New Homeowner? When Should You Paint Your New Pad?

Exterior painting, Interior painting, Jerry Enos

Congratulations on your new home! Big or small, old or new, this home is all yours. Now it is time to put your personal stamp on it, and one of the best ways to transform a home is through paint! But the question remains, if your are a new homeowner: should you move in and see how your furnishings look in the space before painting or paint before you move in? Here are some points to consider that may help you either way.

 

Paint Before Moving In

  • Many homeowners believe it is a no brainer to paint while the space is empty and there are no items to move around or potentially drip on.
  • Chances are that you will be doing some repairs, cleaning, and modifying of the home before you move in anyway so why not add painting to that list. What’s one more thing?
  • Paint can sometimes create a smell that homeowners do not want to live with, so painting before you move in means that the smell will have a chance to dissipate.
  • Starting fresh in a home with colors that are all your own can be a relief and can make the house feel and look more like a home to you once you do move in.
  • If the home has dated wallpaper, paint techniques, or colors that make you cringe, you may want to have that taken care of before move in day.

 

Paint After You Move In

  • Many interior designers recommend waiting to paint until you have moved into your new home. The reason is based on the idea that homeowners will need to see how their furnishings look in the space and what colors they will want to pop in a room. This is especially true for homeowners who plan to buy new furniture when they move in.
  • For homeowners who have trouble deciding on a color palette, waiting until they have been in the home may be a good choice. Waiting can give a homeowner a chance to see what light the room has and how different a color may look depending upon the time of day or the weather outside.
  • Many homeowners find that the list of repairs, home improvements, and moving chores are enough to keep them busy. Painting may need to be something that waits until things have calmed down. Remember, buying a house is pretty stressful.

 

Whether you want to paint before you move in or wait until after, Jerry Enos Painting can help you make your house a home with fresh paint in every room and on your home’s exterior. Call us at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to find out more about our painting services.

 

Selling Your Home? Should You Paint Before You Move?

curb appeal, Interior painting, Jerry Enos

Spring is the peak time for the residential real estate market. It is a time when homes are put on the market so families can sell, move, and get re-established before the kids go back to school in the fall. It is also a good time for moving just based on the weather alone. (No worries about a blizzard in June!) So, many homeowners looking at selling their home ask the question, “Should we paint now?”

 

In short, the answer is yes!

 

Paint is definitely one of the most cost-effective and quickest ways to transform a home. If you want to impress potential home buyers, then painting may be the way to go. Here are a few reasons why you should paint your home’s interior and exterior before you put up that “For Sale” sign on the front lawn.

 

  • A freshly painted home looks newer. Even if you have a much older home, paint can make everything look fresh and new.
  • A freshly painted home has a high return on investment (ROI). Realtors report that homeowners make back instantly the amount they spent on painting just due to the positive impression a new coat of paint can give a home.
  • A home that once had a color palette that was unique to the homeowners can now be painted in neutrals that tend to appeal to a wider group of people. And that is what you want when selling your home – to entice as many people to consider buying your home
  • A new coat of neutral paint can help potential buyers envision their belongings in your home. If they can picture their “stuff” in the home, they are far more likely to consider putting in an offer on it.
  • Painting several rooms can help a home have a cohesive look, as each room will coordinate or complement the others in color palette.
  • If your home has dated wallpaper, a paint project can quickly take years off your home and bring it into this decade with modern colors.
  • Most home buyers consider how “move-in-ready” a home is before placing an offer. If your home is newly painted that is one more thing off the to-do list.
  • A newly painted exterior can create curb appeal that may make house hunters stop at your home to see what’s inside.

 

Selling this spring? Let Jerry Enos Painting professionally paint your home’s interior and/or exterior surfaces to give you a boost in the competitive real estate market. Call us at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to find out more about our painting services.

Four Things to Consider Before You Start a Paint Project at Your Home

Interior painting, Jerry Enos

Some of us are “weekend warriors” who love to start projects on a Friday and spend the entire weekend engrossed in it until Sunday rolls around when we find ourselves exhausted and only halfway through a project. Painting is one such project that homeowners tend to think they can quickly bang out a room or two in just a weekend. If you are one of these hard working folks who insists on going it alone, here are some things to consider the next time you want to start a paint project at your home.

