A word of caution.
There’s an alarming business practice that’s become commonplace in the house painting industry that most homeowners are unaware of. Many house painting companies — even some of the large national franchise companies — don’t do their own work.
If house painting companies don’t use their own professional painters to paint your home then who does the work? Many painting companies sell their services to unsuspecting homeowners and then they pass the contract off to a sub-contractor to perform the labor. Many of them don’t even employ an actual painter on their staff. They simply sell the jobs, collect the checks, and split the money 50/50 with the painting crew who actually does the work — making them nothing more than a middleman. Other owner-operator companies often use sub-contract labor to staff their crews or pay their workers under the table — both of which are just as bad if not worse, as well as illegal in most cases.
The reason why they do this is that it allows them to cut way down on their overhead costs by not having to pay social security contributions, unemployment and payroll taxes, or workers’ compensation policy premiums; and they either pass some of that savings along to the customer by providing them with a low-ball bid price or just stick the extra profit in their own pocket. While this has been a common occurrence between general contractors and sub-contractors on unoccupied construction projects for many years, when we’re talking about painting someone’s home the end result is that the customer is unknowingly being put at great personal risk.
So how exactly does this put the customer at risk? Being in the industry myself for nearly two decades and having worked for one of these large franchise companies in the past, I can speak from personal experience when I say that there are several areas of concern that anyone looking to hire a painter should carefully consider.
Quality of Workmanship
Good painting companies that use W-2 employees control the quality of their work by having a continuing skills training program for their workers to ensure that they are using the most effective equipment and techniques. They also abide by the Painting & Decorating Contractors of America’s standards for craftsmanship so the quality is always consistent from job to job. By law, the IRS will not allow a painting company to dictate to any sub-contractor the methods they should use for performing their jobs. So even if they wanted to guarantee a certain level of the quality of work, they lack the legal behavioral control to do so. But the fact of the matter is — as I have seen first hand — there is very little if any vetting of quality that many of these companies actually do when they hire a new sub crew and turn them loose on a customer’s project.
The result is usually inconsistent quality from one job to the next. And the primary contractor’s only recourse for getting their sub-contractor to fix their mistakes is to force them to return to the jobsite by refusing to pay them for their labor until the shoddy workmanship is fixed. That’s of little consolation to a homeowner when they’re stuck with a painting project that looks terrible, waiting for it to be corrected by a disgruntled sub-contractor who just wants to rush through the repair work so they can get paid.
If the situation becomes contentious and the sub-contractor doesn’t correct the errors and finish the job to the painting company’s satisfaction, they will often refuse payment to them. The only recourse that a sub-contractor then has to collect their money, other than litigation, is to file a mechanic’s lien on the homeowner’s property to force the painting company to pay them. These may sound like extreme situations, but they happen more than you might imagine.
In my experience, when workers are left to their own devices and are being paid such a small fixed portion of the overall painting contract — as is almost always the case — they often feel that the best way for them to make any money for themselves is to get their work done as quickly as possible. They are neither being directed nor compensated in a way that is encouraging them to take the time necessary to do the job the right way without cutting any corners.
Personal Safety
You’d probably expect that the crew members working at your home are good guys or gals. This painting company you contracted with would never endanger you, your family, or your belongings by sending any shady characters out to paint your house, would they? You might be surprised. During the time I worked for one of the largest national franchise painting companies, not once did they do a criminal background check on the crew members of the new sub-contract crews they hired. They didn’t even make it a point to meet all of the members of the crews before assigning them to the jobs.
Whether you decide to go with a painting contractor that performs their own labor or not, make sure you check that they know — and that you know — exactly who is working at your home.
Homeowner Liability
Another serious issue that often gets overlooked is one of homeowner liability. Every legitimate painting company has an OSHA-based safety training program in place for its employees to ensure that appropriate workplace safety practices are always being followed. After all, painters are at high risk for one of the most common workplace accidents — falls from ladders. A legitimate painting company pays workers’ compensation insurance premiums — usually hefty ones — for each of its employees so that they are covered if such an event would occur.
Why this becomes the homeowner’s concern is because many of these sub-contract crews have other crew members working for them that are NOT their employees. They are either sub-contractors of the sub-contractor or they are being paid under the table by the sub-contractor for their labor. In either case, rarely are they covered under a workers’ compensation policy.
