There are so many aspects of home maintenance to keep track of when you are a homeowner. Exterior home maintenance can seem obvious: cleaning out gutters, power washing siding, or replacing roofing. Interior maintenance, we often think of just needing a fresh coat of paint or maybe fixing a leaky pipe now and then. However, there are other common home interior issues worth keeping an eye out for as a homeowner! Here are a few of the most common interior issues we are asked to fix and how to spot them in your own home.
One of the most common issues we see in Rhode Island homes is wood rot. Wood rot is decay caused by fungal growth in damp wood. When timber becomes damp enough to have 20% or more moisture content and isn't able to dry out quickly or is repeatedly dampened, it creates the ideal conditions for wood-eating fungi.
Wood rot is most commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, and attics or basements. Anywhere moisture levels are higher in your home is at higher risk for wood rot.
To see if you have wood rot, take a good look at the visible wood in your home. Look for:
If you’re still unsure, the easiest way to test for wood rot is to take a screwdriver and press it against an area you are testing. If it sinks in easily, you likely have wood rot.
How do you solve a problem of wood rot? Contact a professional carpenter or contractor and consult them! Our common course for repair is either removing the rotted wood entirely and replacing it with new lumber or replacing sections that have rotted and filling gaps with epoxy or a similar material.
Old wood can be an eye-sore, as well as dangerous if left alone. Some wood can be noticeably outdated and make your home feel old. On the other hand, old wood may not be as visually noticeable, but can be as structurally insecure.
Old wood can be a structural risk depending on the wood piece’s location and purpose. While wood can last a very long time, sometimes up to 150 years, older homes (like the ones we have in the Northeast) can have wood items that have come close to the end of their sturdiness.
Places to look for older wood are stairs, overhead beams, and other wood surfaces that are not as visible, like cabinet interiors. If wood is splitting or cracked, that can be a tell-tale sign of age. Creaky stairs can be sign of structural issues underneath and might be something to investigate further if you begin to hear that noise.
Another issue we see in homes are plaster cracks. Plaster cracks are an incredibly normal occurrence in homes. Plaster walls respond to inevitable foundation shifts and climate changes, and they can begin to crack. Everyday life, with its bumps and bangs, also takes its toll on plaster walls.
Certain areas, such as above and beside doorways and windows, are classic areas where cracking occurs. Nearly all homes with plaster walls will eventually develop window and door cracks. Repairing these cracks is essential, as leaving these areas unfixed can result in severe structural issues. An early sign can be that a door becomes unable to close because of the shift in the doorframe. Though the repair is a relatively simple and common process, you’ll want a professional to handle it since any mistake can give way to further damage.
If you have awkward spaces in your home, such as gaps underneath stairs, carpentry projects can fill those spaces! We have done projects that utilize that free space with carpentry work, including under-the-stairs cabinets, breakfast nooks, mudroom built-ins, and kitchen islands. If spaces in your home feel like they are lacking or empty, an addition of any of the above can make the area feel complete.
If you notice that some areas in your home feel off or empty, but you don’t have any idea how to fix it, consult with a professional contractor! They can help you come up with some creative ideas to utilize those spaces that need a little something more.
Your home is so important since it acts as the barrier between you and the outdoors. Our goal is to help you maintain it and keep it in top shape. Tackling any of these issues as they appear in your house will increase the longevity of the home, as well as make sure everything is structurally sound. If you think that your home might have one (or more) of these issues, contact us! As professional painters and carpenters in Rhode Island, we are here to help with any common (or uncommon) interior home issues you may have.
As the cooler months approach, thoughts turn towards holiday preparations, envisioning gatherings with friends and family. With Covid's impact diminishing, many are eager to once again open their doors to visitors and celebrate the upcoming seasons. Amidst these plans, a common query arises: When to repaint house interior?