 

  1. Check the Forecast – Not every weekend is a good weekend to paint. Try to schedule this particular homeowner chore on weekends that will be rain-free and the relative humidity will be fairly low – between 40-70%. Humid, wet days are not the best time for drying and curing of paint on your home’s surfaces. While it may seem ideal that you are stuck indoors anyway if it is raining, so why not paint – do not do it.. The adhesion quality and drying time may be poor if it is not done properly.
  2. Plan for Prep Time – Many homeowners jump right into a painting project without leaving time for preparing the room. For instance, a room that will be painted should be free and clear of furniture, if possible. Walls and other surfaces should be wiped down and thoroughly cleaned. Nail holes and blemishes on the wall should be repaired, filled, and sanded. Outlet covers should be removed. All of these things take time and energy.
  3. Know the Room – Do you know the size of the room and how much primer and paint will be needed to complete the job? Do you need special paint to cover stains or markings on the ceiling? Take your measurements ahead of time to gather all needed tools such as brushes, rollers, floor coverings, tape, and paint pans in advance. Consider tricky areas such as built-ins, fireplaces, or crevices that may slow you down or require a different tool.
  4. Take Your Time – Rushing through painting a room can have disastrous consequences including: spilled paint, drips, incomplete coverage areas, messy cut-ins and the list goes on. Plan that the amount of time you think it will take and then add on some “just in case” time for unforeseen events.

 

If all of this does not appeal to you, then it is time to call in the professionals. Call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to find out more about our painting services.

Signs It is Time to Paint the Exterior of Your Home

Exterior painting, Jerry Enos

Are you the type of homeowner who lives by a schedule; when to mow the grass, when to plant the garden, and when it is time to trim the shrubs? Sometimes the passage of a certain amount of time is a good indicator that a chore is due to be done. There are other times when our property gives us visible signs that a homeowner duty is coming due yet again. This is true of painting the exterior of your home. While most wood homes can go 3-7 years between paintings there are factors such as the condition of the wood, exposure to the elements, and quality of the last paint job to keep in mind. Do you see signs that it is time to paint the exterior of your home?

Here is what to look for…

  • Signs of Wear and Tear – Depending upon what side of your home gets the most direct sunlight for the largest portion of the day, wear-and-tear may occur at different rates. Look for bubbling paint that is getting ready to crack or chip away. Look for paint that may have been put on too heavily and is peeling away. Both of these are indicators that it may be close to time to have a professional scrape, prime, and repaint your home’s exterior.
  • Signs of Cracking – One of the more common places for paint to begin to degrade is around the caulking areas near windows and doors. These areas can be especially vulnerable to peeling once the cracking begins.
  • Signs of Dry Rot or Mold – Are the boards of your home’s exterior beginning to have small gaps or spaces between them? This may be an indicator of dry rot. Are the boards soft to the touch or show signs of rot around windows or overhangs? These are also indicators that it is time to repair and repaint.
  • Time Passing – When was the last time you had your home power washed, scraped, sanded, and painted? If you can’t remember and you think that the color is beginning to fade or not look as vibrant or fresh as it once did, then it may be time to call Jerry Enos Painting to schedule our services soon.

Painting the exterior of your home is not just for aesthetic purposes; it is also to protect your home’s exterior surfaces against the ravages of nature, especially in the northeast. The wood and other surfaces need regular maintenance so that your home stays in good repair. If you see any of these signs that your house may need to be painted, call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to find out more.

 

5 Ideas for a Springtime Refresh for your Home

Decorating, Design, Jerry Enos

The days are getting longer and the temperature is slowly rising! Spring is in the air. For many homeowners, that means spring cleaning indoors and getting outdoor entertaining ready. At Jerry Enos Painting we offer a number of services that can jump start your outdoor season. Here are 5 springtime refresh ideas that can make your home ready for the warm breezes of spring and summer.

 

  1. Entryway Refresh – Your front door and entryway area is one location that homeowners and visitors see often! Change up the color of your front door or add new furnishing to the front porch. Nothing can lift your spirits more that having a pleasant and welcoming entryway area.
  2. New Exterior Paint – Spring is a great time to consider painting the exterior of your home. Fading, peeling, bubbling, chipping, and worn surfaces can be given a fresh look with a thorough cleaning, scraping, and new coat of paint. Stay with the same color you love or choose something new. Paint can transform the whole look of your home.
  3. Create an Outdoor Room – Spring is a wonderful time to be outdoors more often. If you love entertaining and grilling, consider carving out a new outdoor entertaining space. Refresh your deck or patio with a power wash or create a “room” with patio furniture.
  4. Flower Boxes – Annual and perennial flowers are a perfect way to liven up the landscape around your home. A splash of color can put a smile on anyone’s face so mount some freshly painted flower boxes and get planting.
  5. Accent Wall – If you are looking to refresh the indoors but don’t have a lot of time, think about an accent wall in your living room, dining room, or kitchen. A complimentary color or coordinating color can completely change the look of your home’s interior.

 

Jerry Enos Painting offers interior and exterior paint, power washing, and deck refinishing to help you refresh your home this spring. Call Jerry Enos at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to find out more.

