Monday, November 30, 2009

Interior Paintings Value To A Business

Painting is vital to the look of any business, as they say first
impressions are lasting impressions. The right look and feel of how your
business is reflected from the inside or outside can leave a lasting
impression on new clients or returning clients. In this regard it is best
to use the services of a professional to get the job done effectively and
efficiently. Before going out and hiring the services of a commercial
painting professional every business owner should consider the following
before hiring the services of one:

*Knowledge: This is a very important aspect to getting what you are
paying for. There are many textures, paint, and styles that a good painter
will know about. A good painter will know what kind of paint to use, when
to use it and how to use it. These things are not to be taken lightly
because you dont what to have to pay for the same job to be done twice.

*Clients: The customer base of a commercial painter will tell you a
little bit about that company and how they are going to perform. Obviously
companies who use these services will go to the best in the industry so a
company's client list will help you understand how well the quality of
work is going to be.

*Professionalism: Is important because the professionalism of a company
will not only be reflected in their quality of work but will also be a
direct reflection of your company because it is a direct reflection of the
type of people you employ. For example, a commercial painting company that
can maintain a clean work environment will directly affect how your
business if viewed by customers and clients.

*Reputation: This is the cornerstone of any business to business
relationship. Finding out whether or not the painting company is worth it.
Reputation and the old adage "my word is my bond" can go along way for a
business to maintain a long lasting customer-client relationship. A good
reputation will go a long way.

*Safety: Painting is by no means a safe profession. There are many
aspects to painting safely such as ladder safety, respirator safety,
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and so on. You must ensure that a
painting company follows all the rules of safety standards.

Painting isn't as simple as taking a paintbrush and slapping some paint
on a wall. It takes meticulous care and a large amount of attention to
detail. Good commercial painting professionals know that painting is an
important job not only to build their reputation, but also to help build
the reputation of the company for whom they are painting.

A good quality paint job is important for businesses because it leaves a
lasting impression on clients or business professionals. Painting should
not be underestimated and only a fully qualified experienced commercial
painter should be hired for such a job.


Commercial Remodeling Contractors in Frederick Md by BT Martin Contractors
From CRE Office Remodeling for Montgomery County Maryland
BT Martin Contractors specializes in exterior and interior painting all over Montgomery County Maryland as well as custom renovations for both residential and commercial projects. Whatever the project you have in mind, a home addition, new kitchen, new bathroom, fresh paint, basement finishing/renovation, or new deck, you can count on BT Martin Contractors.
MHIC # 83244

301 253-1068

General Contractors Frederick Maryland by BT Martin Contractors

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Green Materials Guide: Bethesda Maryland Remodeling

Green Remodeling Materials Guide
Bethesda Maryland Home Remodeling Customers want Green Materials where ever possible. This is the first in a series of articles we found on the topic of remodeling your Maryland home and keeping it eco friendly. I wish I could say I wrote this but I can not, I found it on TreeHugger.com

Your Guide to Materials for Green Home Improvement, Remodeling and Renovation (Slideshow)
green-house-green-materials-guide-teaser-photo.jpg
Image credit: Getty Images / Dieter Spannknebel
There are few simple choices when it comes to building or renovating a home. From colors to style, location to design, there's an awful lot to consider; part of that consideration is the impact each step will have on the planet. Thankfully, you don't have to settle for materials whose production or use has a big-time negative impact on the planet.
Enter the Green Materials Guide, a new feature over on our sister site, Planet Green. We've put together information and resources on the materials you might need for any home construction, renovation or remodeling job. From the building blocks of a structure, to the system you use to heat and cool it, to the decorations and decor you choose for the walls, the guide is stacked full of green info to help navigate the increasingly busy world of green home improvement; here's a quick peek at everything the guide contains.

Maryland Home Remodeling by BT Martin Contractors

BT Marting Contractors Bethesda Maryland Custom Painting http://btmartincontractors.com

Maryland Custom Painting Contractor serving Bethesda, Potomac and Montgomery County Maryland. We are fully licensed and insured, with excellent references available upon request. Our team of quality-conscious professionals will address all of your home improvement concerns, treating your home and property with high regards.