Questions you may be asking yourself include … Is my home ready to entertain for the holidays? What can I do to get my home ready for the holidays? Whether you’re getting your home ready to entertain, simply want to refresh it for your own enjoyment, or if selling your home is in your plans, an interior paint job is a relatively inexpensive way to update your home. Understanding when you should repaint your home's interior will help you get past whether you should or shouldn’t and onto the color and sheen selection, arguably the most enjoyable part of the process.
The simplest way to know when your home’s interior should be repainted is when you look at a space in your home and it no longer makes you happy to be in it. The color may be drab, out of style, or just doesn’t please you.
Large, often-used spaces, such as your kitchen, should feel pleasing to you and to your guests. Having just the right color, shade, and sheen in these spaces makes a big difference in the enjoyment you get when spending lots of time in them. Don’t overlook powder rooms, laundry areas, and foyers, as those spaces either introduce your home to visitors or are used by you more than you think. Having your home fully color planned so there is a great flow from one area to another can further help you enjoy the overall look and feel of your home.
Another way to know when your home’s interior should be repainted is to inspect the paint finish to look for any imperfections, such as marks or scrapes you cannot clean off, peeling, or fading. You see the interior of your home almost every day, and sometimes those imperfections seem normal, but they’re not.
When your existing paint finish begins to fail, it is time to call your trusted, local paint contractor to come over and inspect the interior of your home. Interior paint imperfections may be a sign of unwanted water, mold, or other even less welcome issues.
Your professional painter will be able to diagnose the cause of the imperfections, but they’ll also be able to resolve the problems correctly so your home’s integrity is intact. If mold is present, your professional painter will likely call in a mold remediation specialist to take care of the problem.
The work necessary to take care of a paint imperfection may be extensive and can include scraping, spackling, filling, priming, and other steps you may or may not be able to handle on your own. Either way, we recommend letting our painting and carpentry experts take a look to be sure you have nothing serious going on behind your walls.
Aside from the aesthetic importance of beautifully finished wall and trim surfaces, it is a health hazard if water seeps and creates damage. Because we’re close to water and have our share of wet weather, having an annual or biannual inspection of your home’s interior and exterior is a good idea.
Finally, even if you’ve recently painted a room, an area, or the entire house, if you simply want another color or set of colors to adorn your walls, that is a perfectly good reason to do so. Whereas some people prefer to see the same colors (and ask us to repaint their walls in the exact same colors, which is perfectly okay), you may be the type of person who thrives on change or loves to have the latest trending colors surrounding them at home.
We’re happy to oblige and help you repaint your home’s interior regardless of your reasons for wanting it to be done. Our team of experienced carpenters can help fix most imperfections you may have in your walls or trim, and our experienced painters will give your home’s interior the smooth and beautiful paint finish in the colors you carefully and lovingly select.
Getting ready for the holidays is an act of love. It’s about preparing to welcome others into your home to spend precious moments that last a lifetime. We’re here to help you with all of your carpentry and painting needs. Reach out if you’re in the Rhode Island area. We look forward to serving you!
Summer is here on the classic coast and with it comes enjoying the outdoor areas of your home. The summer season is also the best time to make some exterior updates to your home.
Exterior updates are a great way to boost your curb appeal, protect your home and add value to your investment. Regularly inspecting and updating your home's exterior will help to identify any potential problems.
Whether you're looking to add some curb appeal or just want to make your home more enjoyable, there are easy ways to make home exterior updates for summer. Here are some great ideas for giving your home a summer makeover.
Late nights around a fire pit or beautiful patio are some of the best ways to entertain and spend time with your family. Updating your outdoor spaces can extend your living area to your backyard and beyond. Try incorporating some of these into your next home improvement project.
Painting is one of the most effective ways to transform your home. Paint is also an incredible agent for protecting your surfaces against weather and decay. Two of the most popular updates homeowners make to their exteriors are siding and front door projects.
Installing new windows is a great way to update your home's exterior and improve its energy efficiency. If your windows are old or drafty, they could be costing you money on your energy bills.
