We aim to ensure my clients have the highest level of customer service at HANDILY Painting & Handyman Solutions. I've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to save you time. Check it out.

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• Since when has HANDILY been in business?

It was established in 2010.

 

 

 

• What payment methods do you accept?

 

Cash, debit card, credit card ($75+ fee) and E-Transfer.

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• Can you help me with the colour and material selection?

 Yes, absolutely. Choosing the right materials and colours is crucial, and we are happy to provide a free consultation.

 

• Which renovations will add the most value to my property?

 

You don’t have to knock down everything that is not in good shape; Refinishing and repairing can be very effective and inexpensive. If you are selling your home, then we would recommend the following:

• Paint your kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities

• Interior painting

• Garage door and entrance door painting

• Refinish your old metal bathtub

• New tiles on the tub surrounds.

• Refinish staircase

• Deck staining and repair

• Garage 

You should still consider these renovations if you are moving in, but you do not have to do it all in one shot; start with interior painting and kitchen cabinet refinishing.​

• You don't have a licensed plumber or an electrician; how do you perform such jobs?

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We do not touch anything that should be done by a licensed professional only, such as replacing the water fitting behind the shower wall or pot light installation, etc. I do not put my clients at risk by doing jobs I am not trained or licensed for.

• How long does it take to paint a 2500 sq. ft. two-story house?

It depends on several factors, such as the number of colours you want, the number of accent walls, the amount of furniture, the existing paint colour on the wall, etc.

• I want oil-based paint on my ceilings. What is the cost difference?

We only use water-based paints for interior painting due to the environmental and health reasons for the property occupiers. Oil-based paints are not recommended for larger areas like ceilings and walls.

• Do you use primer for interior painting?

Yes, when it's required. Some houses have a semi-gloss or even gloss finish on the walls; in this case, we use the primer to prevent the new paint from chipping in the future. Sometimes, specialty primers are used to eliminate/minimize the smoking odours. 

• If you paint the interior of my house, will you make the walls look new?

It depends on the existing condition of the surface. It does make a big difference in your interior's overall look and feel. Unrealistic expectations lead to homeowners not being satisfied with a professional paint job. You can expect high-quality paint on new drywall to have a different texture from old paint. Although all holes and damage will be repaired and sanded, some things are not a part of the paint job, such as repairing wavy drywall due to this house's poor framing or age. You can expect new-looking walls, but not new ones. Flat paint is always better (unless you have small children or often clean the walls). Walls with a flat or matte finish hide minor flaws and uneven surfaces. A satin or semi-gloss finish reflects light, making defects more noticeable.

 

• Can I select a colour from the paint manufacturer's website?

 

You can, but don't expect it to look the same on your walls as on your screen. The only recommended way is to get the paint swatches and see them in the house area where you want to paint them. We always bring a fan deck with all colours in the first meeting with homeowners.

• What type of paint do you use for kitchen cabinets?

It depends on the surface and the desired finish. We use only the highest-quality paint and coating brands, such as Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, Mohawk, etc. 

• Do I have to sign a contract and make an upfront payment?

Short answer: yes. Contracts can be electronic or printed. Every job and detail will be documented and signed, and any additional work will be added to the contract. You will need to make a minimum upfront payment depending on the size and nature of your project, and payment options and plans vary.

 

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• Can I bring my own contract with my terms and conditions?

Only HANDILY Painting and Handyman Solutions will provide you with a contract to sign. The terms and conditions will be fully explained, and you can ask questions if necessary. The terms and conditions will be discussed if you disagree with them.

 

 

• I know painting; can I help you with my interior painting and get a discount?

 

We're glad you know how to paint because it's a fantastic skill. We, however, are committed to providing our full services and being accountable for quality results. That's why we'd love to see you relaxing and planning your new décor, and let us handle everything for you!​

• ​Why does it take you so long to complete your home renovation goals?

​                                Renovations are beneficial for a variety of reasons. Depending on your needs, you may need to refinish or replace something, for instance, the interior stairs, kitchen cabinets, or wooden deck. If your kitchen or bathroom appears dated, you can modernize it. It may be necessary to make aesthetic improvements to your home to accommodate a home office. As you plan your renovations, you think about what you want to change and why. In a perfect world, we would simultaneously complete all our home improvement goals. Home renovation projects, however, can become a significant portion of your budget, making budget planning challenging.

 

 

 

                                 Doing one project at a time can help you achieve your home improvement goals. Before considering all options, determine what you would like to accomplish. For instance, you would like to update the look of your outdated and scratched interior wooded staircase. If you decide to replace the stairs, it will cost you from $12,000 to $15,000, depending on the shape and number of steps. You can also hire a skilled refinisher to remove the existing finish from your stair treads and handrails and restain them in the colour of your choice. You can expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000 for this service. Compared to your old stairs, your new stairs differ primarily in colour and finish; the wood does not change. The most crucial factor is how the wood is treated.

 

                              Your $10,000 savings after refinishing your stairs can now be spent on another project, like kitchen cabinets. Again, you can replace them or hire a professional to refinish them. Suppose you own 20-year-old wooden cabinets with yellowish stains. The cabinets are covered in grease and scratches, and some hinges are loose. Neither you nor your family like old-fashioned door handles. Your cabinet contractor quotes you $15,000-$20,000 for new cabinets. After installing new cabinets, you think you should be good for another 20 years since your old ones lasted 20 years. It isn't like that. It is NOT the price for new wooden cabinets but for MDF wrapped in a plastic-like material. The thermofoil wrap won't last long. Probably two to three years from now, you'll notice that material separates from the edges of cabinet doors. There is no effort involved in removing the plastic from the doors. We live in such a world! It wouldn't hurt to repaint your existing cabinet in your preferred colour. 

                            If you want to remodel your house, begin with one room at a time, and don't be afraid to have different types or colours of flooring. It would be nice to have hardwood floors in your living room and carpet in your bedrooms until it is time to replace them. Ideally, you should only undertake the interior painting as one project to save money and time. You will also spend almost double if you paint your interior one or two rooms at a time.

                           'New' does not always mean 'right.' 'Refinish' is a new 'New'! Make a list of renovations you want to make and start with one. Refinishing is an excellent way to save money and spend it on something else. Please do not always follow or believe what you see and hear on home improvement TV shows. The majority of them don't reflect reality.