Call For Free Estimate Now 240 476-7342

We understand... the importance of completing the projects in a timely manner without interrupting your daily life.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Bethesda Maryland Kitchen Remodeling Counter Tops

Office Remodeling by BT Martin Contractors

7 Types Of Kitchen Counter Tops


January 21st, 2009

Granite Kitchen Countertops
It is very important that you place lots of thought when choosing the surface material for your counter top. This is because the counter top has to undergo lots of punishment over time. Today, there are many materials with both beauty and practicality embedded in them.
Butcher block counter tops are made from hardwoods like maple, red oak and teak and are easy to install and repair. These counter tops get scratched, burned and stained easily and can be sanded and resealed when required. Butcher block has to be treated with mineral oil or beeswax regularly but is not suggested over dishwashers or near a sink as its wood is sensitive to humidity fluctuations.
Butcher block counter tops

Concrete can be tinted any color and include stone chips with varying qualities as they can be custom formed using local fabricators. As concrete cuts and chips easily, it has to be sealed. Though topical sealers can resist stains, they are prone to damage from hot pots. Comparatively, concrete counter tops are expensive too.








Concrete countertops


Ceramic tile counter tops are found in many colors, styles and patterns which can be easily installed by adept do-it-yourselfers. These glazed tiles are resistant to stains, burns and scratches, while repair to these counter tops is easy and cheap. It is possible to tint grouts to match or contrast tiles; however joints may trap crumbs and soak up stains. This is why it is difficult to clean it, even if the grout is sealed. Moreover, tiles get scratched by sharp objects and may chip if hit hard.
Ceramic tile counter tops
Laminates are popular counter top materials as they are available in hundreds of colors and patterns and are reasonable in choice. They are lightweight and easy to install; but has additional edge treatment costs to be borne.
laminate countertops

Natural stones like granite and marble are popular counter top materials that resist all forms of physical abuse, nicks, scratches and scorching of hot pans. Of the two, granite is the tougher material while marble is softer and more prone to staining and etching from the acid in cleaners and foods. This is why they both have to be sealed with a protective sealer periodically.
granite countertops

Quartz resembles granite, but is more uniform in appearance. It is a combination of pigments, stone chips and resins and is resistant to heat, abrasion, stains and does not need any sealing. However it cannot withstand impacts.
quartz countertops
There are many solid surface materials available today for use on counter tops which are durable but expensive. They are made from polyester and acrylic resins with mineral fillers and are available in various thicknesses. Scratches and nicks cannot be seen easily here while prolonged heat on it can change its color.
solid surface  countertops
The latest trend in counter top materials is stainless steel and is chosen by those looking for integration of counters with pro-style and other stainless steel appliances. They are heat and stain resistant but tend to dent and scratch easily, shows fingerprints and are expensive.








Stainless Steel Countertops

Looking at all these counter top materials, it is left to you to choose the best material for your counter top, based on your budget, other kitchen appliances and the amount of wear and tear it goes through.

An article from Toronto Home Improvement


Commercial Remodeling Contractors in Frederick Md by BT Martin Contractors
From CRE Office Remodeling for Montgomery County Maryland
BT Martin Contractors specializes in exterior and interior painting all over Montgomery County Maryland as well as custom renovations for both residential and commercial projects. Whatever the project you have in mind, a home addition, new kitchen, new bathroom, fresh paint, basement finishing/renovation, or new deck, you can count on BT Martin Contractors.
MHIC # 83244

301 253-1068

General Contractors Frederick Maryland by BT Martin Contractors

Exterior Home Painting is NOT Interior Home Painting

Maryland Home Remodeling by BT Martin Contractors

Interior Home Painting in Maryland
It's one thing to paint the outside of your home... it's quite another to paint the interior.
Professional Interior Painters are the separation between the "men and the boys"

Here we will go through the step by step process followed by most traditional home contractor painting companies. This list, of course, is just a basic outline and some companies will add steps to this process.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interior Home Painting

Painting the interior of a home is a much more delicate process than painting the exterior of a home. Though, most of the steps are the same, the interior process requires a few extra precautions.

