Define the exterior surfaces before choosing colors

A useful exterior estimate separates siding, trim, doors and accents, then considers preparation and access for each part of the house.
  • Paintable siding
    Review the siding material and existing coating before deciding which preparation and finish are suitable.
  • Trim and fascia details
    Identify the painted edges, boards and other trim included in the project; flag deterioration for assessment.
  • Exterior doors
    Specify door faces, frames and adjoining trim, including the color relationship to the main exterior.
  • Window trim
    Separate paintable trim from glass, seals and nonpaintable components so the work has clear boundaries.
  • Shutters and accents
    Include shutters and other painted features in the scope when you want their finish coordinated.
  • Preparation and protection
    Account for cleaning, loose coatings, required surface preparation and protection of adjacent materials.

Painting examples

General painting reference photos. Project scope and finishes are agreed individually.

Our process

  • Assess the exterior
    Review surfaces, existing coating and visible deterioration.
  • Define the scope
    Agree on elevations, details, colors and access.
  • Prepare and protect
    Complete agreed surface preparation and protect adjoining materials.
  • Coat in suitable conditions
    Apply the selected system when surfaces and conditions are appropriate.
  • Check the details
    Review coverage and edges and remove painting materials.
Request a free painting estimate
Send your Des Plaines address, exterior photos, surfaces to paint and known problem areas. Call (224) 395-4544 or use the estimate form.
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An exterior estimate needs more than a house size
Identify materials and coating history
For an exterior repaint in Des Plaines, the first decision is what can appropriately receive paint. Siding, trim and doors may have different materials and existing finishes, even on the same elevation. Share what you know about the last repaint, any product names and areas where the coating has peeled or faded. A photograph of the whole side of the house gives context; a closer picture of the failed finish helps identify what needs attention. Material suitability must be assessed rather than assumed from color alone.

Separate finish failure from underlying damage
Loose paint and weathered surfaces can require preparation before a new coating is applied. Soft wood, a continuing leak or another source of deterioration needs separate consideration. Painting over those problems does not correct them. During the estimate, distinguish the areas ready for coating from areas that may need other work first. If you know of a recurring issue, flag it even when the surface currently looks dry.

Describe the access around each elevation
Height, narrow passages, planting beds and objects near walls can affect the working plan. Let us know about difficult-to-reach trim, attached structures and places where access requires coordination. Tell us which doors must remain usable and what outdoor items can be moved. Clear project boundaries also identify features that will remain unpainted, such as masonry or factory-finished components not approved for coating.

Coordinate color and detail
Review the main color beside the roof, masonry and other finishes that will stay. Then decide whether trim, shutters and doors share one accent or use separate colors. Samples viewed outdoors can help before the full scheme is chosen. The desired shade and the existing coating influence the preparation and coverage discussion. Neither a color sample nor a broad house measurement replaces a surface assessment.

Allow the schedule to follow coating conditions
Exterior work depends on surface conditions and the application and drying requirements of the selected products. A forecast alone does not establish whether every surface is ready to coat. Discuss target dates, access and any other exterior work when requesting the estimate, while allowing for weather-related adjustments. The agreed proposal should state the included elevations and details, preparation and finishes so you can compare a whole-house repaint with a smaller trim-only project.

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  • Can you paint every type of siding?
    Suitability depends on the material, its condition and coating requirements. We assess those factors before recommending paint.
  • Does exterior painting include replacing damaged boards?
    Board replacement and structural work are not assumed in a painting estimate. Deteriorated areas must be identified and the needed work agreed separately.
  • Can I request only exterior trim and doors?
    Yes. Specify the details you want painted so the quote can cover that defined scope.
  • How is an exterior schedule decided?
    The scope, preparation, access and suitable application conditions all matter. Discuss the expected sequence and weather flexibility during the estimate.
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