Painting, Wall Covering Installation & Finishing
Bellingham & Whatcom County, WA
Bellingham & Whatcom County, WA
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Painting & Wall Covering Services
When people call or email us, often there are common questions. You might have wondered these things, too.
Q: Do you do rental turnovers and large projects?
A: On occasion we will do individual turnovers, but we do not have the crew to handle multiple units at the same time or large projects that must be completed quickly. And most landlords find our prices are not within their budget. That being said, we do have a few repeat clients who believe the cost is worth the quality work they get.
Q: Can you give me an estimate if I tell you the square footage?
A: Sometimes, but not usually. We may give a ballpark estimate for interior work based on square footage of finished space, but we reserve the right to give a firm price quote after inspecting your property. There are too many variables - height of ceilings, condition of the walls, etc. For exterior it's even more difficult, so we won't even try. But we don't charge for our estimates, and you have no obligation to accept our bid. We do give per-roll (or per-yard, for commercial vinyl) prices for wall covering installation, but those prices assume minimal wall prep. Prices are slightly higher for kitchens and and bathrooms, since more cuts are involved. In order to give you a fairly accurate quote, however, we need information on the wallpaper you have picked out. Some are more complicated than others and take longer to install.
Q: Do I get a discount if I provide the paint?
A: Yes and no. Our price will be cheaper since it will be labor only, but chances are that unless you already have the paint, it will cost more in the long run. We are able to buy materials at contractor prices, which means we pay less than you will. And we should tell you that if you bought some closeout discount paint and it doesn't cover as well as the products we usually use, it will likely cost you more in the long run because we'll have to use more coats, so labor will be higher. We suggest you let us buy the paint and save you time and money. Also, if we do not provide the paint, we cannot guarantee the results.
Q: I see you recommend Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore paints. What if I want to use something else?
A: If you've got a preference, we'll use the brand you choose. But there is a reason we use SW paints. After using them for over 30 years we've found the quality, coverage, reliability, and performance of their products are the best. But in the past couple of years we've also started recommending Benjamin Moore paints. One reason for that - in addition to the quality of their products - is that our local BM store, Stockton's, works very hard to get us what we need. Their customer care is exceptional, and often BM has products we believe are more appropriate for a particular product.
If you choose another brand, we may need to use more (and it will take longer, hence more labor) to achieve the same results, which means it may cost you more. Sherwin Williams paints usually cover in one coat; discount and other brands may take two or three. But we have recently started using Benjamin Moore paints also, as there are certain BM product lines that we have found perform well.
Q: I've picked out a paint color from another brand of paint. Can you match it?
A: Yes. We also offer custom color tinting to match existing colors; we just need a paint color chip or the color number off the can. Even if you no longer have the can or don't know what your color paint is, we often can custom tint paint to match what exists.
Q: Why do you ask for a deposit?
A: We keep pretty busy, and our calendar is fairly full. We have found that without a deposit we get last-minute cancellations, even after we've purchased materials. Please understand that if your paint has already been ordered and it was custom mixed, it cannot be returned, so we would be stuck with it. That's one of the reasons deposits are generally nonrefundable if you cancel.
Your deposit serves two functions: it reserves a spot for you on our schedule, and it gives us the cash to buy the materials we need to get started. But we put your deposit into a savings account and don't draw on it until we start, so if something unavoidable comes up and we mutually agree to cancel your contract, you will get a refund.
Q: Do you take credit cards?
A: No, we are not set up to process credit cards. If you have a credit card that's linked to a PayPal account, we can accept that, but there will be a small fee. We also offer Venmo, CashApp, and Zelle. Contact our office for details if you'd like to use that payment option.
Q: Do you offer cash discounts?
A: We used to, but not any longer - for a couple of reasons. Our material suppliers don't give us discounts if we pay cash, so there is no cost savings. We deposit all transactions, cash or check, and then must pay taxes on that income, so there is no advantage for us when a customer wants to pay in cash. In fact, it actually costs us more, because most banks charge business customers a transaction fee when larger amounts of cash are deposited. So we'd prefer a check, thanks.
Q: How long is your price quote good for?
A: We guarantee our prices for 30 days (some projects up to 60 days). After 30 days we reserve the right to adjust the price quoted if material costs go up. If there's a reason your project can't be done within 30 days, if we have received a deposit we will honor the price.