Here we will go through the step by step process followed by most traditional home contractor painting companies. This list, of course, is just a basic outline and some companies will add steps to this process; however, if the company you are looking to hire is planning to leave out any of these steps it may be time to look for a new company.

1. Clear The Path

Obviously, when you are painting the inside of any home it is necessary clear a reasonable path so that the painting crew can have sufficient space to do their job. Typically, this requires that all of the furniture is moved to the center of each room.

Once it has been moved to the center of the room, it will then be covered with
Plastic wraps, tarps, or a drop cloth of sorts.

Next, the crew will cover the flooring with drop cloths so as to protect it from paint spillage.

2. Prepare the Surface

This step requires that the home contractor painting crew scan the walls and ceilings. They should fill any cracks or holes, seal any stains, and sand the surface of your walls. This insures that the surface that the paint has a clean and smooth surface to be applied to.

3. Stroke Time!

Now the actual painting begins. The crew will paint as many coats as required to make for a beautiful finish. This, of course, should be to your satisfaction.

4. Have a Look see

Now it is time for the inspection. Both you and the home contractor painting crew leader will navigate your entire home and be sure that you are thoroughly satisfied for the work you paid for.

5. Clean Up The Mess

Now, for the most exhilarating part of the process; clean up! All floor cloths are removed, all materials are excavated, all messes are cleared, and all the furniture is put back in its proper place.

Before Signing Any Paper Work...

Now that you have this information, take it with you in your search for the best team for the job.

My personal suggestion would be to interview the home contractor painting service owner and ask them if they take care of all of these steps. Get a clear idea of what they intend to do and what charges will be incurred for what services.

Make sure that you know exactly where every last dollar of your money is going. If you are working with an honest company, they will have no problem in mapping out this information for you.

In The Meantime

Do a lot of research. Speak with a few different companies. Don't settle for the cheapest. Settle for the company that you think is going to do a rock star job.

I wish you the best of luck and happy searching!
Visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/12/prweb592782.htm for more information on home contractor painting




BT Martin Contractors
301 253-1068


BT Martin Contractors specializes in exterior and interior painting all over Montgomery County Maryland as well as custom renovations for both residential and commercial projects. Whatever the project you have in mind, a home addition, new kitchen, new bathroom, fresh paint, basement finishing/renovation, or new deck, you can count on BT Martin Contractors

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Maryland Paint Contractors - What You Need to Know

When you decide to hire a professional to handle your painting, it can be hard to know which companies you can trust to do a good job. After all, your home is probably your biggest investment and you want to be sure that the job is done right.

Residential paint contractors can make your house painting projects go quickly and smoothly and can give you great results...if you hire the right one. On the other hand, they can also leave you with less than stellar results, charge more than you expected or take longer to complete the project than they should. That's why it is so important to know what you are getting into up front.
Here are some tips for hiring residential paint contractors that should help you get great results and know what you need to know up front.

Check Their Credentials
Good paint contractors should have a license (although some states do not require licensing). They should also be willing to tell you up front how long they have been in business and whether or not they have insurance.
You can also ask whether they belong to any professional organizations such as your local Chamber of Commerce or any paint-specific associations or organizations. With this info you should be able to get a good idea of how well established they are and how seriously they take their business.

Do They Guarantee Their Work?
Find out if they offer any guarantees or warranties on their work. If they are willing to offer a guarantee then chances are good that they do good quality work.