 

Selling? Looking for Small Investment for Big ROI?  Paint!

curb appeal, Jerry Enos

If you are considering putting a “For Sale” sign up on your front lawn this spring then you are probably thinking about ways to quickly add value to your house or, at the very least, how to make your home more attractive to buyers. If you have home renovations in mind (and a budget), but are wondering what will bring you the most bang-for-the-buck or, as real estate experts call it, ROI (return on investment) then here are some projects to tackle before that first open house.

 

While bathroom and kitchen renovations always have a great return on investment, some homeowners simply don’t have the time, money, or inclination to make major improvements before selling their home. Short of investing a large chunk of time and money before listing your home, here are some of the best ways to create curb appeal and make your home look move-in ready.

 

  • Paint – It may seem like a small change, but a fresh coat of paint can transform a home’s exterior or interior. In fact, painting or powerwashing all exterior entrances can deliver the first and last impression to potential buyers, and those impressions can make or break a deal. Add a pop of color to the front door or garage to make the curb appeal go through the roof! Paint interior rooms that are looking old or dated. You want your home to look move-in ready and well cared for. Paint can do just that. These small changes can mean this difference between a buyer considering your house or driving right on by the open house.
  • Landscaping – Real estate agents can not stress enough that a home needs to make a great first impression. Painting the exterior is one way, but completing landscaping is a small investment with a ROI that is priceless. If your property needs some serious work and doesn’t “show” well, then hiring a landscaper might be a good investment.
  • Declutter – This suggestion from realtors can come at no cost and can make your home look fresh and clean. Remove all the keepsakes and personal pictures so that home buyers can imagine their “stuff” in your home. Decluttering can be a pain but well worth the weekend time if it helps your home show better.

 

Jerry Enos Painting has been helping homeowners for years make their property look its best, whether it is getting it ready to sell or purely for the enjoyment of the homeowners themselves. For your painting needs, call us at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to find out more.

 

Exterior Painting – Why Use a Pro

Exterior painting, Interior painting, Jerry Enos

Have you ever set out on a “do-it-yourself project” such as painting and then abandoned the idea before the job is even halfway done? Or have you ever started a painting project only to realize that you didn’t have the right equipment (or for that matter skill level) to complete the job the right way? These are common hazards of homeowners thinking that painting the exterior of their home will be easy or a quick weekend project. Wondering why you should use a professional for exterior painting?

Professional Painters have the advantage because they…

  • Understand the Conditions of your Home: Many homeowners don’t realize that there are so many factors to consider when painting the exterior of a home. For example, how difficult is your home to paint? Is it a simple box shape with easy lines? Or perhaps your home is taller, older, or has intricate detailing, dormers, overhangs, or nooks and crannies that may need extra TLC. Some homes have sloping ground or the grade around the perimeter of the structure is graded awkwardly. Other homes need lots of prep work due to wood rot, mildew, peeling, cracking paint, or loose caulking. If your home has some tricky aspects, you may want to consider hiring a professional who knows how to deal with homes of all sizes, shapes, details, and prep work needed.
  • Have the Right Tools  Painters make it part of their business to have the right tools needed to handle every situation. The experts at Jerry Enos Painting can deal with any type of home because we have specialized equipment that a homeowner would not normally have at their disposal including: lifts, extension ladders, planks, scaffolding, an assortment of paint applicators, caulking, repair needs and, of course, cleaning items for all that prep work.
  • Have the Experience and Skills  While it may seem like operating a brush and roller are fairly simple jobs, this is not exactly true. Professional painters like our team members, understand where to look for issues, how to prep a difficult area, how much paint is adequate, the right conditions to paint in, how to cut-in properly, and a million other little tricks-of-the-trade that only come with years of experience and skill.
  • Save you Time  One of the questions to consider when deciding to go it alone painting or hiring a pro is, “How much is your time worth?”. Do you have several weekends to devote to prepping, cleaning, and painting the exterior of your home or would that time be better spent doing something else?

 

Professional painters, like the members of our team here at Jerry Enos have the skill, experience, understanding of your home’s special conditions, and the time to complete your exterior paint project right the first time! Call Jerry Enos at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to find out more.

