We use three methods of paint all interior and exterior projects
1. Brushes
2. Rollers
3. Sprayers

A method of measuring moisture in the wood dictates when it is OK to paint. Moisture meters can be used to measure the moisture in the wood. If the meter reads in the green it's OK to paint. If the meter emits a yellow or red color bar then it is best to wait until the moisture works its way out of the wood.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a minute to highlight each.

We us a number of methods.
1. Ladders
2. Pump-Jacks
3. Portable Staging
4. Boom lifts

The real answer? Everything has gone up — not just paint. Home improvement costs, like many essentials, have seen dramatic increases in recent years. Let’s take a look:

1. Food costs have tripled since 2022.

2.Auto repair now runs over $125/hour at most dealerships.

3.Utility bills are skyrocketing — some providers charge as high as $0.36 per kWh.

4. Other trades in home improvement have increased too — but painting still remains one of the most underpaid despite the labor involved.

Now let’s talk about painting specifically. In Massachusetts and Connecticut, average labor runs $40–$75/hour, depending on the complexity of the job, the size and height of the home, and access issues like trees, bushes, turrets, and rooflines. Add in related trades — like carpentry, siding, or windows — and you’re easily at the top of that range.

In the classes I teach, I ask contractors a simple question: How long will it really take to complete this job? And here’s what they have to consider:

1. Prep work – scraping, sanding, caulking

2. Power washing – and possibly treating for mold or mildew

3. Wood repairs – including siding, trim, or sills
4. Priming – any raw or repaired surfaces
5. First topcoat – the base color application
6. Second topcoat – essential for long-term durability

Let’s say each phase takes roughly 100 man-hours — that’s 400 total hours, or 10 full-time weeks for one person. With a 3-person crew, that’s just over 3 weeks.

At $50/hour, that’s $20,000 in labor alone. Add roughly $2,000 for paint and materials, and you’re sitting at $22,000–$25,000 — and that’s without major carpentry repairs.

Here’s the bottom line: Professional painters climb ladders 25 feet high, walk roofs, and work in 90-degree heat — often battling insects — for around $50/hour. Meanwhile, furniture movers and retail workers in some areas make the same or more with far less risk.

So, yes — painting may seem expensive. But the skill, physical risk, and labor involved make it one of the most underappreciated trades in home improvement.

I have developed a payment system that protects your investment during the project and limits our financial risk. Customer's love this methodology, because they only invest in the work one phase at at time. Here's how it works.
A typical house is broken up into typically 4+5 phases, and maybe 6 with a deck. Let's use the Colonial house in the previous question as an example:, but has a breezeway connecting the house to the garage. We'll use the cost of $25,000. Here is how the cost of labor and materials would apply to this process.

1. The front - $7,500
2. Left side- $4,000
3. Back Side$7,500
4. Right Side - $4,000
5. Garage - $2,000
________________________________
$25,000 - Total cost on estimate

This would be the payment by phase method>

▶️ $1,000 deposit - at the time of signing the contract

▶️ PHASE 1 - $7,500 - Required at the start of the front side - which is always done first for curb appeal. This pays for the labor and material to complete this phase. When completed, we will examine it with you to ensure you are happy with the work and finish. If so, we'll ask you to sing off on phase-1 work so that we can continue to phase-2. Much like a bank construction loan for contractor's borrowing money for new home construction. They also receive allocations by phases once finished and examined/approved by the bank.

▶️ PHASE 2 - $4,000 - Same process as above
▶️ PHASE 3 - $7,500 - Same process as above
▶️ PHASE 4 - $4,000 - Same process as above

At the final signing off the the five phases completion certificate, and after all work is finalized and equipment is removed and property is clean, I will present you with the following.

1. Certificate of Completion - Stating that the work is completed and to your satisfaction
2. Guarantee - typically for 3-years - Extended guarantees may be available for purchase if desired.
3. $1,000 Deposit is returned to you (the homeowner/s)

There you have it. Bottom line? You’re never overexposed. We only get paid as each section is completed and approved. It's how we keep things fair, honest, and totally transparent — and why our clients love this process.

