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The 4P’s of Superior House Painting — San Francisco Bay Area

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Painting is as much about the process a painter uses as the painter themselves! At Arana Craftsman Painters, we leave little to chance because we follow a tried-and-true set of steps. These crucial steps are our “secret sauce” so to speak and it has allowed us to consistently build a reputation of reliability, exceptional quality and professionalism over the last 20 years.

These are our “4P’s” of a successful project and the key to why people love working with Arana Craftsman Painters!

The steps to exceptional interior and exterior house painting include:

Planning

Pre-Job Walkthrough: Our Production Manager and Estimator will meet with you prior to the scheduled project start date to confirm the start date, scope, sequencing, and colors. Essentially, all expectations are reconfirmed to assure a smooth handoff between our Estimator and our Production Department. Proper communication is the key to exceptional quality and to you having a great painting experience. At this point, when we arrive at your project, our Crew Leader and Crew have a solid plan as to what processes will take place first, and in what areas.

Color Consultation: Arana Craftsman Painters works with top San Francisco Bay Area Color Consultants and on projects needing a consultation, the Consultation is included in our bid. Having colors chosen ahead of time will make your life so much easier. We’ll even put up swatches so you can see the colors in real life and make a final decision.

Staging: We set up a neat and organized area for our equipment, tools, and products, a home base, where we can safely and efficiently manage your project. yelp nextdoor houzz logo group PNG
Staffing: In addition to a dedicated Production Manager, every project has a dedicated Crew Leader who works closely with you, our Production Manager, and our office, to assure timely resolution to any challenges that arise, as well as quality control, and sequencing, assuring you have an amazing painting experience!

Protection

Pond Isle Before and During HDR-162530-1
Arana invests heavily in all the correct tools and materials and use quality plastic, drop cloths, paper, and tape to protect the surfaces of your home and environment that are not scheduled to be painted.

Preparation

Paint will not adhere properly without expert preparation of surfaces. Proper preparation is the cornerstone of exceptional quality.

Lead Safe Certified Firm

EPA Lead-Safe Firm
We sand, scrape, and prime as appropriate to ensure proper adhesion. We contain particulate and dust exposure per Environmental Protection Agency safety standards and Arana Craftsman Painters is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Contractor. For the safety of everyone involved, painting contractors MUST be EPA Lead-Safe Certified!

After primer is applied, we patch, caulk and fill for aesthetic and in some cases sealing purposes or to prevent water incursion.

Painting!

Five Year Warranty
After protecting your home and environment (family, pets, surrounding surfaces, furnishings, valuables, all areas not scheduled for paint); scraping and sanding to remove old layers of paint to help ensure the integrity of your new paint at a standard that meets our 5 Year Warranty; thorough cleaning of the surfaces scheduled for work to remove any contaminants; priming, caulking, and patching; then, we paint!

This article is Part 1 of our 3-Part series on hiring a painting contractor, highlighting what makes Arana stand out among our competitors.

It is because of this detailed and thorough standard of care that Arana continues to be an award-winning top choice of discerning homeowners, interior designers, and general contractors. Contact us to learn more about our process and have an estimator visit your home!

Have a Painting Project You’d Like Us to Look at for You —
or Questions!?

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How to Combine Textures and Colors for a Space You’ll Love!

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Creating a unique home aesthetic that speaks to you and looks beautiful to the world isn’t just about throwing together a bunch of colors and textures and hoping for the best. Interior Design is an art form (and if you have the resources, we recommend working with an interior designer). Interior Design is part art form, part science (measuring, able to envision how a palette will come together), and good taste all rolled into one. Today, we are diving deep into the world of texture and color to give you some guidance on how to mixing textures and colors in a way that adds depth, interest, and personality to your space. So, grab your color wheels and fabric samples, and let’s get started on this exciting journey to transform your home into a masterpiece of design.

Color and Color Theory
The first place to start is with color and color theory. Color theory is not just for fine artists, it is a crucial tool in your toolkit. The right color combinations can evoke mood, drama and comfort (or discomfort if you choose the wrong thing!). Color can create the illusion of space, and tie disparate elements of your room together for a more cohesive look. If you understand how to layer, you can make a masterpiece of new and old furniture pieces and then paint the room a color that ties it all in.

Warm vs. Cool Tones
Warm tones, think reds, oranges, and yellows, are like the life of the party in your home, bringing energy and coziness. Cool tones, on the other hand, like blues, greens, and purples, are the zen masters, offering calm and serenity. Balancing these tones is key to a harmonious space. Figuring out what you gravitate more toward is key. Pinterest and design magazines are a good place to start.