Q: I have an older home, and I think there is lead paint. Do you handle this?
A: Homes built before the mid 70's most likely have lead paint present. That's not always a problem; however. If it's been painted over and the existing paint won't require any removal or disturbance such as sanding or scraping, we may be able to do it.
However, lead paint that will be disturbed (power washing, sanding, scraping, etc.) must be handled by a contractor who has been certified through an EPA-approved LeadSafe training. We have done this, but we have elected not to take on projects where there is lead paint present, due to the restrictive requirements and equipment needed for containment and disposal. For older homes, we do use a lead test kit, and if we find lead paint is present, we will notify you but will decline to bid on your project. You will need to contact a lead abatement company first.
Q: Do you sell wallpaper?
A: No, but we can refer you to places that do. Our first suggestion would be to go to your local Sherwin Williams store or Stockton's in Bellingham - they've got lots of sample books. We also can recommend some online outlets.
We do suggest you have us measure before you order your wall covering, however, since it's best to buy more than enough to complete your job so it's all of the same production run or lot. If you haven't ordered enough and need to get more, it might not be an exact match.
Q: Can you get the outside of my house painted before the fall rains start?
A: That depends on when you schedule your project. We start taking deposits for exterior work beginning in February, and it's often warm and dry enough to start painting outside in late April. We cannot guarantee availability of anything scheduled after late September, since fall weather here in western Washington is so unpredictable. Late in the fall we can use a paint that dries quickly and can be used in cooler temperatures, but we do need a few days of no rain to work. There are prep things that can be done, such as power washing, scraping, and patching, even in the rain.
If we have your signed contract and deposit and are unable to start your exterior job because of the weather, you have the option of getting a refund or waiting for spring, in which case we will honor our price, and you'll be the first in line when the weather is good for exterior work.
When people call or email us, often there are common questions. You might have wondered these things, too.
Q: Do you do rental turnovers and large projects?
A: On occasion we will do individual turnovers, but we do not have the crew to handle multiple units at the same time or large projects that must be completed quickly. And most landlords find our prices are not within their budget. That being said, we do have a few repeat clients who believe the cost is worth the quality work they get.
Q: Can you give me an estimate if I tell you the square footage?
A: Sometimes, but not usually. We may give a ballpark estimate for interior work based on square footage of finished space, but we reserve the right to give a firm price quote after inspecting your property. There are too many variables - height of ceilings, condition of the walls, etc. For exterior it's even more difficult, so we won't even try. But we don't charge for our estimates, and you have no obligation to accept our bid. We do give per-roll (or per-yard, for commercial vinyl) prices for wall covering installation, but those prices assume minimal wall prep. Prices are slightly higher for kitchens and and bathrooms, since more cuts are involved. In order to give you a fairly accurate quote, however, we need information on the wallpaper you have picked out. Some are more complicated than others and take longer to install.
Q: Do I get a discount if I provide the paint?
A: Yes and no. Our price will be cheaper since it will be labor only, but chances are that unless you already have the paint, it will cost more in the long run. We are able to buy materials at contractor prices, which means we pay less than you will. And we should tell you that if you bought some closeout discount paint and it doesn't cover as well as the products we usually use, it will likely cost you more in the long run because we'll have to use more coats, so labor will be higher. We suggest you let us buy the paint and save you time and money. Also, if we do not provide the paint, we cannot guarantee the results.
Q: I see you recommend Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore paints. What if I want to use something else?
A: If you've got a preference, we'll use the brand you choose. But there is a reason we use SW paints. After using them for over 30 years we've found the quality, coverage, reliability, and performance of their products are the best. But in the past couple of years we've also started recommending Benjamin Moore paints. One reason for that - in addition to the quality of their products - is that our local BM store, Stockton's, works very hard to get us what we need. Their customer care is exceptional, and often BM has products we believe are more appropriate for a particular product.
If you choose another brand, we may need to use more (and it will take longer, hence more labor) to achieve the same results, which means it may cost you more. Sherwin Williams paints usually cover in one coat; discount and other brands may take two or three. But we have recently started using Benjamin Moore paints also, as there are certain BM product lines that we have found perform well.
