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.

 

Wood Rot

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 a common interior issue

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

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 Some wood can be noticeably outdated and make your home feel old.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.

old wood can be a common interior issue

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.

 

Plaster Cracks

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.

 

Awkward Spaces

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.

common interior issues awkward space

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 Current Paint is Outdated or Drab

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.

an outdated color can show that your interior needs to be repainted

 

There are Surface Imperfections You Can’t Clean

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.

 

A More Serious Condition is Affecting the Finish

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.

when should you repaint your home's interior

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.

You Want a New Color

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.

when to repaint your home's interior

 

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.

 

outdoor deck updates for summer

Update Outdoor Areas

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.

 

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painting updates for summer

Painting Projects

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.

 

spring maintenance checklist

Installing New Windows

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!

Boost your Rhode Island home's curb appeal

How to Boost Curb Appeal for Your Rhode Island Home

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.

 

What is Curb Appeal?

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.

 

Advantages of Boosting Your Curb Appeal

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!

 

Types of Curb Appeal for Your Rhode Island Home

Landscaping

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.

 

Exterior Cleanliness

boost curb appeal for your Rhode Island home

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.

 

Rotting Wood

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.

 

Carpentry Work

carpentry work can help boost your Rhode Island home's curb appeal

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.

 

Painting

Boost your Rhode Island home's curb appeal with a coat of paint

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.

Deciding to hire a professional painter to update your Rhode Island home is an exciting step in updating your living space. It can also potentially increasing your home's value. Fresh paint can breathe new life back into your space, whether you’re thinking about having your walls and ceiling painted, your cabinets, your interior doors, and trim, or even a full or partial renovation.

Browsing at design and decor photos for inspiration and choosing colors is exciting. However, choosing a reputable carpentry and painting company and getting a quote can seem like a lot. Instead of feeling intimidated, use the opportunity to better understand with the painting process. You can also get acquainted with the best available painting contractors with whom you may choose to work with again in the future.

Interacting with the employees of the different painting companies you’re considering can help you see if they’re professional and whether you’ll work well together. Pay attention to the details of both your customer service experience and the information provided in your quote. To feel like you’re choosing the right carpentry and painting company for you and your home, it’s best to understand what to expect from a house painting quote.

 

What your house painting quote should include

Getting an Estimate

While estimate processes differ slightly among painting companies, all should provide a detailed price quote. Your house painting quote will also include other important information. Most painters offer a free quote, while others may charge a set fee that is later applied to your final bill. Be extremely wary of any company that is reluctant to provide a quote or estimate in writing. Quotes are the foundation for establishing the expectations of both the homeowner and the contractor.

After you’ve scheduled your estimate, an estimator will meet you at your home to discuss your project and assess the condition of your home. Expect an experienced painter to ask detailed questions about your vision and goals for your update.

Some painting companies may conduct your initial meeting virtually and visit your home at a later date to take measurements, photos, and inspect for repairs in person. The in-home visit is a great time to discuss any questions you may have about a painter’s methods and materials. You may also want to discuss the overall process for painting your home. Regardless of how the estimate is conducted, a professional painting company should ensure you are comfortable with the process and be willing to answer all your questions.

 

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Your house painting quote should include cost of labor and materials.

What Your Carpentry and Painting Quote Includes

After considering all the details of your project, your painter will generate a detailed quote for your review.  From repairs, paint types, required tools, and more, the goal of this process is to leave you with a specific and accurate estimate of the cost and time for your project.

Your carpentry and painting quote should include the following details:

The house painting quote should also provide a project timeline with step-by-step descriptions of the proposed plan. Overall, every important detail should be included to avoid any hidden charges or surprise fees. In fact, professional painting companies sometimes complete unanticipated work or make other necessary adjustments and still complete your job well and on time, without adding to your cost

Your painting quote will show a breakdown by room, showing labor costs, materials costs, and other line items. There may also be an additional cost for any necessary repairs. Additionally, your painting contractor should provide proof of insurance and liability coverage to guarantee that your home is covered in case of an accident or damage.

