JP Interiors FAQ – Brooklyn & New York City Painting Contractor
We’ve put together clear answers to the most common questions we receive about interior and exterior painting in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Central New Jersey. Whether you’re planning a project or just exploring your options, you’ll find helpful information here about our process, pricing factors, preparation, paints, and more. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us directly for a free estimate.
Pricing & Estimates
There’s no such thing as a base amount — every interior paint job is custom and depends on many variables. It’s always best to discuss the specific details of your space so we can give you an accurate picture.
Again, there’s no single answer. Jobs can take one day or stretch over three months depending on the scope, so it’s best to talk through your project for a clear understanding.
Cost is usually a direct result of the time spent on the job. The more time we invest, the better the result typically is. It’s best to start by clarifying your goals — using a true professional often saves money in the long run by delivering the job on time, to a high standard, and with consistent, lasting results.
The most direct factor is the time spent on the work — how many hours or days the job requires.
It’s usually our standard day rate, with no less than that unless we happen to be working right next door. Travel time makes it difficult for us to do less than a full day.
This is something we consider on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. An estimate can be provided according to your schedule, including same-day written estimates.
While we wish it were possible to do this effectively over the phone, we feel it is much more productive to provide an estimate based on the work you want and what we are seeing, rather than guessing.
When we come out to do an estimate, we are actually doing a mini inspection of the paint, providing a sample of our color consultation, and listening to what, when, where, and how you want it all completed.
When we commit to a price guarantee, the price we quote is the price you will pay. If, for some reason, you are unable to do this, please call, and we can discuss options and the probable cost of services.
Reputable contractors will encourage the use of a written contract. This contract should clearly explain the scope of the work to be performed. It should also cover such items as surfaces to be painted, methods and extent of surface preparation, time schedules for the project, and payment procedures.
Knowing the total scope of the work enables you to carefully evaluate the different bids you may receive with the proper information and keep them on a level playing field. The contract serves to protect both you and the contractor.
Service Areas
All areas of Brooklyn. We regularly work throughout the borough, from Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope to Williamsburg, Bed-Stuy, Dumbo, Bay Ridge, and everywhere in between.
All areas of Manhattan. We serve neighborhoods from the Upper East and West Sides to Downtown, Midtown, Chelsea, Harlem, and beyond.
Most areas in Central New Jersey, particularly around the Red Bank region, including Middletown, Rumson, Little Silver, Holmdel, and surrounding communities.
Yes, we have handled commercial, residential, and institutional painting projects in those areas.
Painting Services We Offer
We offer interior and exterior painting, residential painting services, commercial painting services, color consultation, plaster and wall repair, home wallpapering, restoration, cabinet painting, staining, glazing, textures, and many other related painting services.
Yes, we do. We handle professional exterior painting with careful surface preparation to ensure the work holds up well against the elements.
Yes. I usually have a lot to contribute — I help get people’s ideas and creativity flowing around the room’s overall design and how color plays into it. Choosing the right color can feel like solving a problem.
Paints & Materials
We use high-quality paints from all the leading brands, including Benjamin Moore, Farrow & Ball, Sherwin-Williams, Fine Paints of Europe, Portola, George Kirby, Muralo, and others.
For interior jobs, we most often work with premium water-based lines from Benjamin Moore, but we select the best option for each project’s specific look, finish, and requirements.
We always recommend choosing the top “line” of paint your budget allows—better quality paints level smoother, last longer, and look better over time, making them a smart long-term investment.
I recommend using the best paint available because higher-quality paint lasts longer. I still like oil paint in many exterior paint job situations for its durability and performance.
Any paint that levels out smoothly and dries more slowly works well. Oil is good for that reason. For water-based options, we like Benjamin Moore’s Advance Satin — it lays out nicely (especially with additives to extend drying time) and gives many of the benefits of oil without the strong smell or mess.
Paint failure is the loss, and more specifically, the failure of any of the paint’s inherent and claimed properties, including the protective and functional integrity of the paint film and its aesthetics, such as color and sheen.
The reasons for paint failure are varied and complex. But here are a few short answers. Usually, paint failure occurs from two main factors. One major reason is mistakes or shortcuts made at the time of application.