So if one of these workers falls off of a ladder or gets injured on the job they can attempt to hold the homeowner liable for their medical bills. Always make sure that every single worker who steps foot on your property is covered under a workers’ compensation policy, not just the company you’re contracting with; don’t ever assume that they already are.
There’s a common saying in the workplace — “Safety is no accident.” What that means is that good safety practices are not instinctive, they’re learned. So ask yourself: If your painting company is not safety-training their workers, who is?
What’s A Homeowner To Do?
A question I hear often from homeowners is: “Why is there such a difference in price between painting companies?” It is not uncommon for us to see price fluctuations — at times even large ones — when we have the opportunity to compare our proposals to those of other companies. Sometimes it can be due to a simple difference in the scope of work to be performed where one company intends to do additional work that another does not, sometimes it’s due to a legitimate company being compared to an illegitimate company (one who doesn’t have licensing, insurance, workers’ comp coverage, and/or are paying their workers under the table). But regardless, whenever we see a huge discrepancy in price for the same scope of work it is almost always because there is not an apples-to-apples comparison of companies.
It takes a lot of time and money for a legitimate painting company to find, screen, hire, and properly train high-quality professional painters; to follow the Painting & Decorating Contractors of America’s standards for craftsmanship on all jobs; to maintain required insurance and workers’ comp levels; and to operate an OSHA-based safety training program. It most-certainly costs more for companies to do business this way, which can affect their bid price to the customer. And while the dilemma of the business owner may not be the homeowner’s concern, the end result of doing business this way versus the alternative is almost always a happy, well-protected customer, and that is definitely important to any homeowner.
In fact, some of our best customers have come to us when we’ve been hired to help them correct mistakes caused by the inferior workmanship and practices of other painters. From a price standpoint, there are times when legitimate painting companies just cannot compete with other painters who use substandard business practices because they are not willing to compromise their standards or their customers’ safety to do so.
There are definitely times where all ends well for homeowners who utilize middleman or even illegitimate painting companies, and sometimes they end up saving money in the process. However, it is always a gamble and it’s easy to see the risks that these types of business practices can expose the customer to.
If you’re considering hiring a painting contractor to paint your home we suggest you make sure you’re asking the right questions, and you ask yourself how much risk you’re willing to take in exchange for the possibility of a lower bid price.
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FAQs - Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing
What is the lifespan of the kitchen cabinet coating?
It’s essential to delve deeper into the factors that make Finish Masters’ choice of cabinet paints, stains, and finishes the epitome of durability in the current market.
Finish Masters’ commitment to excellence is exemplified by its meticulous selection of cabinet coatings. These coatings undergo rigorous scrutiny, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and performance. The choice of the best-performing products is founded on several key factors:
Material Quality: Finish Masters places a premium on the quality of materials used in their cabinet paints, stains, and finishes. They seek out products that exhibit superior resistance to wear and tear, as well as environmental factors. This choice of high-quality materials ensures the longevity of the coatings.
Advanced Formulations: The cabinet coatings chosen by Finish Masters often feature advanced formulations. These formulations incorporate cutting-edge technologies, such as nanotechnology and polymer science, which enhance the coatings’ durability. They provide superior adhesion, resistance to chipping, and protection against UV radiation.
Extensive Testing: At the Ph.D. level, it’s important to highlight the extensive testing and research that goes into selecting these coatings. Finish Masters collaborates with manufacturers who subject their products to rigorous testing for durability, adhesion, and resistance to various stressors. This meticulous evaluation ensures that only the most robust coatings are used.
Environmental Sustainability: In today’s market, it’s crucial to consider the environmental impact of coatings. Finish Masters places emphasis on selecting coatings that not only perform exceptionally but also meet eco-friendly standards. Low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) and environmentally responsible coatings are favored, reflecting a commitment to both durability and sustainability.
Market Research: Extensive market research is conducted to stay updated with the latest advancements in cabinet coating technology. Finish Masters keeps a pulse on emerging products and trends, ensuring that their chosen coatings remain at the forefront of durability and performance.
Client Satisfaction: Customer feedback and satisfaction play a critical role in determining the durability of cabinet coatings. Finish Masters places high value on the real-world experiences of clients who have had their cabinets painted or stained. This feedback loop helps fine-tune their selection process, ensuring that the coatings meet or exceed client expectations.