 

We adhere to the highest professional standards at Bruno Painting.

The Unwritten Expectations

You should expect each painter adheres to the highest professional standards. You should feel at ease knowing that you will be treated with the utmost respect and courtesy and that your home is in good hands.

While caring for your home, your Lead Painter should be able to provide you with updated policies when it comes to COVID procedures and how your family will be protected throughout the project. At the end of the day, your painting contractor should act professionally to care for both you and your home.

Winter on the Classic Coast is truly an ideal time to schedule a home painting project. Reduced demand for exterior painting allows professional painting companies to offer discounts and greater flexibility in scheduling to meet your needs.

 

Bruno Painting has been upholding & caring for surfaces and relationships since 2004. If you have been considering painting your home, but have been reluctant to get started, we would be happy to walk you through the estimate process. Some of our clients are so happy with our work, they’ve shared their experience with us. Feel at ease knowing you’re in the best hands with carpenters and painters who care about your home as much as their own.

The average American is spending more time at home and that means spending more time getting good use from your home’s features. Many have already utilized the downtime caused by the pandemic to renovate their home. By taking this time to make improvements to your home, you’ll get to enjoy the updates for more time and perhaps have an even greater appreciation for your new space because of coronavirus restraints.

For those wondering which improvements are worth taking the time to complete, one of our recommendations is a bathroom remodel. There are many benefits to remodeling your bathroom, but some homeowners have legitimate concerns about the process. To help with these concerns, here are five questions to ask when considering remodeling your bathroom.

 

5 Useful Questions to Ask When Remodeling Your Bathroom 5 Useful Questions to Ask When Remodeling Your Bathroom

1. What Will It Cost to Remodel My Bathroom?

Maintaining a budget is important with any remodeling project. For homeowners looking to make improvements that will increase your home’s value, creating a budget is key to this process. The average at-home bathroom remodel costs around $10,000 and can go much higher, of course. This includes the cost of hiring a contractor to complete intricate tasks like tiling, lighting, and installing a new shower or tub.

If your budget is tight, there are a few ways to lower this cost. For example, consider focusing on a high-quality paint and updating light fixtures instead of laying tile or putting in granite counter tops. You may also want to consider having a remodel done in stages so you can stretch your budget further and make your new space exactly how you want it. Ultimately, you are in control of what you want your remodel to cost, so plan well and enjoy both the process and the outcome.

 

2. Is it Worth it to Remodel a Bathroom?

The wisest investors know that if you are going to invest in anything, it needs to be worth the time and effort spent to make the improvements. While some are focused on the bottom line, others want to know that their home remodel is going to add value to their lives, and then to their bank account when they sell their home.

If you are in the market to sell, and your realtor suggests a bathroom update before listing, you may want to listen. Some studies show an average of 50% (but sometimes closer to 70%) return from bathroom reno projects. Some parts of the Providence area have even seen returns of more than 100% on their bathroom renovations.

For home renovations, a bathroom renovation is one of the highest returns on investment you can make. The key here is to focus on spending money wisely on the updates that will bring about a high return. For example, adding a second sink in a master bathroom or installing a doorless, larger shower space, will add more value than choosing the most expensive countertops. It is a balance between enjoying what you prefer now versus how much the update will return to you as a percentage of your investment.

There is also the “Joy” factor to consider when remodeling. Those who have made bathroom remodels a priority have reported being happier in their homes and satisfied with how their updates have made them feel. You sometimes cannot put a price tag on happiness.

 

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3. Does my Bathroom Need to Be Remodeled?

One of the most common misconceptions about remodeling your bathroom is that everything will need to be replaced during a renovation. With a bathroom renovation, you can do a partial or a full renovation.

Some homeowners are embracing their retro pink or blue wall tiles, while others wouldn’t dream of living with such a dated looking bathroom. First, decide what you like and what you don’t and what things bother you and must be replaced as a priority. Next, build your budget and your list of things to be done as part of your bathroom reno project.

Cracked tiles, leaking toilets, and outdated bathtubs will need attention to get the most out of your investment. Thankfully, these are items that can be replaced relatively easily by a qualified contractor.