Check Out Their Reputation and References

Even if a painting contractor looks great on paper and seems professional when you talk to them, nothing will give you a better idea of what to expect then doing some research into their past work and their reputation.
The best way to make sure that a company or individual painter is really qualified and will stand behind their promises before hiring them is to look into their reputation & references. Find out how to learn more about residential paint contractors before hiring them including where to find real customer reviews, who to ask for recommendations and how to get insight into their past work and experience at http://add6.com/how-to-find-a-house-painter



Maryland Home Remodeling by City Painting And Renovation
240 476-7342
MHIC # 125263

From Maryland Custom Painting Contractors

Maryland Custom Painting Contractor serving Bethesda, Potomac and Montgomery County Md .
We are fully licensed and insured, with excellent references available upon request. Our team of quality-conscious professionals will address all of your home improvement concerns, treating your home and property with high regards.
MHIC # 125263
We understand... the importance of completing the projects in a timely manner without interrupting your daily life.

Monday, October 5, 2009

MHIC Licenced Contractors

Make Sure You Hire MHIC Licensed Contractors

The State of Maryland regulates Home Improvement Contractors. The agency in charge of this is the Maryland Home Improvement Commission or MHIC.

It is a criminal offense to do home improvements without a license and there is no protection from the Guaranty Fund for the homeowner who uses an unlicensed contractor

From the Official Maryland MHIC website:



TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS




  • Request references from prospective contractor-check them!



  • If the contractor is providing lead paint abatement services, see if the contractor is accredited to do this work. Call 410-537-3825.



  • Get a copy of the contractor’s current liability insurance certificate.



  • Always get a written contract.



  • Pay no more than 1/3 of the contract price as down payment.



  • If a building permit is needed, ask to see it before work starts.

If the last contractor you hired did not do what they said they were going to do you may file a complaint with MHIC here.

To protect homeowners the MHIC has a Guarantee Fund to compensate for monetary losses which arise from poor workmanship or failure to perform the work specified in a contract, but this fund only applies to contracts with licensed contractors.
Certain home improvement work requires a building permit issued by your local Permit and Inspections Office. Failure to obtain necessary permits may result in your job being shut down by local building inspectors. Licensed contractors are familiar with these permits and obtain them regularly.

"The home improvement commission is getting fewer complaints about the use of unlicensed contractors than it used to," said Sy Goldstein, MHIC Chairman. "In part, the association (MICA) has contributed to helping bring this about."


Maryland CRE Remodeling by is a MHIC Licensed Contractor


Fresh Ideas For Painting the Exterior of Your Home
By Chelsi Woolz


When you want to change the entire look of your home quickly and inexpensively, changing your exterior paint colors is arguably the most dramatic and least expensive way to achieve impressive, powerful and immediately measurable results.
A well conceived exterior paint scheme can immediately add freshness, value, neighborhood interest, and marketability to your home. And a fresh coat of exterior paint immediately projects an image of a competent, proud homeowner who takes good care of his or her home.
And the color palette you select can immediately change the mood of your home, as well, projecting any identity from casual beachside cottage to classic, elegant villa. Accentuate details or make them fade into the background.

• Highlight architectural details like windows, door, and unique trim with complementary and attractive color combination drawing on natural tones, like fresh pair and deep, cool topiary green.
• Add a touch of luxurious sophistication with a combination of the deep, warm chocolate of New Look Grounded and its paler counterpart, New Look Element.
• The pale, buttery cream of New Look Georgian combined with the subtle but persuasive blue green New Look Providence tone give the impression of sheer dignified class.
• Get in a Tuscan mood with the casual and relaxed elegance of warm, golden New Look Icon paired with the cool freshness of New Look Topiary.
• Cool, clear, contemporary lines are accented with the subtle yet striking combination of deep and moody New Look Provence, fresh New Look Metro, and the calming coolness of New Look Element.
• Give your home a personality makeover, with the garden inspired New Look Leaf, combined with the informal, beachy combination of sand tones like New Look Georgian and New Look Element, enhanced with the watery coolness of New Look Provence.
• Evoke the romantic mood of the traditional French provincial style when you use the warm yellow tones of New Look Icon complemented by the sky-blue clarity of New Look Provence.
• For a subtle but undeniably striking change, try highlighting trim in a shade closely linked to the rest of the home. A combination of warm neutrals, like New Look Georgian and New Look Element, are ideal for this look.
• To achieve a warm Mediterranean flair to your home's exterior, try pairing a wall colour of neutral yet warm New Look Stillness with the oxidized copper accents of New Look Metro on trim and window surrounds.
• Make your home as inviting as a sylvan pond with a watery cool palette, that combines walls of silvery New Look Stillness with the calming forest shade of New Look Provence. Add New Look Metro's hint of playful azure as the perfect colour to accent the front door.