The Color Wheel Is Your Friend
The color wheel isn’t just a pretty circle; it’s a roadmap to successful color combinations. Complementary colors (opposite each other on the wheel) offer vibrant contrasts, while analogous colors (next to each other) provide a more harmonious feel.

Texture: The Secret Ingredient
Texture is the secret ingredient that can elevate your home from “meh” to “wow.” It’s all about how things feel, adding depth and interest to what might otherwise be a flat and lifeless space. Texture comes in the form of pattern, material (wood, metal, stone). You can use limewash paints, faux, accent walls or accent pieces of furniture to provide visual texture.

Mix and Match with Purpose
Combine rough with smooth, matte with shiny, and hard with soft. Think a plush velvet sofa against a rough brick wall, or a sleek marble countertop paired with a textured wood cabinet. These contrasts create a sensory experience that brings your interior to life.

Layering Textures for Depth
Layering is not just for fashion; it’s a texture game-changer in interior design. Rugs on rugs, throws on sofas, and multiple pillow textures invite the eye to explore and the body to relax, adding coziness and depth to any room.

Strategic Color and Texture Combinations
Here’s where the magic happens. Combining colors and textures strategically can transform your space into a dynamic and inviting home.

Neutral Foundations with Colorful Accents
Start with a neutral palette for walls and large furniture pieces. Think whites, beiges, and greys. These shades provide a canvas for you to layer colors and textures through accents like pillows, artwork, and decorative items.

Bold Color, Subtle Textures; Subtle Color, Bold Textures
If you go bold with color, keep your textures subtle to avoid sensory overload. Conversely, if your color palette is understated, amp up the texture for visual interest. It’s all about balance although we have seen plenty of designers layer in ways we never thought possible!

Natural Materials for an Earthy Vibe
Incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and metals can add both texture and color that resonate with an earthy, organic vibe. These elements bring a sense of the outdoors inside, creating a grounding and calming environment. They are excellent accents that ground a space and provide a transition for color and texture.

Personalizing Your Space
What colors bring your comfort and happiness? The ultimate goal in combining textures and colors is to create a space that reflects you and what makes you feel happy when you come home. Your home should tell your story, showcasing your personality, interests, and the things you love. And some people love minimalism and a non-consumptive lifestyle. Show that off too!

Artwork as a Color and Texture Catalyst
Use artwork to introduce new colors and textures or to tie together the elements in a room. A great wall color can bring out one color in a piece of artwork and make it pop. Art can be the inspiration for your entire space, guiding your choices in furniture, textiles, and decorative pieces. Check out local art dealer Slate Contemporary Gallery in Oakland https://slatecontemporary.com/ for a great source of local artists works.

Memories and Moments in Decor
Incorporate items that have personal meaning, like souvenirs from travels or family heirlooms. These pieces add unique textures and colors that are exclusive to your life and story. Frame theatre tickets from the days you lived in New York. Layout family pictures on both walls in a hallway to give it dimension and to memorialize your most treasured moments.

Experiment and Evolve
Your taste and style will evolve, and so should your space. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new color and texture combinations. The beauty of interior design is in its flexibility and the endless possibilities for personal expression.

Creating Harmony in Diversity
Combining textures and colors in your home interior is an exciting adventure in creativity and personal expression. By understanding the basics of color theory, appreciating the depth that texture brings, and strategically mixing these elements, you can create a space that is uniquely yours. Remember, the key to a stunning interior is not just in the bold moves but in the subtle touches that add depth and character to your home. Embrace the diversity of textures and the spectrum of colors to create a living space that is harmonious, inviting, and unmistakably you.

Oakland Painters
Arana Craftsman Painters
819 San Leandro Blvd
San Leandro, CA 94577
510-567-9559

9 Arana Hillside Piedmont + LMB Interiors--6

What to Expect at Your Painting Estimate – San Francisco Bay Area

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There’s a level of trust placed in any home service provider as they work in and around your home. Building this trust starts from the moment you contact Arana Craftsman Painters to come to your home or business and provide you with an Estimate.

This article helps you understand what to expect at an Arana Craftsman Painters Estimating Consultation.
This is Part 3 in our series sharing the Arana Craftsman Painters’ philosophy which we fondly call The Craftsman Way.

At Arana Craftsman Painters, we leave little to chance because we follow a tried-and-true set of steps. The philosophy behind the crucial process steps we take on every project is our “secret sauce” so to speak and it has allowed us to consistently build a reputation of reliability, exceptional quality and professionalism over the last 20 years.

