You've decided to paint a room.  What do you do first?  Pick a color! 

Identify colors in the room such as furniture, drapes, flooring.  Color choice can dramatically change the look of a room. It can accent features or create harmony or drama.  Think about the mood or feeling you want to create in the room. Go to paint stores (like Benjamin Moore) or home improvement stores (Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, Rona, Home Depot, or Lowes); they have vast interior paint selections with various color scheme options to choose from. For assistance, ask the store's sales staff to assist you.

Once you've chosen the perfect color, select a sheen or gloss.  Consider the look you want, the condition of the existing surface and the desired durability.  For instance, buy flat finish paint for most walls and ceilings in living spaces such as living rooms or dining rooms.  Consider a semi-gloss for bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms, doors, windows or trim; it's easier to clean and provides a tougher finish.  Buy latex (water-based) paint for any room in the house; it dries faster and is very durable.  Get alkyd (oil-based) paint if you want an extra tough finish for trim or bathrooms; it dries more slowly, resists moisture and is highly scrubbable.

Buy the best-quality paint you can afford; paint is the least expensive part of the job.

Once you've purchased your paint, call us.  We'll give you an estimate based on the scope of work.  For instance, are there imperfections (cracks, holes, or peeling paint) that need repair?  Are there gaps or seams that need filling?  Is there mold or mildew that needs to be cleaned?  Are there areas that need priming (uncoated surfaces, patched and repaired areas, or a dramatic color change)?   How many coats will be required (lighter colors over dark will alway require more coats than the other way around)?  How much trim is there (doors, windows, frames, baseboards, quarter-round, etc.)?