MODE Painting Vancouver Blog

Inspecting Stucco Walls: What to look for!

4/25/2013

With Vancouver seeing a lot of rain and coastal winds, many homes are at risk of having their cladding deteriorate. The concern with Stucco cladding is that it may not be obvious that the home has been vulnerable to water infiltration. A thorough spring inspection is mandatory. Here are some things to look for…

Cracks: simple small, even hairline, cracks will expand with temperature fluxes, progressively allowing for more water to infiltrate. Look for water stains, and test surface integrity by pressing firmly on areas that maybe bubbling underneath.

Nesting: animals, inspects, and mold are all looking for places to live too. With small holes and cracks expanding, this provides shelter for them to live/hibernate.

Separation: when the above superficial issues become structural concerns. The walls will begin to crumble, exposing the inner walls to the outside elements. At this stage, the next blog you read will be on the topic of pest extermination, mold remediation.

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Low VOC? No VOC? How do I know what’s what is going on my walls?

4/10/2013

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There is much debate within the industry about which paint is the least toxic, best performer, most trustworthy, etc. Luckily, there is a ‘Seal of Approval’ you can look out for that will indicate a high level of approval – The Green Wise Logo by Coatings Research Group Incorporated (CRGI). CRGI is an international organization of paint manufacturers, staffed with degree chemists, who determine environmental performance standards. A major consideration is given to products that meet or exceed the VOC requirements of LEED® for most applications.

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Paint Colours for Small Rooms

4/3/2013

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One Colour on the walls - to make your room look BIGGER. Try to develop an 'analogous colour scheme' with fixed pieces, like flooring and furniture.

White rooms can afford a dash of colour - paint just one wall in any other light colour.

Narrow Room? Horizontal stripes painted on walls create the illusion of wider area.

Low ceiling? Vertical stripes on the walls create a sense of taller ceilings. Or extend wall colour to ceiling to detract attention.

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Increase Real Estate Resale Value with Paint: A Priority Sequence.

3/27/2013

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Let’s start with first impressions…

The Front Door

Whether it is the curb appeal of a house façade or simply the entrance to a condo unit, this is where buyers make their first assumptions. The objective is to prevent anyone from saying “This place needs work”, and building an image of a well maintained property.

The Damaged Areas

Buyers are looking for a “move-in ready” condition, without worrying about fixing loose steps or trim, re-hanging doors, correcting walls, etc. Concentrating on these issues is paramount. All high-traffic areas will follow, such as foyer/main hall, kitchen, living rooms. A good question to ask: “Will anything stand out in the photographs”?

The Trim & Doors

If it fits the budget, paint the trim and doors throughout. A fresh coat over well sanded surfaces should be noted to all prospective buyers. This is a very tactile method, provoking an emotional response, much similarly used in retail.

The Wall Colours

Last but not least (and sometimes at the top of the list), the wall colours need attention. This starts with understanding if the colours are appropriate or flattering based on factors such as available natural lighting, current colour trends, discolouration, etc. The safest and most commonly used method is to use a neutral colour throughout, with an accent colour in featured areas. Ultimately, deciding on colours should be coordinated within the staging process.

Finally, where ever paint is used, it should be done carefully and thoroughly. Very few buyers are looking forward to repainting, and the impression of a half-painted home may indicate there is something being covered up.

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Spring has Sprung!

3/20/2013

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Longer days! More Sun! Warmer weather! What does all of this mean!?

For home owners, it could mean noticing the need for property maintenance. Cracking and discolored surfaces may indicate rusting, rotting, and mold. It may be worth while to seek out the 'not so obvious' signs, before a small issue becomes costly in the future.

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Inspecting Stucco Walls: What to look for!

Low VOC? No VOC? How do I know what’s what is going on my walls?

Paint Colours for Small Rooms

Increase Real Estate Resale Value with Paint: A Priority Sequence.

Spring has Sprung!

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