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The steps to exceptional painting include:

  • A thorough and professional Estimating Consultation, more on that below!
  • The “3C’s” of Consistency, Clean Up, and Communication
  • Protecting your home and environment (family, pets, surrounding surfaces, furnishings, valuables, all areas not scheduled for paint)
  • Scraping/sanding to remove old layers of paint that will negatively impact the integrity of your new paint at a standard that meets our 5 Year Warranty
  • Thorough cleaning of the surfaces scheduled for work to remove any contaminants
  • Priming, Caulking and Patching
  • Exceptional Painting

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Overview
Please allow about an hour to an hour and a half for our appointment. Before our Estimator starts, they’ll give a brief overview as to what will happen while we are on the property and address any concerns you may have regarding our process, scheduling needs, budget, and special considerations.

Project Audit
An audit will be conducted to determine the present condition of your home, and we’ll take measurements and photos. We’ll will note surface conditions and use this information to create a ‘written recommendations’ document for you to review. We’ll can also provide alternatives and suggestions to achieve the outcome you are looking for.

Presentation of Recommendations
When you receive our proposal, it will thoroughly explain the scope of work required to achieve your desired outcome. We typically check in within a day of sending, and can answer any additional questions you may have.

Determine Next Steps
After reviewing our proposal and signing the contract, we will schedule a job walk with our production manager and put your project into the production calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Have You Been In Business?
“Arana Craftsman Painters has been proudly serving the San Francisco Bay area for 20 years because not only do our past customers continue to come back but also refer us to their friends and neighbors.”

How Do You Hire and Evaluate Your Painters?
“We are very selective in hiring our painters and administer a criminal background check for every painter. Most of our painters, especially our crew leaders, have been with us for years. We trust them in the homes of our own friends and relatives.”

What Process Do You Use to Prepare Surfaces to Make Sure the Paints Adheres Properly?
Arana is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Contractor. Following EPA Lead-Safe Certified procedures we completely remove all failed loose and flaking material from surfaces and substrates to a standard that will meet our 5 Year Warranty.

Lead Safe Certified Firm

EPA Lead-Safe Firm

Often, this is done by manually scraping followed by pressure washing. It’s standard for surfaces to be abraded, thoroughly sanded, profiled, and primed to guarantee adhesion. That’s why we take our time where it counts – especially in the preparation.

For the safety of everyone involved, are all the painting contractors you have bidding on your project EPA Lead-Safe Certified?

“YES! For more information on our process see: The 3C’s of a Superior House Painting Process – San Francisco”

What Type of Guarantee do You Offer?
“We offer a 5 year warranty on all projects, the strongest guarantee in the Bay Area! So, if you notice an issue – small or large – please call our office. We strive to create “customers for life” and do annual warranty check ins. The bottom line is that you can call us any time after your project has been completed!”

What Type of Paint Do You Recommend?
“We use only the premium lines with Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore because we have a strong relationship with both brands and they produce superior products. This means if there is ever a manufacturing defect, we know that these companies will stand behind our work – and your project. However, we do make exceptions when there are superior products in specific situations or if our customers have a strong product preference.”

Are you Licensed, Bonded & Insured?
“Absolutely! We make certain we protect our customers by carrying the appropriate insurance coverage for general liability and workers compensation. Additionally, we are licensed by all local authorities and continually seek out industry recognized certifications and designations to add to our customer’s peace of mind.”

Prep and Color Consult
Can You Provide References?
“Yes! References right in your neighborhood are included with all proposals! Feel free to ask for more!”

When Will I Receive My Proposal?
“We will send it no later than 5 business days after our meeting.”

When Do You Take Payment?”
We only take payment per a payment schedule upon work completed. The schedule is detailed in our Proposal/ Contract. We ask for a deposit of 10% or no greater than $1000 to hold your spot on our calendar.”

Have a Painting Project You’d Like Us to Look at For You
or Questions!?

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Shelter in Place with Accessory Dwelling Units

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Now that “Sheltering in Place” has become the “new normal,” many of us are looking to our homes to support us more than ever before. Maintenance projects that we might have been putting off are suddenly in our faces 24/7 and getting long-needed attention. And with this new and constant attention to home, we recognize that we need our spaces to be multi-functioning, as everything from work, to school, to socializing is now being done on video-chat.

While video in some ways feels more distanced than the in-person world of before, it is also more intimate. We are peering into each other’s homes through these tiny boxes on our screens!