The other reasons are environmental or the selection of the wrong or inferior product. Often, paint failure can occur long after the coating was applied, and those shortcuts will reveal themselves much, much later and can, in fact, be aggravated by fresh coats of paint.
This is why hiring a professional can make a big difference in how good a coating holds up and looks.
Preparation & Process
We start by cleaning and sanding to ensure the surfaces are in sound condition, then fill with the appropriate spackle or patching compound to create a smooth, even base. Proper preparation is one of the most important steps.
Prep work can make all the difference if you want a job that lasts as it should and looks good over time. However, sometimes people don’t want to invest in a lot of extra prep work or want to cut back on the scope of the work. We can and will give you this option, but just remember that there is a sacrifice in doing so. We consider this a personal choice, and that is why we will always give our customers the option to do more or less prep work when we think it is appropriate and beneficial for them.
I have a document that covers the common questions about getting ready. Generally, have your color and paint selections finalized and move personal or smaller items out of the way. We usually take care of the rest, including protecting floors, furniture, and belongings.
Clear communication, honest advice when you ask for it, and straightforward answers to all your questions.
Not necessarily. If you will be away from your home for an extended period while we are working on it, please leave us with important contact numbers and names.
Ideally, we would like to start one day prior to your departure, or at least to meet with you to go over all the particulars of the work before you leave. Our painting crew is on-site every day to make sure your project is completed on time and according to plan.
You can usually find suitable days anytime between March and November.
That varies with each job, but most jobs we do take around 5 days to complete during the working week, so there is less disruption to your family’s home or your business.
We always consider your deadlines when starting a job. Jobs can be completed faster with a larger crew or more slowly to pace out an occupied space, as it best suits the work and your timeline.
Our Work & Guarantees
Yes, we are fully licensed and insured.
JP Interiors Inc. has been in business for 31 years.
We genuinely care about the people and the places we work for and in. That shows in our detailed processes, owner oversight, and commitment to doing things the right way.
Yes. We stand behind our work with a solid workmanship guarantee and what I call my “Free one-year touch-up guarantee.”
With us, you get good communication, transparent pricing, deep knowledge of the craft, color, and design considerations, plus a solid understanding of buildings and their architecture.
Lack of clear communication and slow or no responses. Vague or missing details and unanswered questions are big warning signs — they show the contractor doesn’t really care about you or the job. We’re in the service business, so we make communication a priority.
A good quality painter always adheres to the standards of the craft and shows respect for the work.
You can find more helpful information onsite about how to choose a professional painting contractor.
All of their relationships should be in good standing. Businesses in good standing with the bank and local suppliers receive preferential treatment and pricing, helping them stay competitive.
This is especially important in these more difficult economic times. Well-established painting contractors should provide current letters of reference from their banks and at least 3 local suppliers indicating that they are in good standing.
JP Interiors upholds a reputation for giving back to the communities we work in. For example, read about our fence painting for Cobble Hill Park.
They show a lack of respect for the trade’s standards and demonstrate that they don’t really care about the building or the customer. Here is a rundown of the risks to consider when hiring a painting contractor.
Determine if your contractor is a member of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. It has been in existence since 1884 and has over 3000 members all over the country and parts of Canada. In 2019, The Painting and Decorating Contractors of America rebranded into the Painting Contractors of America (PCA)
The PCA association focuses on educating its members and promoting professionalism within the industry. Look for the PCA logo on your contractor’s business card, bid sheets, or trucks.
The PCA offers many programs to educate painting contractors. This education includes training in safety, business management, and technical areas such as painting and surface preparation.
Quality painting and decorating contractors are well-versed in the various aspects of any painting project, which helps eliminate surprises. Excellence in paint application is as important as your selection of a contractor, as are the skills to properly manage their business and your project.
Scheduling & Payment
Usually within 1 to 2 weeks, often sooner.
It typically takes about 1 week, but it can sometimes be done in 1 day, depending on the scope.
8 am to 6 pm.
Yes, our paint crew does whatever it takes to make the job work for you.
We accept checks as well as other forms of electronic payment.
Only once we are on-site and have started the job.
No, not at this time.
Phone, email, or text. A phone call is usually the best way to get started quickly. We have a very customer-friendly phone policy, and the owner is available to answer all of your questions and concerns.