What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Telles Painting does not have a standard pricing since quote is based upon the existing condition and difficulty of each project. Therefore, Telles Painting would need to view each project or blue prints before providing an exact quote. After such review, Telles Painting will determine the number of days, number of materials required as well as man power to calculate the bid cost to complete such project.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When working with new customers, Telles Painting will generally set up an appointment with potential customers, then personally speak or meet with such customers to see exactly what type of work is required. Telles Painting views their property and get back with them with a verbal quote or a written proposal via email. If proposal is accepted, customers are to sign a written bid proposal. Before start of work, generally Telles Painting requires 1/2 deposit of bid cost. Telles Painting will then arrange or schedule a Start date, meanwhile; materials are ordered, then we start work when scheduled and upon completion, the remaining balance of bid cost is due.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Owner, John Telles have attended the painter's apprenticeship program in Honolulu for 4 years at Honolulu Community College where he has gained great knowledge in all types of painting variations, various coatings, wall coverings, proper methods of staining, epoxy coatings, elastomeric coatings, etc. John have also worked with many Union painting contractors where he has gained additional painting experiences of all types on residential, commercial as well as industrial projects. All training received is passed on to family members as well as employees hired who all assist with projects when needed.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
John entered the painting field because his father was a painter by trade and have been working in the union since his younger years. For that reason, John followed his father's footsteps, except that John decided to start his own business as soon as he left the islands and settled in Oregon.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Generally, Telles Painting work with various types of General contractors bidding on majority new commercial projects as well as remodeling projects. However, Telles Painting also works with customers directly to complete any re-paint project or random projects they may have.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
One of John's recent project was a 119 units senior living center in Eugene, Oregon painting both interior and exterior of that building. This project was a stand out after our painting completion. Pictures are found in the gallery. John obtained over 20 employees at the time to complete this project. Scope of work included painting walls, ceilings, baseboards, chair rails, columns, window trimmings, window sills, door casings, doors, door frames, staining stairwell, staining railings, staining cabinets, painting spindles, wall covering installation, epoxy flooring, etc. This project took about several months to complete.
As far as residential homes, Telles Painting can paint an exterior home within two to three days utilizing just 1 employee. Interior work is completed within one to four days depending on the the size, conditions and the number of rooms that is required to be painted.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
We would advice customers to first assure that the painting contractor you are planning to utilize are licensed, bonded and insured. Since most painters seeking for work are not licensed and portray as if they know everything. We have noticed that a lot of painting contractors here in Oregon did not go through any official painting program like the painting apprenticeship program; therefore, you will come across some painters who do not know the proper process of particular painting methods or do not know the reactions of various paint materials. We found that most inexperience painting contractors started their businesses only few months or couple of years immediately after working for another painting contractor. These types of contractors will generally bid projects aggressively so their cost for all types of painting will be very low. So at the end of the day, you will notice that you will get what you pay for. Just keep this in mind when hiring a contractor.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
First, customers should ask such professionals if they are licensed, bonded and insured. Also, ask the professional what their bid cost entails and make sure you have the contractor give you all the details just so you know exactly what to expect and what you are paying for. Make sure you know what kind of paint material brand or sheen you would like to utilize and ask for their suggestions. Also, make sure you have the paint colors in mind since in different circumstances, colors determines the cost of your bid due to number of coverage required. If your contract amount is over couple of thousand dollars, ask for a written bid proposal. Customers should always ask any questions they can think of to prevent any dispute at the end of the project.