Speaking of tiny… another concept that has become even more popular in recent years is the multi-purpose and modular-functioning tiny home — as well as the idea of creatively carving out space in your existing full-sized home, whether within the structure, going underneath, adding onto, or installing an entirely new structure; whether built from scratch or pre-fabricated and placed in your yard.

All of these can be classified as an ADU. ADU stands for “Accessory Dwelling Unit.” Sometimes quaintly or antiquated-ly referred to as the “in-Law” or even “Mother-In-Law” unit. In legal terms, an ADU is a space that has its own entrance, a bedroom, its own bathroom, storage of some kind, and a kitchen.

While ADUs might have once been the place that gave you breathing room from your Mother-In-Law when she came to stay for extended periods (not for us, we love our MILs!), today the ADU serves many functions, from an income-generator via Airbnb, to a home-office or home-schoolroom, to a way to re-welcome-home adult children who previously left the nest, or shelter other relatives long-term, creating an accommodating extended family compound in uncertain (and even in better!) times.

There are two categories and four typical formats of an ADUs: Detached — either Constructed or Pre-built; or Attached — usually a garage conversion or underground excavation.

A general ballpark-estimate for a 200-square-foot interior ADU is about $150,000 and a 650-square-foot backyard-detached cottage may run you as much as $350,000. Prices will vary depending on size, as well as any unforeseen construction issues that come up, plus how fancy you want to go with materials, appliances, decoration, furnishings, etc.

In the Bay Area, some see the rise in ADUs as a solution to rising new-housing needs. And legislation has followed suit in recent years. We’ve experienced a welcome decrease in the regulations that were previously deal-breakers, or at least headache-makers, including reducing or eliminating parking requirements, and shortening distance from curb measurements for permitting, as cities like Oakland and Berkeley are searching for lower-impact ways to create more housing.

In comparison with countries across the world, it seems that the United States has started to catch on to the benefits of multi-generational family housing, seeing ADUs as a pathway to keeping families together; although economic factors are also a noted influence and now, the pandemic.

Currently, California holds the #2 spot in the U.S. for the highest percentage of multi-generational family homes.

More and more in the Bay Area, we are seeing scenarios like this one: a large backyard cottage might house an adult child in their 20s with the parents living in the front house, and as this next generation marries and starts to have kids, the new growing family and aging parents swap places, with parents moving to the backyard abode and aging-in-place.

Of course, the key to having an ADU install be a positive experience is hiring an experienced and knowledgeable team. We have worked with HDR Remodeling and other general contractors and architects whom we refer to and are referred by who can steer you through the process with, hopefully, as little grief and as much information to reasonably calibrate expectations of cost and duration, as possible.

Exterior house painting in oakland

Tips For Hiring An Exterior House Painting Expert

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You may be looking at your home and thinking about just how dull your once vibrant exterior has become. Don’t beat yourself up over it, it is actually a very common occurrence amongst homeowners. Years and even decades pass with very little, if any thought given to a home’s exterior paint.

You might also be staring at your home’s exterior, wondering what can be done to restore it. Of course there’s the do-it-yourself approach though this tends to be both expensive and produce results that range from lackluster to mediocre. Going it alone or even with help from friends and family is also incredibly time consuming and more so when you lack experience. The best option in this scenario is to hire a professional house painter. Before you balk at the cost of doing so consider all the time and money you’ll spend trying to do the job yourself. Once you have decided to hire one you’ll have a process in front of you and you’ll want to take great care in selecting the right painter.

Do Your Homework First
Long before you actually hire a painter to address the exterior needs of your home you will want to spend some time in front a computer researching candidates. It behooves you to look at reviews both on a painters website and those found on independent sites. This will begin to give you an idea of what a painters reputation is and what type of work they produce. In addition to reputation, you should consider speaking with others online who have used a specific painters service.

Interviewing Candidate Painters
Once you have a good idea of how a particular painter operates you can begin contacting prospective firms. Initiating contact via email works while speaking with them over the telephone is even better. Of course nothing beats meeting such persons/firms in person for some face time. No matter the manner of meeting, have your queries and project details ready. The more information you can give a painter the more they will be able to give back. Be sure to discuss budget and be open about ideas and desires you have. Lastly, at some point during your discussions you should ask for licensing and bonding information. Firms that operate without the aforementioned should be immediately disqualified.

Project Details
While scouting painters it is incredibly important to discuss the scope of your project as well as the reason for wanting to paint the exterior of your home. Moreover, find out who is responsible for clean up once the project is finished as not all painters address that themselves. Offer up your own ideas with regards to colors, patters, and placement. The greater the exchange of information, the better your home will look in the end and the more satisfied you will be.