 

5 Useful Questions to Ask When Remodeling Your Bathroom 5 Useful Questions to Ask When Remodeling Your Bathroom

4. What Can I Remodel in My Bathroom?

A bathroom remodel can be a creative project as well as a source of future profit. For resale value, classic and traditional colors and selections tend to bring a higher return. Ultimately, you are remodeling for yourself and your enjoyment of your space for as long as you choose to live in your home.

It’s worth noting that if your home has only one bath, adding a second bathroom typically adds more value to your home than a remodeled bathroom. For bathrooms, it’s quantity over quality, especially these days when many are at home, perhaps even giving their pets a bath and preferring to do that in a separate tub area.

Buyers are also most interested in cabinetry, flooring, and a new tub or shower. For homes in neighborhoods with lots of families, tubs are extremely popular to remodel, especially if you have the space for a standalone tub in the owner’s suite. Otherwise, many are opting for adding huge, walk-in showers to make their delay routine easier and more enjoyable.

 

5 Useful Questions to Ask When Remodeling Your Bathroom

5. Should I Hire a Contractor to Remodel My Bathroom?

While some home remodeling projects can be done by the homeowner, a bathroom remodel is one that is best left to professionals. A bathroom has many complex components that take a skilled craftsman’s expertise to ensure it is completed correctly. From electrical to plumbing to tilework and everything in between, a licensed professional contractor will ensure that your bathroom renovation is done right the first time.

The bottom line is hiring a contractor who can take care of the carpentry, remodeling, and painting work is essential when deciding to do a bathroom renovation project in your home. Too many have started a bathroom reno project, only to find months and years later, that it is just too difficult and time-consuming, even if you are spending more time at home.

For all bathroom renovations, large and small, we recommend utilizing the services of an experienced contractor who can provide you with design ideas, great work, and an end result that you love.

 

Upholding and caring for surfaces and relationships has been our mission at Bruno Painting since 2004. We care deeply for our clients and work hard to make their homes a more enjoyable space to live. From tiling to remodeling (and of course painting), we have a skilled team of professional craftsmen who can make your home renovation dreams into reality.

Realtors and homeowners alike will tell you that a bathroom or a kitchen remodel are two of the most effective ways to increase your home’s market value and attractiveness. Your investment in updating either your kitchen or your bathroom (or both) goes well beyond just the monetary value. 

If remodeling your kitchen or bathroom is something you’ve dreamed of, hiring a carpentry-focused company is a smart move to make so the project, not only meets your standards, but is also completed using the ideal materials and techniques for the best possible finish. Here are a few important questions to ask when you are searching for a contractor for any home remodel.

Why a Carpentry-Focused Company?

For homeowners interested in full bathroom or kitchen remodels, a carpenter is the key hire to making sure your newly renovated rooms are completely functional and maximized to their highest potential. Carpenters shape the structure that defines bathroom and kitchen spaces. They build the framework upon which all other components, like electrical, vents, piping, and insulation, will be implemented. 

General Contractors will tell you that the first hire they make when working on a new project is subcontracting a carpenter. You can skip the costly step of hiring a contractor yourself, and, instead, work with a company who has their own in-house, on-staff carpenters already on their team who are poised and ready to give you the best results for your carpentry project.  

What Edge do Experienced Carpenters Bring?

Having experience in remodeling bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas of the house, both interior and exterior, carpenters can create unique and beautiful spaces. With their keen eye on detail along with their experience working with the wood and other materials used in your home, carpenters make spaces come to life and really can transform any space. By utilizing the potential of your space, carpenters can deliver amazing results in little time, all while staying within your budget.

Should you Complete your Remodel yourself?

In some cases, skilled homeowners can tackle certain parts of home projects. For the most part, however, homeowners do not possess the skills necessary to renovate a kitchen or bathroom space to their own high standards. In fact, we’ve been called in more times than we can count to redo the space renovated by a homeowner on a well-intentioned DIY project.