In summary, Finish Masters’ choice of cabinet paints, stains, and finishes stands as a testament to their dedication to excellence. Their commitment to selecting the most durable and high-performing products is based on material quality, advanced formulations, extensive testing, environmental sustainability, market research, and, most importantly, client satisfaction. It is this holistic approach that positions Finish Masters as a leader in the industry, providing clients with not only beautiful but enduring cabinet finishes backed by a 5-yr warranty.
Should I be concerned about water?
At the microscopic level, we can explore the resistance of Finish Masters’ cabinet paints and coatings to dampness, emphasizing the advanced features and technologies that make them exceptionally durable in the presence of moisture and various environmental challenges.
Finish Masters’ commitment to providing cabinet coatings that are impervious to dampness is founded on a blend of factors that highlight their outstanding performance:
Water-Resistant Formulations: The cabinet paints and coatings selected by Finish Masters are engineered with advanced formulations that incorporate hydrophobic properties. These formulations are designed to repel water, preventing it from seeping into the substrate. This water-resistant characteristic ensures that the coatings remain intact and unblemished, even in high-humidity environments.
Chemical Resistance: Finish Masters’ coatings not only withstand dampness but also exhibit resistance to a wide range of chemicals and solvents. This resistance is a testament to the coatings’ versatility and ability to endure exposure to substances that might compromise the integrity of standard finishes.
Heat Tolerance: In addition to dampness, Finish Masters’ cabinet coatings are engineered to withstand high temperatures. This heat tolerance is crucial, particularly in the kitchen environment where cabinet surfaces can be exposed to heat sources such as stovetops and ovens. The coatings’ ability to endure these conditions without deteriorating or losing their finish is a testament to their exceptional durability.
Fade-Resistant Technology: The cabinet paints and coatings employed by Finish Masters incorporate fade-resistant technology. This means that they can maintain their color and vibrancy over extended periods, even when exposed to sunlight and environmental factors that typically cause fading. This resistance to fading ensures that your cabinets continue to look fresh and vibrant.
Chip Resistance: Another noteworthy feature of Finish Masters’ coatings is their remarkable resistance to chipping. Cabinet surfaces often encounter wear and tear, which can lead to chipping and damage. The coatings’ ability to withstand such impacts and maintain their structural integrity underlines their durability.
In conclusion, Finish Masters’ cabinet paints and coatings are engineered to excel in resisting dampness and a spectrum of environmental challenges. Their water-resistant formulations, chemical resistance, heat tolerance, fade-resistant technology, and chip resistance collectively ensure that your cabinets remain in pristine condition. The advanced features and technologies integrated into these coatings make them an ideal choice for maintaining the longevity and beauty of your cabinets.
How to care for kitchen cabinet coating?
Caring for your professionally refinished cabinets is essential to maintain their beauty and extend their lifespan. Here are the steps to ensure your cabinets remain in excellent condition:
Gentle Cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth to clean your cabinets regularly. Avoid abrasive or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the finish. A mild dish soap diluted in water is usually sufficient for cleaning.
Avoid Excessive Moisture: While professionally refinished cabinets are water-resistant, it’s best to avoid excessive moisture. Wipe up spills promptly to prevent any potential damage.
Use Coasters and Mats: Place coasters under cups and mats under appliances like coffee makers or toasters to protect the cabinet surface from heat and moisture.
Regular Dusting: Dust your cabinets regularly to prevent a buildup of dirt and grime. Use a soft microfiber cloth or a duster for this purpose.
Handle with Care: Be gentle when opening and closing cabinet doors and drawers. Avoid slamming them, as this can cause the finish to chip or crack over time.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to color fading. Consider using curtains or blinds to protect your cabinets from harsh UV rays.
Periodic Polishing: Depending on the type of finish, you may want to apply a furniture polish or a specialized cabinet wax periodically. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific products and frequency.
Inspect and Repair: Regularly inspect your cabinets for any signs of wear, chipping, or damage. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent further deterioration.
Preventative Maintenance: It’s a good idea to periodically check and tighten any loose hardware, such as handles or knobs, to ensure they remain secure.
Consult the Professionals: If you have any concerns or specific maintenance questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals who refinished your cabinets. They can provide guidance and advice tailored to your specific cabinet finish.