Discussing Budget
While having your home painted can be an exciting venture, don’t let your imagination be bigger than your budget. By being open about what you have to spend a professional painter can formulate a plan that works. Alternatives to more expensive options are always present but usually aren’t the first ones explored by pros. Save time and hassle by being open and honest about what you can dedicate to your project.

Ask For References
Again…more homework. When speaking with a prospective painter do not hesitate to ask for references. Any professional worth their salt will not only be able to provide you with several but will be happy to do so as well. Any painter that beats around the bush or produces questionable references should be crossed of your list. When you do contact these references have a list of questions ready for them. Ask about cost, customer service, quality of work, speed of work, and ask about any problems they might have encountered etc.

Look For A Guarantee
Not all painters offer guarantees but those that do have confidence in the work they produce. Such painters should sit atop your short list of candidate hires. When speaking with firms or individuals dig deep for the details of their guarantees. Keep an eye out for those that include annual inspections and a “no cost” repair policy. These protect your investment and ensure that you get a painter that places an emphasis on quality and satisfaction.

For A Free Quote On Exterior House Painting in Oakland and Surrounding Areas Call 510-567-9559

kitchen painting in Oakland

The Best Colors For Your Kitchen

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Next to your living room, your home’s kitchen gets the most use. It’s also an area visitors tend to visit frequently and immediately upon entering your home. Being such an important part of your home, your kitchen should not only be spacious and well organized but should look great too. Part of making and keeping a kitchen looking good is its paint. Over time, a kitchen’s paint can dull and become stained by smoke. It can also hold onto the hundreds of different smells that have originated from your stove, oven, fridge, and even food and drink left out on the counter.

In order to remedy all of the aforementioned new paint is needed. Some homeowners elect to have their kitchens painted as part of a larger redesign project while others use only paint in order to revitalize their kitchens. No matter why a homeowner chooses to repaint their kitchen, they face a number of different options and hard choices. Everything from choosing the right shade, pattern, and brand will determine just how happy a homeowner is at the conclusion of their project.

Help From Professionals
Making choices that carry the biggest benefits to a kitchen is no easy task and the sheer number of wildly different options can be confusing and maddening. When a homeowner hires a professional painting firm however a talented staff of artisans will take what a homeowner has envisioned and bring it to life. When first consulting with a professional, a homeowner will be presented with color charts, color placement counseling, and will work with test samples so that they can see their choices come to life. Moreover, professional painters will listen to and seriously consider the needs and demands of a homeowner when devising a plan of action.

Colors Galore
There is virtually no color of paint that can not be created. While this may initially sound wonderful, having too many choices often breeds indecision and regret. While a homeowner can most certainly use any color they like when repainting their kitchen, many colors simply don’t work or fit in a kitchen environment. Conversely, there are a number of colors that work exceedingly well in kitchens; making them not only stand out but fit in as part of a home.

Harbor Gray Ac-25 – A great deal of homeowners love using white or some type of off-white in their kitchen. While this is certainly understandable, white shows everything as it becomes dirty and stained. To avoid the discoloring of white paint in a kitchen, this paint is often presented by professional painters to homeowners whom want to go as white as possible. This gray is considered a neutral that pairs tremendously with brass, marble, and many other colors.

Galápagos Green 475 – This green is a deliciously deep and rich shade of green. Kitchens with a large number of pantries and cupboards look fantastic with this green surrounding them. The savory look of this green can create a dramatic look in a kitchen and will look fantastic for long periods of time.

Moore Ice Blue 2052-70 – Ice blue paint makes a kitchen look and feel as crisp as a pre-sunrise September morning. The pale blue of this shade exudes warmth and freshness while it creates a soothing kitchen atmosphere. Those homeowners whom love a white kitchen but want a bit of added color will find that Moore Ice Blue satiates quite nicely.

Farrow & Ball Pegnoir No. 286 – Homeowners looking to add a bit of fun to their kitchen will adore this color. Its delicate lavender and slight gray mix makes kitchens look modern and warm. This color can be used on ceilings and matches well with cupboards and pantries no matter their finish.

Farrow & Ball All White No. 2005 – This shade of white is perfect for homeowners whom want to go all white but don’t want a glaring white that comes off as too bright. Professional painters can use this shade of slightly muted white to create both modern and retro kitchen vibes. This white is a wonderful companion to marble counter tops too.