New windows will keep your home better insulated and reduce your energy costs. You can also find windows that come with UV protection to help keep your furniture and carpets from fading.
Exterior updates are also a great way to improve your home's energy efficiency. Not only will regular exterior updates save you money in the long run, but they'll also help make your home more comfortable and efficient.
Updating and maintaining your exterior in summer protects your home, improves your curb appeal, and adds value to your investment. At Bruno Painting, we handle any necessary carpentry work, do the key prep work to ensure longevity in your project, and use high-quality paint. Our expert teams of painters and carpenters are ready to make your home exterior updates seamless. Contact us for your next exterior painting or carpentry project!
Homes with lots of character and beautiful finishes are seen commonly throughout Rhode Island. When you pull onto your street and take a first glance at your home, you should get a sense of joy because it looks lovely, well taken care of, and inviting. For others who may have recently moved in or who are otherwise behind schedule, this may not be the case. The first sight of your home as you approach may not give you such a feeling of happiness.
If your eye catches spots that need work, you may want to take steps to boost your home’s curb appeal. You can also schedule your home’s exterior updates during these colder months, in advance of when the work will be done as soon as the weather changes.
There are many options when you decide to improve the curb appeal for your Rhode Island home. The advantages of maintaining your curb appeal go beyond having an aesthetically pleasing house. Understanding the benefits, as well as how to accomplish a well-appointed home exterior will help you decide which updates you’d like to have done. Bruno Painting provides tips on how to boost your Rhode Island home’s curb appeal so each time you drive up to your home, you feel pleased, joyful, and happy.
Curb appeal is how attractive a house (or building or property) is when looked at from the sidewalk. Realtors use the phrase "curb appeal" more often than other types of professionals. However, curb appeal can be important outside of real estate.
There are many advantages to boosting your curb appeal. If you want to sell your home this year, improving the exterior of your home can be a great start to the process. Improving your curb appeal can also boost your overall mood when you drive up to your home. If neither of those is enough to convince you, putting energy and resources toward giving your home better curb appeal could increase the value of your home!
One of the primary features contributing to your home’s curb appeal is landscaping. Many homeowners are surprised how different their home looks after it has been properly landscaped and maintained. With fresh mulch, flowering plants, and some well-appointed shrubs or trees, you can complete your landscaping projects to enhance the appearance of your home’s exterior space. Using plants to increase privacy and create a symmetrical look are ideal additions.
Some prefer to use plants to increase privacy and improve appearance. It's worth noting that plant selection should include options that will do well for the weather we see in Rhode Island. Find perennials that are native to our area, as well as evergreens. They will add touch of color all year round.
Is your home’s paint is in good condition but is a little dusty or dingy looking or simply needs a light sprucing up? There is no better way to make your surfaces look new than a good pressure washing. From siding to driveways to walkways, this is an instantaneous improvement to your curb appeal. Pressure washing cleans a variety of surfaces with ease by removing dirt, oil, and grime that builds up over time.
Another note from the experts: pressure washing can be done on your own. However, using an ill-fitted nozzle or the wrong cleaners for a surface can cause damage instead of improving your surfaces. Always consult with a professional if you are unsure what pressure washing method is best for your home.
Wood rot can greatly affect your home's curb appeal. Not only is it an eyesore, but if wood rot is left untreated, it can spread and cause even more damage to your home. Before you paint the exterior of your home, the wood rot will need to be repaired or, in some cases, replaced.
How do you know if you have wood rot? Look for pieces of wood that seem spongy or soft. They are at the beginning or intermediate stages of rot. Other signs of wood rot include paint chipping, paint peeling, wood splintering, or discoloration. If you think your home may have wood rot, contact a professional painting or carpentry contractor to remedy these areas to protect your home from further damage.
Another feature related to your home’s curb appeal that can make a lasting impression is an inviting porch or a welcoming entryway. Home makeovers that include eaves, gables, or a full front porch can make any home a showstopper when it comes to curb appeal.