Q: I've picked out a paint color from another brand of paint. Can you match it?
A: Yes. We also offer custom color tinting to match existing colors; we just need a paint color chip or the color number off the can. Even if you no longer have the can or don't know what your color paint is, we often can custom tint paint to match what exists.
Q: Why do you ask for a deposit?
A: We keep pretty busy, and our calendar is fairly full. We have found that without a deposit we get last-minute cancellations, even after we've purchased materials. Please understand that if your paint has already been ordered and it was custom mixed, it cannot be returned, so we would be stuck with it. That's one of the reasons deposits are generally nonrefundable if you cancel.
Your deposit serves two functions: it reserves a spot for you on our schedule, and it gives us the cash to buy the materials we need to get started. But we put your deposit into a savings account and don't draw on it until we start, so if something unavoidable comes up and we mutually agree to cancel your contract, you will get a refund.
Q: Do you take credit cards?
A: No, we are not set up to process credit cards. If you have a credit card that's linked to a PayPal account, we can accept that, but there will be a small fee. We also offer Venmo, CashApp, and Zelle. Contact our office for details if you'd like to use that payment option.
Q: Do you offer cash discounts?
A: We used to, but not any longer - for a couple of reasons. Our material suppliers don't give us discounts if we pay cash, so there is no cost savings. We deposit all transactions, cash or check, and then must pay taxes on that income, so there is no advantage for us when a customer wants to pay in cash. In fact, it actually costs us more, because most banks charge business customers a transaction fee when larger amounts of cash are deposited. So we'd prefer a check, thanks.
Q: How long is your price quote good for?
A: We guarantee our prices for 30 days (some projects up to 60 days). After 30 days we reserve the right to adjust the price quoted if material costs go up. If there's a reason your project can't be done within 30 days, if we have received a deposit we will honor the price.
Q: I have an older home, and I think there is lead paint. Do you handle this?
A: Homes built before the mid 70's most likely have lead paint present. That's not always a problem; however. If it's been painted over and the existing paint won't require any removal or disturbance such as sanding or scraping, we may be able to do it.
However, lead paint that will be disturbed (power washing, sanding, scraping, etc.) must be handled by a contractor who has been certified through an EPA-approved LeadSafe training. We have done this, but we have elected not to take on projects where there is lead paint present, due to the restrictive requirements and equipment needed for containment and disposal. For older homes, we do use a lead test kit, and if we find lead paint is present, we will notify you but will decline to bid on your project. You will need to contact a lead abatement company first.
Q: Do you sell wallpaper?
A: No, but we can refer you to places that do. Our first suggestion would be to go to your local Sherwin Williams store or Stockton's in Bellingham - they've got lots of sample books. We also can recommend some online outlets.
We do suggest you have us measure before you order your wall covering, however, since it's best to buy more than enough to complete your job so it's all of the same production run or lot. If you haven't ordered enough and need to get more, it might not be an exact match.
Q: Can you get the outside of my house painted before the fall rains start?
A: That depends on when you schedule your project. We start taking deposits for exterior work beginning in February, and it's often warm and dry enough to start painting outside in late April. We cannot guarantee availability of anything scheduled after late September, since fall weather here in western Washington is so unpredictable. Late in the fall we can use a paint that dries quickly and can be used in cooler temperatures, but we do need a few days of no rain to work. There are prep things that can be done, such as power washing, scraping, and patching, even in the rain.
If we have your signed contract and deposit and are unable to start your exterior job because of the weather, you have the option of getting a refund or waiting for spring, in which case we will honor our price, and you'll be the first in line when the weather is good for exterior work.
Call us today for a free estimate: 360.594.2430
References Available on Request
Providing painting and finishing services in the greater Bellingham area.
Also Ferndale, Blaine, Lynden, Burlington, Mt Vernon & northern Skagit County.
North Pine Painting, LLC, Ferndale WA 98248
Washington General Contractor #NORTHPP881RG
References Available on Request
Providing painting and finishing services in the greater Bellingham area.
Also Ferndale, Blaine, Lynden, Burlington, Mt Vernon & northern Skagit County.
North Pine Painting, LLC, Ferndale WA 98248
Washington General Contractor #NORTHPP881RG