 chance of it being ready. That said, when I got there and it wasn’t ready, they jumped right on it.
Lowe’s (Actually Valspar) in Easton, MD was worse. They have called me a half dozen times and I kept telling them I wasn’t interested. Finally they wore me down to a nub and I agreed to meet with the Valspar Rep and the Lowe’s store manager, who was to call and set up a time. Several months later and have yet to hear from them and to be honest, I have been in that store a few times and the paint department people have an attitude.
Personally, I have thrown in the towel on the big boxes and so have most of the pros I know. Sure I’ll stop in for a quick bag of Easy Sand, or a box of trash bags, but if they want the bulk of pro painters business they need to start offering the things the small guys do.
Note to big box stores: Look at those seven categories. See if you can or even want to compete with the local specialty paint stores. Then call us, maybe we can do business.
It’s not like they don’t have decent products. Like many paint stores, they carry several grades and price points of paint, so there should be something for just about all projects. They are brands that are well advertised so the consumer should not be alarmed at big box type paints. Even some of the hard core pros will admit that they have decent (maybe not the best) paint lines.
So what is it that drives professional painters away? From my networking with painters across the country, it falls into 7 categories.
1. Junk: Many pros just don’t believe that the big box carries a good product. To be truthful, not everything that the big boxes carry is good. But anybody can buy low grade crap from any of the established paint stores too. Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, PPG all have top notch and slop grades of paint, with plenty of choices in between.
2. Afraid of change: Most people don’t embrace change, new and different can be scary. Switching from a tried and true product to the unknown can be frightening. After all, how is this new stuff going to work? What happens if it doesn’t work?
3. Warranty: Sure, lifetime on the can looks good; it is impressive, it screams“BUY ME BECAUSE YOU CAN TRUST ME!) But can you? What happens if you DO have a problem? Who do you talk to? Will they back it up? I know at my 2 main paint suppliers, if we have a problem they are there. They back us up with product and reimburse our time. I know who to talk to and they know me. It’s not like dealing with whoever’s shift it is.
4. Selection: There is more to painting than just paint. We need quality brushes, a larger selection of roller pads, leak proof drops, parts for spray rigs, some good scrapers and all that stuff doesn’t have to be cheap Chinese stuff. How about items for RRP jobs. (And if you don’t know what that is, you are a couple of years behind already.) Pro painters don’t want to go to one store for paint and another for quality sundries.
5. Price: Even though you have decent every day pricing, the specialty paint stores still beat you on most things. Besides, I think if somebody is buying paint weekly or monthly, they should get better than the occasional sale price everyday, specially when you are lacking in other areas.
6. Ego: Maybe ego is the wrong word, but most contractors like going to a store where they have built a solid relationship. I only know my paint rep at Home Depot. Don’t know if he is married or single, what he has done prior, and after being my rep for over two years I have spoken to him maybe 3-4 times.
Now, I know my Sherwin Williams rep, he comes to my jobs, calls or emails me, I have met his girlfriend and he has met several of my family members. He calls when there are sales and just to see how things are going. The local PPG store I deal with, I know the owners wife, rode motorcycles with his brother, he knows my fathers and brothers and I even have his personal (not business) phone number. So instead of ego, we will say relationships.
7. Service: Part of the lack of service flows from the relationships (or in this case, lack thereof) that business people build. The business model that the big box employs prevents a comparable level of service. Come in get it and get out.
To be honest, HD had tried to kick it up a notch. They do have a pro program
that is geared to the guys that buy mass quantities. (Which is really more for
builders and new construction, like THAT is going anywhere these days) I am
enrolled in the Home Depot program. You receive a minimal pricing break that
can be matched or exceeded by a sale. They also offer a horrendous fax/online
ordering system.
Horrendous? Here’s my experience with the Home Depot “online ordering”. I get
to the store to pick up my order at the “Pro Desk”.
Me: “I’m here to pick up my order”
HD Pro desk schlep in Annapolis, MD: “What’s the name?”
Me: “Family Professional Painting”
Schlep (looking around): “I don’t see it, when did you order it?”
Me: “An hour and a half ago.”
Schlep: “Well, it should be here. Let me call the paint department” (wait a few
minutes) “The paint department didn’t get it. When did you say you sent it?”
Me talking slowly: “I sent it an hour and a half ago”
Schlep: “Well. Let me look around the desk?” ………….I don’t see the fax.”
Me: “I sent it to the email you gave me”
Schlep: “Oh….let me look”……..”Here it is.” ……”You should have faxed it.”
Me: "I was on the jobsite when I sent that. I don’t carry a fax machine, that’s like
riding a horse to work. Does anybody do that?”
Schlep: “Well….we only check the emails first thing in the morning. You
should fax them for now on.”
Me: “I don’t even own a fax any longer. Why would you give out the Pro desk
email if you don’t regularly check it?”
Schlep: “I’m sorry, just fax it next time.”
That is just one example. I have called, emailed at night so it can be picked up the next morning and you have a 50/50 chance of it being ready. That said, when I got there and it wasn’t ready, they jumped right on it.
Lowe’s (Actually Valspar) in Easton, MD was worse. They have called me a half dozen times and I kept telling them I wasn’t interested. Finally they wore me down to a nub and I agreed to meet with the Valspar Rep and the Lowe’s store manager, who was to call and set up a time. Several months later and have yet to hear from them and to be honest, I have been in that store a few times and the paint department people have an attitude.
Personally, I have thrown in the towel on the big boxes and so have most of the pros I know. Sure I’ll stop in for a quick bag of Easy Sand, or a box of trash bags, but if they want the bulk of pro painters business they need to start offering the things the small guys do.
Note to big box stores: Look at those seven categories. See if you can or even want to compete with the local specialty paint stores. Then call us, maybe we can do business.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Rain, rain go away. I still gotta paint today!
Rain, rain go away. I still gotta paint today!
For most paint contractors, weather plays a huge part in what they can get done.
This time of year our focus is on exteriors and we need all the dry weather we can get. All it takes is several days of bad weather to screw up the schedule and make customers angry.
In the past, we relied on the morning weatherperson, how the sky looked, roll of the dice and any other method that we could think of to decide if we were working that day. Some days you take a chance and knock off early because it starts to look gloomy. Who wants to fix a paint job because of bad weather?
With today's proliferation of smart phones it is no longer necessary to pack it up early because it looks like it might rain. You can tap into real time weather information maximized for your location. I use an app called my-cast, but there are several options. I just enter a zip code and download barometric pressure, Doppler radar maps, and more so we can make decisions based on real time info, instead of a best guess. It has kept us on the job more which translates into more work getting done.
What do you use, if anything to base weather related decisions on?
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