Charmed Playhouses.

By | backyard, Buisness, Home decor, Painting | No Comments

We had a great opportunity to be involved in the construction of these playhouses. Its a local company Charmed Playhouses based out of Lethbridge that just started and we did all the painting for these two structures. We spent a lot of time making sure they were done just right for the unveiling and kickstart of the company. We are excited for the chance to work with them more in the future.

I think that when it comes to painting most people look at it as a major renovation to their home. When in reality it is the easiest thing you could do to a room/home to give it a completely different feel/look. We want people to think colour and to let more colour into their lives. It was amazing how many people just loved these playhouses and were just wishing that they could have one for themselves or for their families. The fun thing with paint is that you could bring the same playful look/feeling to a room by adding some colour to it.

So my challenge is this. ADD MORE COLOUR INTO YOUR LIFE!!

It will do wonders to your attitude/energy.

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7 Things You Should Discuss With Your Painter Before You Hire Them!!

By | Buisness, Home decor, Painting | 2 Comments

Well as for my first post dealing with painting, I thought it would be good to discuss some important things that every client should ask their painter so that they get the desired outcome. When ever I go into a home these are some of the key points that I always try to go over with clients so that there are no unwanted/unexpected surprises throughout the process.

1. Tell them what your vision is for your project.

It is really important to convey what your purpose is behind you hiring your painter. Is it to just get a fresh coat of paint? Is it to fix damaged areas and restore your walls? Is it to be different and to make a statement? Is it to make them more durable/washable so your kids won’t damage them as easy? These are all really important questions that will help your painter give you a better end product and achieve your desired result.

2. Ask what brand of paint they plan on using.

Most professional painters will have a brand/store that they buy their paint from. It might not be the same as what paint you have picked out. If all you have done is picked a colour then he can take that colour to any store and get it matched. Some times people think that the most expensive paint is always the best but that isn’t true in every case. Get the best bang for your buck. Let your painter buy the paint as he will get contractor pricing instead of what you would get. Also if your home is older than 15 years and hasn’t been painted in the past 15 years then you might have oil based paint on the wall which needs to be primed before latex can go over top.

3. Make sure that it is clear between you and the painter what condition you want the walls to be in when he/she is done.

This is really important. Do you want just a fresh coat of paint on the walls? Do you want only major damage fixed? Or do yo want every deficiency fixed so they look like brand new? Each of these will cost a different amount of money. Walk through with them and show them what you want fixed so it is crystal clear to everyone. This s a good time to go over your expectations for the finished product.

4. Ask if they can supply references.

It is always a good thing to have access to previous clients whether you choose to call them is up to you. Some times just knowing that they took the time to contact past clients and that they were willing to give feedback says a lot. Also see if they have a website or online presence where you could see pictures of previous work.

5. Written Guarantee. 

It says a lot about a companies confidence if they are willing to guarantee their work for a period of time or not. See how long it is guaranteed for and if they will give it to you in writing. Some companies guarantees might be 50 seconds or 50 feet, which ever comes first after they walk out the door. You don’t want the used car dealership guarantee.

6. Insurance.

WCB = Workers’ Compensation Board. In Alberta if a construction company doesn’t have WCB then there is no way I would ever hire them. If one of the workers falls off a ladder in your home and breaks his leg, he could sue you for what ever reason and the employer is not held responsible. If they do have WCB and someone is injured the WCB coverage protects you as the homeowner and the employer is held responsible.

The other aspect of insurance is based on protecting your home. If a painter spills a can of paint/stain all over your carpet, does he have insurance to replace it? Or what if your home burns down because the painter put stain covered rags in your garbage outside? What level of coverage do they have.

7. Payment.

Payment is one of those moments that shouldn’t be awkward or uncomfortable in anyway as long as the steps above are followed correctly. Ask your painter when payment will be expected (usually upon completion/inspection). Also find out what methods of payment they accept (Credit, E-transfer, cheque, debit, cash). Supplying their GST number is always a good thing as well. Keep it legal.

If you follow these 7 questions/points, hiring a professional painter will be a stress free easy process that is completely worth the money invested into it.

Stay tuned for our post next Monday on Colour.

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So this is what its like to blog.

By | Buisness, Painting | No Comments

Out Logo.

Well here it goes…..

My name is Rob West and I’m a blogger….. Well I am now at least!! I work for the best Painting company in southern Alberta, Contour Coatings LTD. Seriously. I never thought that this is what I would be doing at this stage in my life but I have really grown to love my job and where life is taking me.

Let me first tell you a little about my self. I am married to the most beautiful women in the world and truly don’t deserve her. Bailey is the most amazing person I have ever known. I also am the proud daddy to the cutest little girl in the world. Like I am talking about make your face hurt cause you can’t just not smile when she is around. I have an amazing family and am so proud of the heritage I come from.

I got into the painting industry threw my brother-in-law Adam Baker (Owner/ Operator of Contour Coatings Ltd.). He has literally taught me everything I know about all things painting. I will be forever grateful for his patience and friendship. We talk a lot about what we want in life, where we want the business to go, struggles, and to be honest we laugh a lot and I can truly say he is one of my best friends.

My role in the company is the Project coordinator/Marketing. So if you wanted a quote or needed a consult on your home or property, I would be the guy to come over and take a look. I have always loved dealing with people. So the fact that my job is to meet new people and to sell our services to them, is pretty great.

I hope that this blog can be something you go to for a few reasons:

– A good laugh. (Most important in my mind.)

– To learn about painting techniques and tricks.

– To get ideas for your home projects.

– To see the benefit in hiring a professional painter.

– And to know that not all “trades people” are uneducated, unprofessional grunts. HAHA. We want to have a reputation of being the most professional trades company you ever have to deal with.

Contour Coatings has been around in Southern Alberta since 2007. We specialize in Interior and exterior painting. We also do cabinet and furniture refinishing/painting.

Please feel free to leave comments and ask questions and I will happy to answer them. If you have a topic you want me to cover let me know and I will gladly go over it in my next post. I hope you will follow and enjoy.

Thanks for reading and Keep Smiling.

(p.s  stay tuned for some insight into our new billboard that we are going to be putting up on the south side by the airport in Lethbridge.)

Me and My Girls.