When it comes to flooring, walls, tile, and other bigger parts of a remodel, professionals should be in charge. The reasoning behind this is that both bathrooms and kitchens, if something goes wrong with the plumbing specifically, are prone to water damage like wood rot, mold, and other potential health hazards. Professionals, especially carpenters, know signs and symptoms to look for in the remodeling process to prevent damage from developing into larger problems. Experienced carpenters are also trained to identify any existing issues when they remove wood or other materials to find some of these unwanted conditions.

What Updates are Necessary?

The most beautiful part of a remodel is that you can make a kitchen or a bathroom look and function exactly the way you want. Among the infinite bathroom and kitchen projects are: Adding storage, creating a new pantry, or having a second sink installed to stop those fights over who brushes their teeth first; custom designing a large, uniquely-shaped island for large family gatherings; and putting a tub in where there was only a shower to make your home more appealing to young families. The list of projects and the ability to think of them and design them, goes on and on. Thankfully, contractors can help make these important decisions so you get exactly what you want, with a quality finish that only experienced carpenters can deliver.

Do They Offer a Warranty on their work?

Finding a quality company means finding one that offers a warranty on the work they do. A strong warranty is essential to your peace of mind. 

At Bruno Painting, before hiring any carpenter, we ensure they have years of experience in siding replacement, window and trim repair, and installation to provide only the highest quality work on every project and remodel. To Uphold & Care for Surfaces and Relationships has been our mission since 2004. 

Bathroom and kitchen remodels are some of our favorite projects as they give us the opportunity to demonstrate our carpentry, finishing, and painting skills demonstrating our commitment to our mission. Our experienced paint and carpentry teams work closely with plumbing and electrical experts to offer you quality service that exceeds expectations. Tell us about your next bathroom or kitchen remodel ideas, and let our carpenters take your home renovation project to the next level.

Blue House Case Study, Middleton, Rhode Island 

This past June we had the privilege to work on a beautiful, blue-shingled home in Middleton. The homeowners were looking to update their home’s exterior with a fresh coat of paint. During the initial consultation and estimate, our team of professionals noticed that this home required some special attention to the windows, specifically deteriorating wood. 

When wood deterioration is bad enough, it’s called ‘wood rot.’ If left untreated, wood rot can spread and cause even more damage to a home. Before painting the exterior of this beautiful home, we repaired and, in some cases replaced, the rotted wood. 

Below is our case study for this blue house, detailing how we were able to get rid of the wood degeneration, give the exterior a fresh coat of paint, and deliver a great, long-lasting finish for our clients.

Initial Inspection

At the initial meeting with our clients, we needed to determine the extent of the damage and whether it was caused by weather, which is not uncommon for homes in Portsmouth and Newport. Living on the classic coast, many home exteriors are exposed to quite a bit of moisture and cold temperatures that erode paint and the underlying materials over time, including wooden window frames and other areas of the exterior of a home. 

Any pieces of wood that seem spongy or soft are at the beginning or intermediate stages of rot. Other signs of decay include paint chipping, wood splintering, discoloration, or paint peeling. Before further irreparable damage occurs, contact a professional painting contractor and carpenter to treat these areas to protect the rest of your home from further damage.

How do you know whether the wood will need to be repaired vs replaced? The standard is if there is more than ten percent of damage to the wood, it needs to be replaced. In some cases, if the rot is caught early enough, it can be repaired using epoxy products and paint. 

Removal and Replacement of Wood Rot

In this particular case, the damage was extensive enough in some places that the wood needed to be replaced. 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.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

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.

Prepare the Sheathing

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.

Installation

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.

Final Touches

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.

Summary

In each step of this process, our teams took extra time and care to ensure that every surface had a high-quality finish. Our client is thrilled with the work we did and the care and effort we put into their home.

Since 2004, our mission at Bruno Painting is Upholding & Caring for Surfaces and Relationships. We enjoyed every step of this process on this project and take pride in knowing that the hard work and dedication we put into this home will be enjoyed by this family for decades to come.

Call or email our office for a free estimate to see what we can do for your home!

 

 

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