Use a splash of paint for your house's exterior as a great way of giving it a new lease of life. A great place to look for suitable exterior house paint is your local Paint Place store where you'll find the paint supplies and specialist paint advice you need.

Commercial Remodeling Contractors in Frederick Md by BT Martin Contractors
From CRE Office Remodeling for Montgomery County Maryland
BT Martin Contractors specializes in exterior and interior painting all over Montgomery County Maryland as well as custom renovations for both residential and commercial projects. Whatever the project you have in mind, a home addition, new kitchen, new bathroom, fresh paint, basement finishing/renovation, or new deck, you can count on BT Martin Contractors.
MHIC # 83244

301 253-1068

General Contractors Frederick Maryland by BT Martin Contractors

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Exterior Home Painting

Home Exterior Painting Maryland


When driving through some neighborhoods, it looks like every home along the way is a clone of the previous. Not only do they have the same layout, but their paint is exactly the same or close to the same color shade. This uniformity is what some people want and look for and it can make choosing a color easy when it is time to repaint your Maryland Home. If you crave originality in your home's color, take the initiative to go against the crowd and choose something different that sets you apart.

Maybe you want to go with a bright red house painting and yellow trim or yellow painting with blue trim. Whatever you are desiring in your home exterior painting, be adventurous and do it.

Now, there should be some words of caution to take heed of. If your neighborhood has a home owner's association that exercises strict rules pertaining to your house painting color, you will need to adhere to those rules. In addition, even if you have no home owner's association, if you are concerned that certain colors will cause an uproar in your neighborhood, you might want to think twice about the home exterior painting or discuss the colors with some of your neighbors. In this situation, however, in the end, it is your home and therefore your choice of what color to use.

It is always fun to choose a house painting color that means something. Maybe it will be the color of your college alma mater or the color of your favorite car. No matter the reason behind the home exterior painting, it can be a great conversation starter when neighbors ask why you chose the color.

If you want to go with a bold color for the painting project but are a little scared that you won't like the end result or that it will be a little bold, you can always start small. Maybe have the trim painted that bold color as an accent to the overall color and see how you like that. Or maybe go with a more toned down shade of the bold color for the overall painting and then if you like that you could always take the next step the next time your house needs repainted.

You can also consult with a competent Maryland remodeling contractor or custom home painter regarding color ideas and options. The contracted painter can sometimes provide you with examples from previous projects or show you color combinations that could spark your creativity. Ask them questions on their most bold projects and how the home owners ending up liking the colors.

If you are craving to go against the crowd and have your house painted an original color by a contracted painter, the options can be nearly limitless. There are factors to take into account though, such as whether or not your home owner's association has home exterior painting rules or if you will have to face disgruntled neighbors for painting your home a certain color. In any case, just have fun with it.

Visit http://www.youtube.com/?v=uA8jq1T6isE for more information on home exterior painting



Maryland Home Remodeling by BT Martin Contractors


BT Marting Contractors Bethesda Maryland Custom Painting http://btmartincontractors.com

Maryland Custom Painting Contractor serving Bethesda, Potomac and Howard County for 30 yrs. We are fully licensed and insured, with excellent references available upon request. Our team of quality-conscious professionals will address all of your home improvement concerns, treating your home and property with high regards.

We understand... the importance of completing the projects in a timely manner without interrupting your daily life.