Five Reasons Why it Makes Sense to Power Wash

Uncategorized

After a winter of harsh weather, spring is a great time to get out there and freshen up the exterior of your home, from siding surfaces to the walkways and entertaining areas. A power wash (or sometimes called pressure washing) makes sense since the equipment used is  designed with special pumps that have 50% more force than a regular garden hose, able to clean areas that are hard to reach or that have excessive dirt, grime, and mold. At Jerry Enos Painting we suggest power washing for several main reasons:

 

  1. Preventative Maintenance – Power washing stops the premature decay of a home’s siding, decking, or walkways. It prevents the mold, mildew, and harmful chemicals used during the de-icing of roads every winter from building up and harming your exterior surfaces. Without this annual cleaning, wood and siding may age faster and see premature damage due to dirty surfaces.
  2. Keeping the Family and Pets Safe – Power Washing is a safe way to wash away chemicals such as liquid deicers, rock salt, and fertilizer ingredients used around the property that have built up over the years. Power washing can also remove mold, mildew, and allergens that can make your family and pets sick. Removing mildew on walking surfaces can also prevent slips and falls as these areas can get slippery after rain or with morning dew.
  3. Curb Appeal – Ask any realtor and they will advise that freshening up the exterior of your home before selling is a smart investment. This should include the landscaping, painting, décor, windows, hardscape, and completing a thorough power wash of all these areas should be top on the list.
  4. Home Value – Studies completed by Consumer Reports suggest that cleaning, painting, and overall tidying up a home can increase the home’s value by 2-5%. This is critical when it comes time to sell.
  5. Environmentally Friendly – Power washing is environmentally friendly. There are no chemicals used in power washing and the amount of water is 75% less than if a homeowner used a garden hose.

 

Do you need a power wash for your exterior surfaces such as your home, deck, walkways, or business? Call Jerry Enos at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to find out more.

 

Prepping Your Deck for Spring Entertaining

Decks, Jerry Enos

Finally Mother Nature has begun to cooperate by providing the northeast with some much needed warmer weather and sunnier days after a winter of back-to-back Nor’easters. For all of us hibernating in front of the fireplace, it is time to start thinking about getting outdoors and prepping for outdoor entertaining. That means more than just firing up the grill, and buying some tiki torches. It means examining the deck and hardscapes for damage, power washing, and making your deck look like new again through refinishing. At Jerry Enos Painting we can help your deck and patio area be “entertainment-ready.” Here are some tips.

 

  • Visual Inspection – After a winter of heavy, wet snow and wind, it is a good idea to complete a thorough inspection on the wood on your deck, regardless of whether it is natural redwood, cedar, or pressure treated. Check the entire structure, including the underdeck, for rot, mildew, or nails that have popped out. Look for softspots, splinters or discoloration of the wood. Check closely that there is no rot around supports.
  • Pressure Wash – Nothing brings back the new look of a deck like a pressure washing. Pressure washing can actually rejuvenate wood, concrete, vinyl, brick, and other surfaces by removing entire layers of built-up dirt and particulates, oil, gum, and other gunk. Stripping away the grunge to reveal the unsullied surface below actually protects that surface from future rot and UV damage.
  • Deck Refinishing – Once your deck has been inspected and cleaned thoroughly, it is time to refinish the wood to bring it back to its former glory. Our crew here at Jerry Enos can strip it, seal it, and protect it for another season of entertaining.

 

If you love to entertain outdoors and need some help getting your decking prepped for the spring season of grilling, call Jerry Enos at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to find out more

Dining Room Décor and Paint Choices

Decorating, Design, Jerry Enos

What is your entertaining style? Do you enjoy traditional Sunday afternoon family dinners or perhaps non-traditional, late night fondue and wine parties? Whether your style could be described as “tastefully elegant” or “comfortably laidback”, that distinguishing characteristic and entertaining style may help you when it comes time to paint and decorate your dining area. Here are some thoughts when it comes to choosing the right paint color and for your dining room decor.

  • Be Dramatic and Bold – If you have separate kitchen and dining room eating areas, then you may find that the dining room is left for the bigger holiday and family gatherings. This may mean that you don’t use the room nearly as much as the your everyday kitchen eating area. Given this, you might want to go a little more dramatic or bold in your color choices in the dining room since you won’t need to experience the room daily. Pick a color that is a stretch for you or that is just a bit dramatic. Have one wall be an accent wall that is a shade or two more brilliant or darker than the other walls.

 

  • Rely on your Personal Style of Entertaining – As we mentioned above, paint and decorate your dining area according to how you like to entertain. If you love having neighbors and friends over for comfy, home-cooked, relaxing meals, then make your dining area a place of relaxation. Choose a color that is soothing and brings out your personality. On the other hand, if you like more traditional meals, then decorate and paint the room in a traditional manner, such as using a chair railing to separate colors or choosing a neutral tone to match with whatever table settings you may be using.

 

  • Find Inspiration around you – Choosing a color for your dining room can be challenging, so look around your room or house for inspiration. Maybe there is a photograph or keepsake from a recent vacation that has a color you love. Or perhaps there is a fabric, style of furniture, or a piece of art or clothing that has a color that you are drawn to that would perk up your walls. Find inspiration around you so that your walls reflect you.

 

If you are challenged by choosing a color or décor for your dining area, call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843 or visit our website to see examples and find inspiration for your next project.