Great question — and here’s how we handle it with care and transparency:

▶️ 1. Custom paint colors - TThese are not returnable. To avoid waste and overbuying, we only purchase enough for each phase of your project — just before that phase begins. This keeps us flexible: if we need more or less in the next phase, we adjust accordingly. If additional paint is needed that exceeds our original estimate, we’ll bring it to your attention first and get your authorization before purchasing more.

▶️ 2. These are typically returnable. If we over-purchase standard paint, we can return the unused portion and pass the refund back to you — or you may choose to keep it for touch-ups.

▶️ 3. Primers - Like standard paints, primers are also generally returnable. Any extra primer can be refunded or retained, based on your preference.

To summarize:
If extra paint is returnable, we’ll give you the option of a refund or letting us leave it with you for future use. If the paint is custom, we’ll always consult with you first to approve the purchase of additional quantities. It’s part of our promise to be fair, efficient, and respectful of your investment.

Great question. In most cases, we’re highly accurate in outlining the scope of work. However, on occasion we may uncover hidden damage—such as rotted wood high up on the home that couldn’t be seen from the ground during the initial inspection. If this happens, we’ll promptly bring it to your attention and recommend a solution. Should the repair or replacement involve additional cost, we’ll present you with a revised estimate before moving forward. No work will be added to your contract without your signed approval.

NOTE:
Depending on the situation, we may treat the additional work as a new phase, or—if minor—include it in the current one. Either way, you will always be informed and have full authority over how we proceed.

REGARDING LABOR COST:
We do not increase labor costs just because a project takes longer than expected. If we underestimated how long something takes, we absorb that. It’s our responsibility—not yours. You will never be billed extra for delays on our part. If the delay is ours, the extra time is on us.

We understand the importance of maintaining a professional and respectful environment, especially around families. All Stratos Painting crew members are required to wear appropriate work attire at all times. Here’s what that includes:

▶️ 1. Work Pants – Full-length or half-length painter’s whites or carpentry jeans are acceptable. Belts are required.

▶️ 2. T-Shirts – Only plain white T-shirts or official Stratos Painting shirts are permitted. No shirts with custom images, slogans, or offensive language are allowed

▶️ 3. Footwear – Proper construction-grade work boots are mandatory. No sandals, slides, or slip-ons are allowed.

▶️ 4. Professional Appearance - Shirtless attire is for the beach - Sweat pants is for the gym, and nylon shorts are for jogging - Needless to say - these items are not acceptable on the job.

We take pride in upholding a clean, professional appearance on every jobsite — because our safety, your comfort level, and peace of mind matter.

We believe in maintaining a professional and respectful jobsite — and that includes being mindful of noise, especially music.

We are not there to provide entertainment for the owners, their family members, or the neighborhood.
For this reason, we do not allow boom boxes or amplified music on site. While we understand that some workers enjoy listening to music while they work, it must not interfere with communication, safety, or the peaceful environment of your home.

If crew members wish to listen to music, they are permitted to wear low-profile, wrap-around neck speakers that keep their ears unobstructed and their attention fully on the work and their surroundings.

We do not allow earbuds, headphones, or any audio device that covers the ears or prevents team members from hearing safety instructions or communicating clearly with one another or with you, the homeowner.

At Stratos Painting, we take pride in setting a tone of professionalism on every job — and that includes creating an atmosphere that respects your home and your neighbors.

We take this seriously — and we don’t tolerate it.

Inappropriate conversations, vulgar language, political debates, or anything that could make homeowners or neighbors uncomfortable have no place on a professional job site. Our team members are expected to conduct themselves with courtesy, respect, and professionalism — always.

Likewise, arguing among workers — whether it's about the job or personal matters — is unacceptable. Disagreements, if any arise, are handled off-site or after hours, not in front of clients or their families.

We’re in your space. That’s a privilege — and we act accordingly. Every project reflects not only the quality of our craftsmanship but the integrity of our character.

Bottom line: You're inviting us to work on your home — and that includes trusting us to maintain a safe, respectful, and drama-free environment from start to finish.