Quick answers to the questions we hear most. Each links to a deeper guide if you want the full story.
How many coats of paint do I need?
Most repaints need two coats of finish paint for even color and durability. A big color change, new drywall or patched walls may need a primer coat first. Paint-and-primer products can cover in fewer coats when you're repainting a similar color over sound paint. See interior painting like a pro.
What sheen should I use on walls?
Matte or eggshell for most living areas and bedrooms, satin for kitchens, bathrooms and high-traffic areas, flat for ceilings, and semi-gloss or satin enamel for trim and doors. See sheens and primers.
Why does my paint color look different at home than in the store?
Light. Store lighting, your window direction and your bulbs all change how a color looks. Test large samples in your room at different times of day. Try our daylight color demo and read how light changes paint color.
Do I need to prime before painting?
Prime patches, bare drywall, bare wood, stains, glossy surfaces, metal and big color changes. Sound, clean, similar-color walls often don't need a separate primer. See sheens and primers.
Is glue-down or click LVP better?
Neither is better everywhere. Glue-down excels in large open areas, sunny rooms and kitchens with islands; click is more forgiving of minor subfloor imperfections and often suits basements. See glue-down vs click LVP.
Is a 20 mil wear layer worth it?
For kitchens, entries, main living areas, rentals and homes with large dogs or busy kids, many homeowners find the extra wear margin worthwhile. For bedrooms and lighter traffic, 12 mil is common. See wear layers explained.
Is LVP waterproof?
The planks themselves are typically waterproof. The seams, perimeter and subfloor aren't automatically protected, and standing water or leaks can still get underneath and cause problems. Clean up spills promptly.
Can LVP go in a basement?
Often yes, when the slab passes moisture testing and you use the vapor barrier or moisture protection the manufacturer requires. Fix any water problems first. See moisture testing.
Do I need to level my floor before LVP?
The floor needs to be flat within the manufacturer's tolerance, which is different from level. Glue-down LVP needs a very flat, smooth subfloor. See subfloor prep.
Can new flooring go over my old floor?
Sometimes. Many LVP products allow installation over flat, well-bonded existing hard floors, but never over carpet. Old vinyl and adhesives may contain asbestos and shouldn't be sanded without testing.
Should I paint before or after new floors?
Usually paint first, then install floors, then install baseboards and do the final trim coat and touch-ups. See project order.
How long does flooring need to acclimate?
It depends on the product. Many LVP makers specify a period, often 24 to 48 hours, with the room at normal living temperatures; some rigid core products don't require it. Wood products need their moisture content checked. See acclimation.
Why are there gaps in my hardwood floor in winter?
Dry winter air makes wood shrink. Seasonal gaps that close in summer are normal in many homes. Keeping indoor humidity steadier helps. See Wisconsin humidity and seasons.
Is the old paint in my house lead paint?
If your home was built before 1978, it may be. Test before sanding or scraping, or assume it's present. In Wisconsin, paid work that disturbs paint in pre-1978 homes requires DHS-certified lead-safe firms. See lead-safe renovation.
Can kitchen cabinets be painted?
Yes, with thorough degreasing, sanding, bonding primer and a cabinet-grade enamel, and enough time to cure. See cabinet painting.
How do I remove wallpaper without damaging drywall?
Test whether it's strippable, soak only as much as needed, scrape gently and stop if drywall paper tears. Seal damaged drywall paper with an oil- or shellac-based primer before patching. See wallpaper removal.
What's under my carpet?
Often hardwood, plywood, OSB or concrete; sometimes old vinyl. Check a closet corner. See carpet removal.
When can exterior painting be done in Wisconsin?
Roughly late spring through early fall, when surface and air temperatures meet the paint's label minimum through the night, surfaces are dry and above the dew point, and rain isn't expected. See exterior painting in western Wisconsin.
How much paint or flooring do I need?
Use our project planner to estimate gallons, boxes, adhesive and trim from your room sizes, using the coverage figures on your product labels.
How much will my project cost?
Every project is different, so we don't publish prices. We offer free written estimates; see request a free estimate.
What does the Best Price Guarantee mean?
If you have a lower written quote for the same scope from another contractor, we'll review it under the terms on our guarantees page.
Do you work in Minnesota?
Yes, we serve Stillwater, Woodbury and Oak Park Heights in Washington County, along with our Wisconsin service area. See our service area.