By following these care guidelines, you can ensure that your professionally refinished cabinets continue to enhance your living space for years to come. Regular maintenance and gentle handling will preserve their beauty and functionality.
How long does it take to paint kitchen cabinets?
Finish Masters typically allocates approximately 14 business days for painting an average kitchen. This timeline is designed to ensure a meticulous and comprehensive cabinet painting process, from start to finish.
Our approach involves several key stages:
Preparation: The initial phase involves preparing the kitchen space. This includes protecting your kitchen and adjacent areas from any potential overspray.
Door and Drawer Removal: A critical step in our process is the careful removal of cabinet doors and drawers. This is done to facilitate a more thorough and precise painting process.
Transport to the Shop: Once removed, the doors and drawers are then transported to our dedicated shop, equipped with a state-of-the-art spray booth. This facility is essential for achieving a flawless and professional finish, as it provides a controlled environment for the application of paint or stain.
Surface Preparation: In the shop, our skilled technicians meticulously clean, sand, and prepare the cabinet doors and drawers. This step ensures a smooth and flawless surface, promoting optimal paint adhesion and an impeccable finish.
Priming and Painting: After preparation, we apply a high-quality primer to create a strong foundation. Following this, our team employs a professional spray technique to apply the chosen paint or stain, guaranteeing a uniform and elegant finish.
Drying and Curing: The doors and drawers are then left to dry and cure in our controlled environment. This controlled curing process is vital for the longevity and durability of the finish.
On-Site Work: While the doors and drawers are being processed in our shop, our on-site team works on refinishing the cabinet frames and any additional components. This step ensures that every part of your kitchen cabinets is revitalized.
Reassembly: After the doors and drawers have fully cured, they are carefully transported back to your home and expertly reassembled.
Quality Inspection: A final quality inspection is conducted to ensure that every aspect of your cabinets meets our rigorous standards for excellence.
By allowing for these 14 business days, we ensure that every detail is attended to, from meticulous surface preparation to the controlled finishing process in our spray booth. This commitment to quality and precision is what sets Finish Masters apart, guaranteeing a transformation that will rejuvenate and enhance your kitchen space.
Our Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing and Cabinet Painting Areas
Kitchen cabinet painting in Massachusetts coverage areas:
Acton, MA | Andover, MA | Arlington, MA | Ayer, MA | Bedford, MA | Belmont, MA | Bellingham, MA | Billerica, MA | Bolton, MA | Boxborough, MA | Burlington, MA | Cambridge, MA | Carlisle, MA | Chelmsford, MA | Clinton, MA | Concord, MA | Dracut, MA | Dunstable, MA | Everett, MA | Fitchburg, MA | Groton, MA | Hanscom AFB, MA | Harvard, MA | Haverhill, MA | Hudson, MA | Lawrence, MA | Leominster, MA | Lexington, MA | Lincoln, MA | Littleton, MA | Lowell, MA | Lunenburg, MA | Malden, MA | Marlborough, MA | Maynard, MA | Medford, MA | Methuen, MA | Natick, MA | Newton, MA | North Andover, MA | North Reading, MA | Pepperell, MA | Reading, MA | Revere, MA | Shirley, MA | Somerville, MA | Sterling, MA | Stow, MA | Sudbury, MA | Tewksbury, MA | Townsend, MA | Tyngsborough, MA | Waltham, MA | Watertown, MA | Wayland, MA | Wellesley, MA | West Boylston, MA | Westford, MA | Weston, MA | Wilmington, MA | Winthrop, MA
Kitchen cabinet painting in New Hampshire coverage areas:
Amherst, NH | Auburn, NH | Bedford, NH | Bennington, NH | Brookline, NH | Candia, NH | Chester, NH | Danville, NH | Deerfield, NH | Derry, NH | Dunbarton, NH | Francestown, NH | Goffstown, NH | Greenfield, NH | Greenville, NH | Hancock, NH | Henniker, NH | Hillsborough, NH | Hollis, NH | Hooksett, NH | Hudson, NH | Litchfield, NH | Londonderry, NH | Lyndeborough, NH | Manchester, NH | Mason, NH | Merrimack, NH | Milford, NH | Mont Vernon, NH | Nashua, NH | New Boston, NH | New Ipswich, NH | Pelham, NH | Peterborough, NH | Raymond, NH | Weare, NH | Wilton, NH |Windham, NH | Windsor, NH
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