Benjamin Moore Raccoon Fur 2126-20 – Kitchens with elevated ceilings and plentiful wood will benefit greatly from this color. This color doesn’t scratch or bite as its name might suggest but it will bring kitchens to life with its rustic, homey outdoorsy, and slightly chalky look.

Farrow & Ball Mizzle No. 266 – This dusty grey green color is extremely versatile and can be used to create a multitude of different atmospheres within a kitchen. Being a “flexible” color means it sits well with different types of wood finishes and counter tops. Homeowners that desire a timeless look can use this color all throughout their kitchen to satisfy that need.

Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter Hc-172 – Homeowners that have kitchens full of brass and marble will find this shade of pewter to be exactly what their kitchen needs to be reinvigorated. Being a popular alternative to plain white paint, this pewter is a muted albeit bright color that manages to make kitchens feel fresh.

Benjamin Moore Lucerne Af-530 – When white paint or some variant of it isn’t enough for a homeowner, they’ll want something with much more color. Blue is always a comforting color and one that can really bring a kitchen to life. It is also a stark and joyfully jarring change to kitchens that where previously white. This blue pairs exceptionally well with black and brass accents as well.

Farrow & Ball Breakfast Room Green No. 81 – In order to liven up and make a kitchen vivacious, homeowners will want to add some real color to the walls of their galley. This particular shade of green is colorful enough to add vibrancy to any kitchen without being so overwhelming that it detracts from counter tops, cupboards, and the like. Additionally, this green works in tandem with various browns to create something truly special.

Endless Colors And Choices
The aforementioned are but a few of the choices homeowners have when they set out to redecorate, repaint, and/or re-imagine their kitchens. Depending on the kitchen, a homeowner’s personal likes/dislikes, the needs of their home, their budgets, and a whole host of other variables, professional painters might recommend reds, browns, purples, pinks, and other colors that aren’t traditionally associated with kitchens. Professionals can also create custom colors for homeowners allowing them to concoct a customer’s favorite color or something that they can only see in their mind but can’t verbally describe. The choices are virtually endless when it comes to repainting a kitchen so it behooves homeowners to take their time and work closely with the professionals they have hired in order to create the perfect color for their kitchen.

Arana Craftsman Philosophy

Loving care of your home is your first and most economical line of defense for your family’s biggest investment.

Our mission is to serve homeowners by preserving the structure that provides warmth and sustenance for their families.

We believe that Bay Area families deserve the finest work at a fair price. We work with you to protect and extend the life of your home. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

The difference is clear when choosing Arana as your professional house painting experts in Oakland.

Oakland bathroom painting experts

What You Need To Know When Hiring An Interior Painter

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There are a great many things to consider once you’ve decided to repaint the interior of your home. All of these considerations and ultimately, you choices, will factor into the “final product” so to speak. Because painting a home is considered an investment and meant to breathe new life into your home, you’ll want to make the most informed and sound choices possible.

The first and perhaps most important consideration you will face when moving forward with an interior paint job is the hiring of professional painter. There are normally many professionals operating in a given location and the internet makes it easier than ever to find and contact these firms. It has often been stated that too few choices isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially when you’re facing too many. While the validity and weight of that statement may be up for debate, there is no arguing that having so many professional painters vying for your business can make it difficult to determine which ones are best. The following tips come directly from professionals in the painting industry and will help you navigate the seemingly endless sea of experts. They will also help the process move along smoothly and complete in a timely fashion.

Checking For Lead – Homes built before 1978 often contain lead paint, or at least traces of it. While a home that old will likely have been repainted at least a few times, it’s a good bet that some of its original lead based remains. In such scenarios, you will need to hire a professional interior painter that knows how to deal with lead paint. Lead paints are extremely hazardous so this step of the process (if applicable) should never be overlooked.

Preparing For New Paint – The repainting of your home’s interior is likely part of a greater renovation project. As such you will want all repairs, upgrades, and cleaning projects completed before the professional you’ve hired arrives. Ensuring the completion of other projects and that the areas to be repainted are clean allows professional painters to do their best work. Be extra vigilant in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens as grease and soap deposits are problematic for new paint.

Reviews And Interviews – In order to ascertain which professional painters are reputable and to weed out those that are less than such, it behooves you to spend some time doing a bit of homework in the early going. Using the internet, read reviews, be thorough when visiting a painters website, and whenever possible…try speaking with others who have worked with a painter or painting firm that strikes your fancy. Word of mouth is often the best type of review as it comes from actual real world experience and isn’t born of an online damage control campaign.