These types of updates require a trusted and skilled carpentry team that can work within the framework of other updates you want to make. One example is window and door updates. Installing windows, doors, and trim may seem like a possible DIY project. These are better left to carpentry professionals, however, who can provide high-quality craftsmanship that will last.
As with any home improvement update, the most effective and impressive way to increase curb appeal is with a fresh coat of paint for your home’s exterior, windows, and doors. A paint update to a home with a lack-luster finish not only makes your property look more inviting but also helps protect your home from the elements.
Improving the curb appeal for your Rhode Island home is an important contribution. It can make your exterior look its best for your enjoyment, possibly get it ready to sell, or increase the value of your investment. Carpentry and painting updates are best done by professionals who understand your vision for the look of your home.
The painters and carpentry professionals at Bruno Painting in Rhode Island have been working diligently to prepare and plan for the upcoming exterior painting season. We are taking new clients who need assistance from full-service, experienced home improvement professionals. Contact us for more information about our range of services and how we can help you get the most joy from your home.
Getting a house painting quote shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or giving your entire home a new look, an accurate estimate is key to avoiding surprises. From materials and labor to prep work and cleanup, knowing what to expect ensures a smooth process. In this guide, we’ll break down what makes a quote reliable and how to choose the right painter for the job.
Before you start reaching out to painters, take some time to understand what your house painting project entails. Consider the size of the area you need painted, the type of finish you prefer, and any specific repairs that might be needed. Knowing these details upfront will help ensure you get a house painting quote that reflects your actual needs.
Factors Influencing Cost Include:
It’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes before committing to a painter. This allows you to compare services, pricing, and professionalism. If one quote is significantly lower than the others, it could be a red flag that the quality of work may be where the “savings” lies.
Hiring a licensed and insured contractor protects you in case something goes wrong during the job. Always verify credentials before signing a contract.
Bruno Painting isn’t just about flawless paint jobs—we also specialize in custom carpentry to bring even more value to your home improvement project. Whether you need crown molding, wainscoting, trim repairs, cabinets installed, or a whole new wall, our expert carpentry team can enhance your space. Combining painting and carpentry in one project offers seamless results, ensuring that newly installed or repaired woodwork is finished perfectly with a fresh coat of paint. Instead of hiring multiple contractors, our integrated approach saves you time, reduces hassle, and guarantees a cohesive look throughout your home.
For homeowners looking to refresh their interiors, custom carpentry can add architectural detail and character, elevating a space from basic to breathtaking. Picture a freshly painted room with elegant coffered ceilings, chair rail, or new cabinets. If your exterior needs attention, we also repair or replace rotted wood, ensuring a durable, professional finish that lasts.
By bundling your painting and carpentry needs with Bruno Painting, you get a streamlined process and exceptional craftsmanship in one package. Our team works in sync, ensuring that every surface is prepped, painted, and perfected without delays or miscommunications. Whether you're updating your home's aesthetic or addressing structural repairs, our custom carpentry services paired with expert painting make for a transformation that looks polished and professional. Contact us today to learn how we can bring your vision to life with precision and care!
Getting a house painting quote isn’t just about finding the cheapest option—it’s about finding the best value. Look for experienced professionals who provide detailed estimates, use quality materials, and stand behind their work. Investing in a skilled painter will ensure a job well done, saving you headaches (and repaints) in the future.
When it comes to painting your home, don’t settle for vague estimates or questionable quality. At Bruno Painting, we provide clear, detailed house painting quotes that ensure you know exactly what to expect. Our expert team delivers top-notch craftsmanship, using high-quality materials to bring your vision to life. Contact us today for your free quote and let’s transform your space together!
This past June, we had the opportunity to restore the exterior of a charming blue-shingled home in Middleton. What started as a request for a fresh coat of paint turned into a more involved project when our initial inspection revealed significant wood deterioration, specifically around the windows.
