Questions, answered plainly

A single room usually takes two to three days on site, plus the airing days the plan sets. We give a range, not a promised date, because drying depends on the product and the weather.

Each room and surface by name, the repairs, the coats, the products and sheens, the colors, the airing plan, the schedule and how you pay.

Repairs we can only find once a wall is opened, extra colors and structural work. Anything added is agreed with you in writing first.

The deposit, if there is one, and when the rest is due are written in your estimate before you sign.

Ask for the written warranty with your estimate. Terms, limits and exclusions are in your written warranty.

We use premium paint and name the product on your estimate. The maker's product data sheet says what is in it, including the VOC content the maker states and the drying and recoat times, and we send the sheet for every product before we order. If someone in your home is sensitive to smell, tell us at the visit and we choose from products you can read about, not from the front of a can. Every paint has some odor, so we plan the airing instead of promising a room with none.

We buy it and name each product on the estimate. If you want a different one, we price it and send its data sheet.

Yes. Bring samples to the visit, or we bring a fan deck and paint sample boards on the wall you will see them on.

Federal rules apply to paid work that disturbs paint in homes and child-occupied buildings built before 1978: the firm has to be certified by the EPA under its Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, and a certified renovator has to lead the job. Paint in a house of that age is treated as lead paint unless a test says otherwise. The work area is sealed with plastic, paint is wet-scraped or vacuumed rather than dry-sanded, and the floors are cleaned and checked before the room is handed back. Our firm number is listed under Credentials.

That is your decision, and the plan is there to help you make it. We give you the product's drying times and our airing plan for the room. Many households choose another room for the first night, especially with babies, asthma or allergies. We can't give medical advice; if you are unsure, ask your doctor.

Usually not. We work one room at a time and tell you each morning which rooms are being painted. You choose where to sleep.

Floors are covered with paper and plastic, furniture is moved to the middle and covered, and plants leave the room before day one.

Interiors, yes. The data sheet gives the lowest temperature each product can be applied at, and we keep the rooms heated to it. With the windows shut we plan shorter painting days and a longer airing with fans.

Late May to early October, depending on the weather. We book in winter.

Some towns and neighborhood associations review exterior colors. Ask before you choose; we can give you the color samples for a submission.