When you do finally contact a professional painter, have a list of questions and concerns at your side. Begin by asking for a company’s licensing and insurance information. Include questions pertaining to the types/brands of paints they use, how big a team they utilize, how long the job might take, and even if they are adept at working with other interior design contractors. The more questions and concerns addressed at this time, the better your experience and results will be.

Additional Costs – There are many instances where a professional painter will be forced to include surcharges in their final bill. If you have heavy furniture that you are unable to move for example, the painters you hire may do it for you albeit at an additional cost. When speaking with a painter be sure to ask about additional fees and where they may be applicable so that there are no surprises down the line. Even better, look for painters that include these charges in their quote.

Picking Colors – Choosing a color that satisfies you and does right by your home isn’t always an easy task. More often than not the sheer amount of colors available lead to confusion and frustration when you go it alone. This is why nearly all professional painters will work closely with you in the early stages of a project. Both you and the painter you’ve hired will sit down and not only bounce around ideas but will look at color charts, discuss placement options, and then apply test samples of your choices so that you can see what they look like in real life. Make certain that the painter you are thinking of working with will repeat this process until you are satisfied and at no additional cost.

Doing It Right The First Time
As is the case with everything related to home improvement projects, doing it right the first time is always the most sound way to move towards a conclusion. Hiring a less than reputable painter simply to save a few nickels and dimes rarely ends well and can double and triple costs when you are forced to hire a second team to fix the problems such individuals create. When hiring a professional painter to refresh the interior of your home don’t be hasty, don’t become parsimonious, and don’t settle for anything but the best.

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Arana’s Participation in 4 Years of CSL Tours + 1 More To Come

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For 31 years now, the Children’s Support League has raised money for East Bay agencies that serve children in need, by spearheading the annual Heart of the Home tour in Piedmont and the Oakland Hills.

In that time, the organization has raised over 4 million dollars, distributed via grants to over 100 local service organizations.

Under the motto of “Have fun and do good!,” CSL tours have been a way for homeowners to share the beauty of their spaces with crowds of appreciators, all for a great cause. The event features a curated tour and a catered lunch.

What it takes to make this all happen includes the pro-bono contributions of contractors and interior designers, as homeowners spruce up in order to participate in the big event.

This is often a great opportunity for us in the design-build trades to show off what we do while giving back to our community by donating our services to support the fundraiser. In this post are photos from CSL Tours ARANA has participated in, in four previous years.

This year, ARANA is again involved. We are staining and finishing wood for the backyard of one of the featured homes — with Buestad Construction. See our Instagram for images of beautiful fence boards!

For more information about the 2020 Heart of the Home tour, visit www.wehelpkids.org.

by Catherine Baldi and Julie Feinstein Adams

kitchen painting services

How Much Does It Cost To Repaint Your Home

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The repainting of a home can do a number of positive things for both a home and its owner. A fresh coat of exterior and/or interior paint can brighten up a home whose atmosphere has become dour and dull over the years as paint fades and becomes stained. Redesigning a home after years or decades of occupation can make an older home feel fresh and new again. A fresh coat of paint also restores the vibrancy and color of a home and can dramatically increase its curb appeal. Homeowners looking to sell their homes will find the latter to be extremely valuable. Lastly, a fresh coat of paint can help a new homeowner make a previously owned home their own.

Although many homeowners desire and even consider new paint for their homes, a great number of them balk simply because they believe such a project to be far too expensive. In reality however, professional painting services for a home aren’t as expensive as some believe.

Interior House Painting Costs

Painting the interior of a home is a complex process and is often part of an interior design overhaul. Homeowners that opt for new interior paint will want to select a professional Oakland painting service that is not only reputable but is adept at working with multiple contractors throughout the duration of a redesign project.

As far as cost is concerned, a homeowner can expect to pay anywhere from $8 – $12 per square foot. Of course variables such as architecture and the current condition of a home may affect the cost of new interior paint but as a general rule homeowners won’t pay much more or less for this type of work. In order to determine exactly how much they will need to pay for new interior paint, a homeowner will need to speak and meet with a professional painter. During this meeting and conversation a painter will visit the home in question, make assessments and measurements, and then provide the homeowner with a quote.

Exterior House Painting Costs

Exterior house painting is a much more nuanced process and will address the needs of many different surfaces. There is also the issue of multi-storied homes which will ultimately cost homeowners more to have painted. Homeowners should expect to pay $8 – $12 per square foot for various types of wood siding. Moreover and generally speaking, homeowners should be prepared to pay $5 – $10 per square foot for painting on stucco walls. Of course the condition of the stucco walls prior to painting can raise the cost of the project as can the number of stories a painter must cover.