When wood is exposed to moisture and neglect over time, it begins to decay. This process, known as wood rot, can quickly compromise the structural integrity and appearance of a home. Before any painting could begin, replacing the rotted wood was essential to ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish.
In the case study below, we walk through how our team approached replacing wood rot, restoring the home’s exterior, and ultimately delivering a polished new look the homeowners loved.
At our initial meeting with the homeowners, we focused on assessing the extent of the damage and identifying the cause, often weather-related, which is common for homes in Portsmouth and Newport. Along the classic coast, homes are frequently exposed to high moisture levels, salty air, and frigid temperatures. Over time, these conditions can wear down paint and deteriorate the materials beneath it, especially wooden window frames and other vulnerable exterior features.
Early signs of wood rot include soft or spongy areas, paint that’s chipping or peeling, splintering wood, and noticeable discoloration. If left untreated, the damage can quickly worsen. That’s why it's important to bring in a professional painting contractor and carpenter as soon as these symptoms appear. They can help determine whether the issue can be repaired or if replacing wood is the better long-term solution.
So how do you know when it’s time for replacing wood rather than repairing it? A good rule of thumb is if more than ten percent of the wood is compromised, replacement is necessary. In some cases, minor rot can be halted and reinforced using epoxy and sealants, but only if caught early.
In this particular case, the damage was extensive enough in some places that replacing wood rot was necessary. Our carpentry team made all the necessary repairs before our painters came in to finish the job.
When we removed the rotted frames and sills, our carpentry division took care to pull these boards out without causing damage to the house or windows themselves. Once the old frame and sills were removed, all leftover debris or wood pulp was removed and the area was cleaned.
The pieces of the old frame and sill were measured as a reference for the new boards to be put in place. Measurements were also taken of the sheathing where the frame and sill used to sit to ensure that the new pieces would fit securely.
If your home does not have standard fittings and features (and depending on what type of window or home you have), you’ll need a contractor more skilled than the average handyman to help with standout features like mitered corners and fastening sites. Our master carpenter, Chris, and his team did a fantastic job making sure the windows fit perfectly in our client’s home.
Once the wood frames and sills were removed, our carpentry division inspected the sheathing underneath and made necessary repairs. Repairs that may need to be done on sheathing include using caulk to fill in any smaller cracks and an expanding foam insulation to not only fill larger gaps but to also hold the new boards tightly in place.
Once the new pieces were cut, our painters stepped in to apply a few coats of paint to protect these new pieces of wood from exposure to moisture and water. Once the new window frames were ready, our carpentry division installed them into the sheathing and secured those pieces in place with nails. The final step in installing these new frames and sills is caulking any seams to keep out unwanted moisture, bugs, and other enemies of wood.
After the frames and sills were installed and inspected for quality, our painters finished the project with a fresh coat of exterior paint. Our team stripped and sanded the old paint to prepare the surface and to prevent unaffected parts of the frames from being exposed to moisture. The entire window trim was repainted with two coats of the highest quality paint to guard against all types of weather conditions.
Throughout each step of the process, our team took the time and care necessary to ensure that every surface, from the newly painted siding to the areas where we focused on replacing wood, achieved a flawless, high-quality finish. The homeowners were thrilled with the results and appreciated the craftsmanship and attention to detail we brought to their home.
Since 2004, Bruno Painting has been committed to upholding and caring for surfaces and relationships. We take great pride in our work, and this project was no exception. From replacing wood damaged by coastal weather to restoring the home’s exterior beauty, it was an honor to help create a result that this family will enjoy for decades.
If you’ve noticed signs of damage on your home’s exterior, whether it’s peeling paint, soft window frames, or other signs of deterioration, don’t wait. Contact us today to learn how we can help with evaluating, repairing, or replacing wood to protect your home and restore its curb appeal with lasting results.
Call or email our office for a free estimate to see what we can do for your home!
