Tips for Do-It-Yourself Changes

A great way to change your surroundings is to PAINT! The colors you choose can transform any room. If you’re looking for calming colors, go with blues and greens. When you want to bring excitement into a space, try reds and yellows. (See our Color Info page for more information and choices.) Try something different! You might be surprised. Unsure what you want? Call AGV Painting. We can help!

Is your family room dull and boring? After you paint, try REARRANGING FURNITURE! Trying different arrangements with your furniture may lighten your area or create movement throughout the space. After you find an arrangement you like, all you need are accessories.

Plants always make a space more inviting. BRING IN THE OUTDOORS! Having greenery in any room from your office to your bedroom will always make a difference in your mood. Plants and fresh cut flowers give the look and scent of freshness and help you relax in your surroundings.

Also here are some tips to help assess your needs:

Tin Roof—Get up on your roof and check the paint for cracking, peeling, flaking, "alligatoring," or surface rust. Problems such as these are often associated with multiple layers of paint that can no longer expand and contract due to deterioration or improper application of one of the underlying coats. Depending on the severity of the problem, removal of the old layers of paint may be the best remedy. Mild or severe signs of paint deterioration require immediate attention because the paint should be protecting your expensive tin roof and other exterior substrates. A proper paint job can save you thousands on tin roof repairs and replacements.

Historic Windows—If you have installed storm windows, check for two vents at the bottom of your storms which allow moisture to escape. Trapped moisture destroys wooden windowsills. If you don't have vents, drill holes in the bottom of the storm frame.

Painting Exterior Brick—Check the mortar for sandy holes and other signs of deterioration. Before you paint, consult your paint contractor about "spot painting" to repair the mortar damage completely. Be aware that the appropriate mortar mix is used to protect older bricks. Proper repair will prevent costly water migration into the masonry and will allow stronger paint adhesion to the brick surface.

Preparation—85% of the real work involved in providing a quality, long-lasting paint job is in the preparation of all the surfaces to readily bond with the new paint. The common surfaces on Washington's homes are masonry, wood and metal. Preparation includes labor-intensive tasks including scraping, sanding, priming, cleaning, caulking, patching, glazing and more. How much prep and how much the job will cost is due largely to the type or types of surfaces being painted. Beware of the lowest estimate because, over time, this may become your worst nightmare.

How To Select A Paint Contractor

Ask which other Washington's homes this contractor has painted. How long ago were these properties done? Go to each one and compare the results between Hill homes painted 2 and 6 years ago. How closely do they compare? A quality contractor's work will hold up through the years because of the better preparation, more experience and better materials.

Check that the contractor is licensed, bonded and that he has Public Liability Insurance as well as Workman's Comp. The contractor should be well established on Washington's due the historic significance of these buildings. Check references to ensure that the contractor's staff follow strict guidelines in respecting your property as part of our national heritage. Your neighbors are going to be your greatest help in making this important decision.