Your Questions, Answered
Everything You Want to Know
We believe an informed client is a happy client. Here are the questions we hear most often — answered with complete honesty and transparency.
Our Process
We'll respond within one business day to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation. Paul will visit your home, walk through the spaces you'd like refreshed, listen to your vision, and assess the scope of the project.
After the visit you'll receive a detailed written estimate — clear, itemized, and with no hidden costs — so you can make a confident, informed decision with no pressure.
Very detailed. Our proposals outline exactly what work will be performed, what materials will be used, how the space will be prepared and protected, and the total cost — broken down clearly by task.
Every project follows the same four-step process:
- Preparation — We set up containment, protect your floors and furnishings, and complete all surface prep including drywall repair, sanding, and priming using our Festool dust-free system.
- Painting — We apply premium paint in the agreed number of coats, working carefully around all trim, fixtures, and detail areas.
- Cleanup — We remove all containment, clean up thoroughly, and leave your home spotless.
- Final Walkthrough — We walk through every room together. We don't consider the job done until you're completely satisfied.
Yes. Paul is personally involved in every project Cliff Painting takes on — from the initial consultation to the final walkthrough. You're not hiring a company that sends an anonymous crew and hopes for the best. You're working directly with Paul, who takes personal pride and ownership in every result.
This is one of the reasons we intentionally limit the number of projects we take on at any one time — so every client gets Paul's full attention and care.
Our Dust-Free System
Traditional painting generates a significant amount of dust during surface preparation — sanding walls, ceilings, and trim kicks up fine particles that settle on furniture, floors, and throughout the home for days after the job is done.
Our dust-free system eliminates this by using professional Festool sanders that attach directly to HEPA vacuum systems — capturing dust at the source the moment it's created. We also run air scrubbers throughout the project to continuously filter and purify the air in your home.
We have a full professional line of dust control equipment including:
- Festool Sanders — Professional-grade sanding tools widely considered the best in the industry, engineered to integrate directly with vacuum systems
- HEPA Vacuum Systems — Industrial-grade vacuums that capture 99.97% of particles including fine sanding dust
- Air Scrubbers — Continuously filter and recirculate the air in your home during the project, removing airborne particles and improving air quality
- Full Containment Equipment — Zip walls, professional barriers, and floor protection to isolate work areas from the rest of your home when needed
Absolutely — the dust-free system benefits every homeowner, not just those with allergies. Beyond air quality, it means:
- Your furniture, flooring, and valuables stay completely protected
- Artwork, electronics, and upholstery won't be coated in fine dust
- You don't spend days cleaning your home after we leave
- For homes with fine finishes, hardwood floors, or custom built-ins, it eliminates the risk of dust scratching or damaging those surfaces
Most of our clients tell us it's the cleanest home project they've ever had done — and that's exactly the standard we aim for.
Pricing & Estimates
Every project is different, so we don't quote prices without seeing your home first. The cost depends on the size of the space, the condition of the walls, the number of colors, the type of finish, and the level of preparation required.
What we can promise is that you'll receive a completely transparent, itemized estimate with no hidden fees or surprise charges. We also believe that the lowest price is rarely the best value — quality preparation, professional equipment, and experienced craftsmanship are what make a paint job last and look exceptional.
Yes, we typically require a deposit to secure your spot on our schedule. The deposit amount and payment structure will be clearly outlined in your written estimate before any work begins. We accept check and major payment methods.
Yes — we stand behind our written estimates. The price we quote is the price you pay, as long as the scope of the project doesn't change. If you decide to add rooms, change finishes, or expand the project after work has begun, we'll provide a written change order with the updated cost before proceeding.
We never present surprise invoices at the end of a job. Transparency and trust are core to how we operate.
We value long-term client relationships deeply and are always happy to discuss pricing for larger or multi-phase projects. Past clients who refer neighbors or return for additional work are treated as priority clients in terms of scheduling. Reach out and let's have a conversation about your project.
Scheduling & Timing
We intentionally limit the number of projects we take on so that every client receives our full attention — which means our schedule does fill up, especially in spring and early summer.
- Spring/Summer (April–August) — Book 4–6 weeks in advance
- Fall (September–November) — Book 2–4 weeks in advance
- Winter (December–March) — Often more immediate availability, especially for interior work
Reaching out early is always the best approach, particularly if you have a specific date or event in mind.
Project timelines vary based on scope and complexity. General guidelines:
- Single room — 1 to 2 days
- Multiple rooms — 2 to 5 days
- Whole-home interior — 1 to 2 weeks
- Cabinet refinishing — 3 to 5 days depending on kitchen size
- Deck staining — 1 to 2 days depending on size and condition
Your written estimate will include a specific timeline for your project so you can plan accordingly.
