Residential Customers’ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of residential painting services do you offer?

We offer interior and exterior paint and stain application as well as power and soft washing, minor carpentry, and drywall repair.

How do you prepare the surfaces before painting?

We prepare surfaces with the utmost consideration. Interior surfaces most often are sanded, spackled, and even cleaned or dusted before being painted. Exterior surfaces could be power washed, solvent wiped, wire brushed, sanded, scraped, patched, tuck pointed, etc. depending on the substrate. We decide what will result in the best prep for product application and adherence and we do what is most appropriate to deliver a high quality result.

Do you provide free estimates, and how do I schedule one?

We do provide free estimates! You can schedule one by reaching out to a member of our team either via phone, email, or social media. We also offer virtual estimate services to more easily accommodate customers’ busy schedules.

Can I choose any paint colors, or do you have a specific palette to work from?

You are free to choose your own paint colors. There may be some limitations based on the scope of your project and the products specified, this information will be provided by your estimator and crew leader.

Do you use eco-friendly or low-VOC paints for interior spaces?

Most name brand paint for regular interior application on the market today is classified as low-VOC but there are many zero-VOC and eco-friendly products we are familiar with and will happily specify upon your request.

How long does a typical exterior or interior painting project take?

This is a tough question because so much depends on the scope of your project. A standard exterior paint job on a modern, 3 bedroom 2 bathroom rancher could take 3 to 4 days, and the same home’s interior could be entirely repainted in less than 5 days. Your crew leader will be able to judge the approximate length of the project when they review the scope with you, and will keep you informed of any problems or delays that could impact that timeline.

What kind of warranty or guarantee do you offer on your work?

All of our work is guaranteed for 1 year unless otherwise specified.

Are you licensed and insured in New Jersey?

We are a licensed Home Improvement Contractor and Public Works Contractor in the state of New Jersey and we maintain all necessary insurance.

How do you protect my furniture, floors, and landscaping during the project?

We understand how crucial it is to protect your home and land. When we complete interior paint work we move all of the movable furniture to the center of the room and use plastics and drop cloths to cover everything that could possibly be damaged by paint. Any floors, appliances, counter tops, etc. in the work area will be covered with the appropriate materials as well. Exterior landscape protection is very similar in that we use drop cloths and plastics to protect your windows, bushes, flowers, shrubs, etc.

What should I do to prepare my home before your team arrives?

Spaces to be painted should be clear of clutter, dirt, and debris as much as possible. We also recommend removing anything hanging on the walls. While we love to visit with customers’ pets it’s probably also prudent to make arrangements to keep them away from the area being painted to avoid any accidents or product contamination.

Can you repair drywall or woodwork before painting?

We can! We include up to 1 hour of drywall repair per room in most of our standard interior painting projects, but if there are repairs that were not included in your estimate, your crew leader can handle them on a time and materials basis with your approval.

Do you offer any specialty finishes, like textured walls or faux finishes?

While we are capable of maintaining textured walls, popcorn ceilings, etc. we always recommend the customer to specialty contractors to complete faux finishes or any unique texture requests.

How many coats of paint do you typically apply?

Most often we quote and apply 2 coats of paint. This will vary on any historic wood structures and new concrete exteriors since they seem to soak in paint like a sponge! Any deep bases (bright colors or very dark colors) will require 3 coats to fully cover.

What are your recommendations for maintaining the paint job over time?

Power wash your home yearly! Keep up to date on the high volume areas (entry doors, kitchen walls, living room walls, bathroom walls, etc.) and any areas that see a lot of day to day action should be touched up every 2-3 years simply to avoid everyday eye sores.

Will someone be available to answer my questions during the project?

Absolutely! Your crew leader is a highly experienced painter who will likely be able to answer any questions you have about your project, and you’re always welcome to call our office with questions or concerns.

Do you clean up the site at the end of each day or at the end of the project?

This is entirely the customer’s preference. While it is more convenient for our crews to cover their tools and supplies and move everything off to the side of the room or into a covered space, they are happy to clean up entirely at the end of each day. After all, you are welcoming them into your home.

How do weather conditions affect exterior painting jobs in New Jersey?

Weather plays a large part in project management for exterior projects. Typically we will decline to schedule exterior projects once the night time temps dip below 55 degrees because it causes the paint to flash. This in turn means all of the work completed for that day must be redone because now the paint will not cure correctly therefore compromising the integrity of the coating. Our crew leaders pay close attention to the weather while working on exterior jobs to prepare for potential rain.

What sets DJ’s Painting apart from other residential painters in the area?

Not only do we have a well equipped, knowledgeable and friendly team to complete your job, but we have a longstanding reputation in the community as a trustworthy contractor. With DJ’s Painting you know that your project will not only look beautiful but that it will last. We feel so strongly that you will be satisfied that we don’t accept any payment until the job is completed and you are happy with the results.

Do you offer financing options or payment plans for large projects?

We do not formally offer financing or payment plans at this time. While we do not have an official financing option our expert accounting team will be happy to work with you to figure out a payment option that works for everyone.

What steps do you take to ensure customer satisfaction?

From your estimate appointment to project completion we maintain an open line of communication. Your crew leader will review the scope of your job with you prior to beginning work, then again once the project has been completed. Feel free to raise any concerns you may have, we will not accept payment until you are satisfied. As a small business we care about your experience with us as a customer and value an easy, personable, very transparent and understandable process. We strive to make you understand that we don’t just care about your project, we want you to like us and we want to like you too.