Working With Arana Craftsman Painters

When a homeowners chooses to work with Arana they will receive not only a rejuvenated home but our artistic mindset and approach to painting will produce unique designs, colors, patterns, and an end result that makes a home the neighborhood standout. The Arana team’s artisinal and meticulous approach to house painting gives homeowners a home that they can once again take pride in, be excited about, sell, make their own, and once more be happy/comfortable in.

The Arana Guarantee

Arana Craftsman Painters has confidence in and stands behind all of its work. This credence is demonstrated through our comprehensive guarantee. Customers of Arana will see our team return to their home once a year for five years in order to inspect their work. Should they find that the integrity of their work has been compromised by bubbling, peeling, cracking, or flaking they will return immediately and fix the issue. Additionally, all this comes at no additional cost to our valued customers.

to shine or not to shine

To Shine or Not to Shine: Picking Paint Sheens

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So you’re sure that you want that semi gloss luster on the plaster walls of your 1900’s Victorian? What about that flat you want to put on your living room walls where your children play and spend most of their time?

We’d recommend a definitive “no” to both of these questions.

The semi gloss will potentially work on uniform surface, but most likely your textured plaster walls will have imperfections and nuances that will literally shine, light reflecting off the uneven surface, and drawing attention to every detail of the surface.

And while flat in the living room will hide those imperfections because there won’t be any light reflecting off the surface, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll be lamenting the flat finish every time you have to attempt to wipe anything messy off the wall such as smudges and little fingerprints.

Picking the right sheen for your wall is nowhere near as challenging as trying to pick out your actual colors, but the sheen could make or break the wall.

Just ask yourself a few questions…

1) What is the overall function of the room? Is it a high traffic area or lightly used room? A central place where everyone meets? How much moisture gets into the air?

2) How often will the walls need to be washed? A bathroom, kitchen, or utility room will need a careful washing from time to time.

3) Are the walls in a condition where you’re not worrying about imperfections “shining” through?

Take these ideas into consideration as you contemplate each room:

1) Flats work superbly for diminishing surface imperfections and textures, but don’t hold up well to repeated washing and have a tendency to burnish, especially darker colors.

2) Semi-gloss and gloss are phenomenal as far as being easy to clean, but because the way light reflects off of the painted surface every texture and imperfection will be highlighted.

There is a happy medium though. One needn’t go to extremes in picking out sheens:

Eggshell sheen will help to hide imperfections because there is not a lot of light refraction coming off the surface while still allowing for some washability.

A satin sheen offers slightly more shine and luster than an eggshell finish and thus provides superior washability.

There are excellent design options available if a low sheen look is desired. For example, there are matte finishes available that will help hide the imperfections, dings and dents accumulated over the lifetime of surfaces in older homes.

Keep these helpful suggestions in mind when choosing color and sheen for a project:

Flat – Helps diminish visibility of imperfections. Since it’s less washable, it’s best for use in areas where traffic is on the light side. Excellent for most ceiling surfaces (with the exception of kitchens and baths).

Eggshell – Has some wash-ability while hiding imperfections. Works well in an office/library, as well as bedrooms or medium traffic where the need to wipe down the surface on a regular basis doesn’t come up as often.

Satin – The noticeable sheen creates a nice washable surface. Compared with flat or an eggshell textures and imperfections will be more apparent than. Superior for higher traffic areas like an entryway or stairwell, and is an excellent finish for children’s rooms. Works nicely on trim/door surfaces.

Semigloss – Higher shine makes for a very washable surface. The higher sheen also means more light bouncing off of the surface. This is the type of finish you would find effective in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. These surfaces will wash up very nicely and be quite durable. Semigloss is regularly used on trim/door surfaces

Gloss – Gloss is bold design choice. Sometimes used on trim/doors that have been perfectly prepared, there are those situations where it works well on walls needing regular washing.

It comes down to choosing what works best for any given room from a design and durability standpoint. There’s often a happy medium between functionality and aesthetics. Design trends today are leaning towards elegant subtlety with functionality that is sustainable.

Whatever painting project and finish needs you may have, surface preparation needs to be of the highest priority. It’s critical to hire a painting contractor whose an expert and conscientious in completing these steps with attention to detail. For over 10 years, Arana Craftsman Painters has maintained a top-quality reputation in the San Francisco and East Bay areas, supplying premium care to high-end homes. Contact us to schedule a free consultation or to ask any questions you might have about a project you’re planning.