Absolutely. We understand that having someone in your home is a disruption to your routine, and we work hard to minimize that impact. Our full containment system means we can work in occupied homes with minimal disruption — you don't need to move out or relocate furniture throughout the house.
We're flexible on start times and work schedules, and we'll always communicate clearly about what to expect each day of the project.
Services
Yes — color consultation is included with every interior painting project at no additional charge. Choosing the right color is one of the most important decisions in a painting project, and we're happy to walk through options with you, discuss undertones, lighting considerations, and how colors will work together throughout your home.
If you'd like a standalone color consultation before committing to a project, we offer that as well. Ask us about availability.
We typically supply all materials as part of the project, using premium paint products from trusted professional lines. The materials cost is included in your estimate. We recommend premium products because they cover better, last longer, and produce a more beautiful finished surface than budget alternatives.
If you have a specific paint brand or product you'd like us to use, just let us know and we're happy to work with it.
Yes — and it's one of the best value upgrades you can make to your home. Cabinet refinishing can transform the look of your entire kitchen for a fraction of the cost of replacement. We remove all doors and drawers, prepare and finish them properly off-site, then reinstall everything with care.
The result is a smooth, factory-quality finish that looks like a full renovation. Many of our clients are amazed at the transformation.
Our primary focus is interior painting and specialty refinishing services. We do offer front door and garage door refinishing as well as deck and fence staining for exterior surfaces. Contact us to discuss your specific exterior needs and we'll let you know if it's a great fit for our services.
Absolutely — and we strongly recommend it. Proper surface preparation is what separates a truly professional finish from an average one. We handle all drywall repair including nail holes, cracks, water damage, skim coating, texture matching, and full surface sanding and priming as part of every interior painting project.
Preparing Your Home
Very little — we handle most of the preparation ourselves. A few things that are helpful:
- Remove small personal items, valuables, and breakables from surfaces in the work areas
- Take down artwork and wall décor in rooms being painted
- Provide clear access to the areas being worked on
We take care of all furniture moving, floor protection, wall protection, and containment setup. You do not need to empty your rooms — our containment and dust-free systems are specifically designed for working in occupied, furnished spaces.
No — you don't need to leave. Our full containment system, Festool dust-free equipment, and air scrubbers mean we can work in your home with virtually zero disruption to the rest of your living space. Many of our clients continue their normal routines throughout the project.
The only exception is during initial paint application when good ventilation is important — we'll advise you if there are specific times when keeping windows open or staying out of freshly painted rooms is recommended.
We use premium, low-VOC or zero-VOC paint products that are significantly safer for families with children and pets. Combined with our air scrubbers running throughout the project, the air quality in your home is actively improved during painting rather than compromised.
We'll always communicate clearly about any areas that should be kept clear while paint is wet and drying, and our team is mindful and careful around family members and pets throughout every project.
Credentials & Insurance
Yes — Cliff Painting LLC is a certified EPA Lead-Safe Firm. This certification is required by federal law for contractors working in homes built before 1978, and it means we follow strict safety protocols to protect your family from lead paint exposure during renovation and painting work.
If your home was built before 1978, you should always verify that any contractor you hire holds this certification before allowing them to begin work. It's not optional — it's the law, and it's your family's protection.
Yes. Cliff Painting LLC carries full general liability insurance protecting your home and property throughout every project. Proof of insurance is available upon request and will be provided before any work begins.
Never hire a painting contractor who cannot provide current proof of insurance — if anything goes wrong in your home, you could be held financially responsible. Always ask before signing any agreement.
We serve homeowners throughout the Greater Rochester area and Monroe County including:
- Pittsford, Brighton, Penfield, Victor, Webster
- Fairport, Greece, Hilton, Parma, Brockport
- Spencerport, Hamlin, North Greece
- Rochester City and surrounding communities
If you're not sure whether we cover your area, just give us a call at 585.704.9028 — we're always happy to discuss your project.
We stand behind our work completely. Every project ends with a final walkthrough where we review every detail together — and we don't consider the job finished until you're completely happy with the result.
If something isn't right, we make it right. No arguments, no excuses, no extra charge. Our reputation in this community means everything to us, and we'd rather spend extra time making sure the job is perfect than leave a client unsatisfied.
Still Have a Question?
We're happy to answer anything not covered here. Give Paul a call, send an email, or fill out the contact form and we'll get back to you within one business day.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule your complimentary in-home consultation today. No pressure, no obligation — just honest answers and a detailed written estimate.
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