Saint Mary’s Church Exterior sample - see more
“I am extremely happy with the work that is done so far! Your worker has done an incredible job! He is extremely professional and very careful to protect everything in my home”
- Debbie L.,
Windham, NH
Saint Mary’s Church Exterior sample - see more
The reasons can be summarized in our slogan – Creating enthusiastic clients through exceptional service and master craftsmanship. Below is a list of some of the specific reasons that Masterwork may be the best choice for you. And from our customer’s perspective please take a look at Testimonials.
Through a rigorous multistep hiring process involving screening, interviewing, and testing, Masterwork hires the most professional, skilled career craftsmen in the industry. In order to provide a consistent service meeting the highest quality standards, each team member regularly participates in our comprehensive training program.
It may come as a surprise to some but to be a great painter is very difficult – it requires a multitude of skills, knowledge of paints/materials/substrates/weather, advance planning capability, thoroughness, attention to detail and a lot of hard work too. In the United States there is very little opportunity for quality training in the painting trade. So we did something about it – we established a comprehensive in-house training program that addresses skills development, material knowledge, equipment usage, safety, task sequencing, standard procedures, and customer service.
A vital key to our consistent high quality is our standardized and documented procedures for all aspects of the Masterwork service ranging from how to properly protect unpainted surfaces, to all preparation steps, to painting techniques, right down to how we manage and update schedules on projects. The foundation for these is the Craftsmanship Operating Procedures which have been developed by the Craftsmanship Forum of the Painting & Decorating Contractors of America. Our president, Rich O’Neil, is chairman of the national committee that is responsible for developing these procedures.
Paints and related materials have changed drastically over the last 15 years. The choices today are more complicated than just oil or latex. Improper paint/primer combinations can have disastrous affects on the ability of a paint job to last, resulting in extremely costly remedies. Masterwork Painting employees participate in product training, research, and testing to ensure that we are knowledgeable about the latest and finest paint products and their correct application. For example, there are a variety of primers with different purposes and characteristics. It is critical that the proper primer be selected for each situations taking into consideration factors such as: adhesion to different materials (wood, masonry, ferrous metals, plastics, non ferrous metals such as copper and aluminum), stain blocking of wood tannin, sealing surfaces, flexibility or rigidity for different applications, etc.
The ability of a paint job to withstand time and look great will depend largely on addressing problems existing with the surfaces prior to painting. This is critical not only for old surfaces but for brand new ones as well. Masterwork is expert at identifying causes of previous paint and substrate failures and addressing them correctly to ensure a long lasting paint job, as well as preventing the problems in the first place.
The preparation of the surface prior to painting is the most critical foundational step in any beautiful, durable paint job and it is the phase in which painters can easily reduce their price by cutting out preparation steps and thoroughness. At Masterwork, we ensure preparation quality by conducting a Quality Assurance inspection and checklist prior to any finish painting is done in each area or room. In addition, we use unique techniques and tools for meticulously preparing surfaces for unsurpassed beauty and longevity in the safest possible way.
Whether it be a brush, roller, or fine spray finish, Masterwork craftsmen are skilled in applying high quality and durable coatings. We actually have training sessions on how to apply different types and brands of paints and other coatings, the differences are quite significant.
In order to consistently perform high quality work efficiently and safely, Masterwork invests in leading edge equipment and tools. Our crews are outfitted with the best sanders, vacuums, paint strippers, etc. that are available – right down to drop cloths and other floor protection. We evaluate and test various tools and equipment to determine the best to use for different purposes.
The use of premium versus good materials typically adds approximately 5% to the total job cost, but serves as a great investment due to superior appearance, durability, and performance. We research and conduct independent product testing in our workshop to determine the best performing products.
As an example, due to the reduced performance of interior oil-based trim paint we evaluated over a dozen latex/water-borne interior trim paints based on a variety of performance and appearance characteristics to determine the best product available. In another case, we conducted a study of patching materials for interior and exterior use to determine what is really most effective. A valuable conclusion aside from – don’t believe labels – is that many products rated for exterior use don’t hold up and many interior products that aren’t supposed to shrink, do in fact shrink, leaving indents or cracks.
Perhaps it could be considered the contracting golden rule, it seems like it would be obvious but unfortunately in the contracting business exceptional service is the exception rather than the norm. For Masterwork, delivering exceptional service really is our standard and in many ways is just as important as providing master craftsmanship.
