Ok folks this is my first swag at my blog I plan on doing either monthly or bi monthly. The first subject is going to be maintenance, specifically on exterior painting and care of your home.
One of the biggest problems I see down here is the lack of proper maintenance completed on homes. It has always perplexed me that my friends and neighbors buy a 6 or 7 figure home close to or on the gulf and then fail to maintain their investment. So what I have decided to do is give you some ideas on what you need to do to keep you house in great shape.
Let’s talk about exterior first.
Paint,
The single most important thing you can do to your house every 7-10 years is to paint it. Consider paint the sun screen for your house, you would not go out in July without any on your body, but when it comes time to take care of the house we fail to put it on. I recommend getting a painter who is insured in Florida, and from the area. Need to get references from them, and call them. Another good idea is to check with your HOA manager, neighbors and most important your builder.
When it comes to paint I highly recommend Sherwin Williams Duration paint and calk. It is all that Envision Builders Group uses on our projects. It is more expensive but, the cost is worth it in the long run. It simply will last longer. When they show up to paint make sure that the house has been pressure cleaned and had at least 24 hours to dry. If rain is forecasted within 24 hours do not let them paint. A pro will know this and you will not have to tell them.
Rust Spots are common site down here; however there is something you can do about it. Prior to a home being painted the painter can set the rusting nail and then brush a rust inhibiter/sealer over the rusted area. The inhibiter chemically reacts with rust to form a tough, black polymer barrier that locks out future rust, then you painter will sand and paint over this spot. Simply painting over the area will only hide it for about 30 days.
Prep work should take up the majority of the painter time. They should never immediately start painting your house. The home must be cleaned, windows must be calked, nails must be sunk and pudy and calk should be applied to areas that require it. Prep work should take up 60 percent of the crew’s time.
This being said if you will stay with my tips listed below you should end up with a quality work.
1. Interview you painter and check references. Find out how long he has been in business.
2. Check his insurance, to see if it is current, and that he has enough to cover any possible damage.
3. Ask about the products they use and let them know what you want them to use.
4. Ensure they clean the exterior of the home by power washing it 24-72 hours prior to applying paint.
5. Never pay prior to work being complete. You may work out a payment schedule though. Say 10% to secure the job, 25% upon prep work being completed, 25% upon trim being painted 25% upon completion of siding or main area, and 15% upon you inspecting the work with the painter and all touch ups complete.
Hope this helps and if you have any questions I am only an email or phone call away.
~ Ron
Ron Guernsey is a Licensed Contractor and owner of Envision Builders Group. You can contact him at ron@envisionbuildersgroup.com
P.O. Box 613325 Watersound, Florida 32461 (850) 855-5746 www.envisionbuildersgroup.com
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