Showing courtesy and respect to our clients is a critical part of Masterwork’s Exceptional Service. We employ not only the best craftsmen in the industry but also the most professional.
Masterwork Painting provides a clear understandable proposal detailing all aspects of the project such as surfaces to be painted, the kind of paint to be used, the number of coats of paint required, the methods used and the extent of surface preparation, time schedules for the project and payment terms.
Masterwork uses an advanced, standardized estimating system utilizing national painting production rate standards to calculate the correct job hour allocation. This system combined with experience and knowledge results in the right price for the required work scope performed to the highest standards of craftsmanship and exceptional service.
Masterwork has a custom developed computerized scheduling system and internal procedures to provide reliable start dates, and project duration estimates. We evaluate in-process projects on a standardized weekly basis (or more frequently if warranted) to ensure that projects are completed on time.
Masterwork actively manages projects to ensure that we deliver exceptional service, we don’t just hope for it to happen. Our professionals both on the job site and behind the scenes are experienced and skilled at such activities as organizing work flow, planning manpower, and ensuring quality levels.
Masterwork employs approximately 15 full time, year round professional craftsmen enabling timely job completion of large projects at the highest quality standards.
Every project is of great importance to us independent of the size. Our goal is to develop long-term clients through Exceptional Service and Master Craftsmanship.
We realize that our clients are busy and need to be kept informed. We commit to ongoing communication throughout the project including returning calls within one business day. Our investment in a customized internal project management system, to which all painting teams are networked, ensures operational efficiency and that project details are communicated to team members in a timely way.
Masterwork has extensive experience working as a team with General Contractors, Architects and Decorators. We provide flexibility with schedule changes, work scope adjustments and color modifications often required on projects of this sort.
Color selection can be tricky. Manufacturer’s color chips are typically not paint and can vary significantly from the true color. Masterwork provides real paint/stain/finish samples of every coating to be applied before work is started.
In the unlikely event that there is damage to property caused by Masterwork, Liability Insurance will cover the cost of repair or replacement, protecting our clients from property loss. Note: Masterwork has very low accident rates.
All Masterwork painters are fully covered by Workers Compensation Insurance. In the event of injury to a painter, workers compensation insurance will pay for medical bills and any lost wages due to injury, thereby protecting our clients from lawsuits.
Masterwork takes the safety of families and investments very seriously. Comprehensive background checks are performed on all employees.
Protecting our client’s property and surfaces not to be painted is a critical part of the Masterwork service. We have unique standardized procedures to protect vegetation, walkways, patios, floors, carpets, tile, counters, furniture, hardware and other non-painted surfaces.
Masterwork incorporates unique methods of containing paint dust through the use of specially designed power sander systems integrated with HEPA vacuums. It is illegal to power sand lead paint without such a dust containment system. This approach provides a smooth, durable finished product while keeping the work site and surrounding areas clean and safe.
Proper containment of paint dust and chips that are generated is crucial to protecting our clients from the ill effects of paint and plaster dust. This also eliminates the potential for dust and debris to migrate into surrounding areas.
Job site clean up each day, as well as at the end of the job, is a vital component of the Masterwork service. It is not an after-thought, it is built into our jobs. We pledge that the work site will be as clean, or cleaner than when we arrive.
As of April 2010 the EPA is requiring all contractors that disturb surfaces that may contain lead paint to be certified in and adhere to lead safe work practices. Masterwork has made the investment to become certified and has incorporated the associated practices into our standard procedures.
We were “green” before it was trendy! We spend a lot of money properly disposing of paints and solvents through a designated hazardous waste disposal program. Even latex/water-based paints need to be disposed of properly and should not be poured down the drain/toilet or into the ground.
National data indicates that 95% of painting companies are out of business in 5 years. A warranty from a company that may be out of business in two years isn’t of much value. Masterwork Painting has proven stability.
Repeat customers, referrals, and word of mouth generated business are the best testimony that we don’t just talk about master craftsmanship and exceptional service – we deliver on that promise.
We are proud members of PDCA, the only association of professional painting contractors in the coatings industry. The focus of the association is the education of its members and promotion of professionalism within the industry. The education includes training in safety, business management, and technical areas of painting and surface preparation.
In the unlikely event that any part of the paint job needs to be touched-up Masterwork will repair it at no charge, with no hassles - and we will be there to deliver on that promise.