The Importance of Finish Carpentry Services for Homeowners

by Finest Finish | Jan 24, 2022 | blog

Many homeowners don’t think about the importance of finishing carpentry until it’s too late. Finish carpenters provide a range of services that are crucial to your home’s overall look and feel.

From millwork to painting, these professionals can help you achieve the perfect look for your property. 

This blog post will discuss the importance of finishing carpentry and why homeowners should hire finish carpenters for renovation and home maintenance projects.

What is Finish Carpentry?

Finish carpentry is the term used for the final stage of construction. This includes tasks such as millwork, trim installation, and painting. Unlike rough carpentry, which focuses on structural elements, finish carpentry is all about aesthetics.

Examples of a finishing carpenters capabilities include:

• Design and install crown moulding in a dining room update project.
• Install beadboard in a new nursery. 
• Remove and replace window trim compromised by water damage.

The goal of a finishing carpenter is to create a smooth and polished look that will impress guests and leave homeowners with a renewed sense of pride in their home.

Is finish carpentry different from rough carpentry?

Yes. Finish carpentry is different from rough carpentry in a few key ways.

First, finish carpenters focus on aesthetics, while rough carpenters focus on functionality. For example, a rough carpenter is the professional needed to build the significant parts of a wood structure. This would include framing and scaffolding, or anything that requires the use of raw lumber. Often, rough carpenters act as general contractors or project managers.

Second, finish carpenters work with finished materials, such as trim and moulding. They typically are one of the last workers you’ll see in a renovation or new construction project as they are responsible for putting the final touches and polish on a home.

Why Hire a Finish Carpenter?

There are a few reasons why homeowners should hire a finish carpenter for their next renovation project:

• Finish carpentry can add value to your home.
• Finish carpentry will give your home a polished and professional look.
• Finish carpenters have the skills and experience necessary to achieve the perfect look for your property.

Finish carpentry is a crucial part of the renovation process, and it’s essential to choose a professional who can deliver quality results.

What Services Does a Finishing Carpenter Provide?

Carpentry work around the home that should involve a professional finisher includes:

• interior trim
• interior doors
• crown moulding
• wainscotting
• installing trim
• door and window trim
• Professional caulking

When Should Homeowners Call a Professional Finisher?

Finishing carpenters should be relied upon for most household tasks and repairs that involve wall or trim maintenance. Examples of these tasks include:

• Removal and replacement of damaged baseboards.
• Caulking window and door trim.
• Installation of wainscoting or decorative trim.
• Replacement of interior doors.

Some homeowners may be tempted to try and do finish carpentry themselves, but this is usually a mistake. Finish carpentry requires specialized skills and experience, and it’s best to leave the job to trained professionals.

Some obvious signs that finishing carpentry work is not done well includes visible seams in baseboards, overuse of caulk in corners, visible staples in window trim, and mill pieces that don’t line up correctly.

Many general contractors and household labourers with rough carpentry experience claim they are also skilled at finishing carpentry. However, this often is not the case, and homeowners are left with trim and casings that have a poor appearance. To ensure top-quality finishing, employ a qualified finisher for the job.

What should a homeowner look for in a professional finishing carpenter?

When looking for an experienced carpenter that can confidently complete the finishing carpentry jobs in your home, be sure to consider their training, professional experience, and quality of customer reviews before hiring them.

Meet with them in person and ask for examples of their previous work and contact any references they have provided.

Finest Finish – Victoria’s Finishing Carpentry Experts

If you require a renovation, or just some general upkeep around the house, we highly recommend hiring us as your finishing carpenters. Not only are we knowledgeable and experienced in our craft, but we can also save you time and money in the long run. Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free consultation – we would be happy to help!

Drywall Finishing Tips: 5 Signs It’s Time to Call the Pro’s

by Finest Finish | Dec 22, 2021 | blog

A home’s look and feel are greatly impacted by the appearance and condition of its interior walls. A home’s walls should be maintained, properly painted, and demonstrate drywall finishing that’s free of visible damage. This can be the difference between a home that’s warm and welcoming and one that feels drab and lacklustre. 

A homeowner can quickly do many everyday tasks to keep the home’s walls looking good. For example, washing down walls, trim and baseboards, can be done regularly. Filling small nail holes are also simple tasks that can also be undertaken. Even certain kinds of wall cracks aren’t a problem for many DIY homeowners. 

However, other issues should be left to the pros. In this article, we’re sharing 5 signs when it’s time to call a professional for drywall repair and maintenance services.

Visible Drywall Finishing Cracks 

A drywall crack alone doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to bring in a professional contractor. Small hairline cracks above windows and doors are a common sign the house has undergone natural settling processes. They are relatively easy to repair and can be done with ordinary drywall mud or spackle, a putty knife, and fine-grit sandpaper.

However, other types of cracks are more challenging to repair and can even signal a cause for concern. If any of the following types of drywall cracks are visible on your walls, we highly recommend consulting a professional for repairs.

4 Common Drywall Cracks of Concern

• Recurring hairline cracks. If pesky cracks around door and window frames repeatedly return, they may need a professional drywaller to nip them in the bud once and for all. 

• Long, jagged crack. This could be a sign that there are structural issues in the home. It’s best to call a professional sooner than later to have the problem properly assessed.

• Long, thin, straight crack. Long, thin cracks signify that the drywall tape isn’t adhering properly, likely due to poor installation techniques. While it should be repaired by a professional, it usually doesn’t signal a more concerning problem is developing in the home.

• Horizontal cracks. Horizontal cracks can often be bad news for homeowners. They are common symptoms of underlying foundation or structural problems. Don’t avoid repairing a horizontal crack, and always consult a professional to fix it properly.

Hole in Wall or Ceiling

Holes in a home with drywall can happen quite easily. Drywall comprises two paperboards, and a lightweight powder called gypsum is sandwiched between them. Used by builders in North America for decades, it’s a favoured material because of its ease of use, durability, and low cost. Unfortunately, drywall, also known as sheetrock, can be damaged relatively easily.

Small Drywall Holes

When a hole does develop in a home’s wall or ceiling, and if it’s small enough, it can be repaired by a homeowner. Hardware stores carry different wall repair kits that can do the job nicely. The downside of a repair kit is that the result can appear very poor if not done correctly, and the patch job will be obvious. Consult a drywall repair specialist if you’re not comfortable with your drywall repair skills.

Holes are considered small if they are less than 6 inches in diameter.

Large Drywall Holes

Holes greater than 6 inches in diameter require a more thorough repair than small holes. Depending on the location and size of the hole, it may require cutting out the damaged area and replacing a large section of drywall. For this, we recommend paying for professional drywall services to complete the job.

Ceiling Holes

While patching an area of ceiling entails the same process as a vertical wall surface, it may be best to outsource the repair because of the difficult angle and space of the work area. Additionally, suppose the ceiling is textured, such as a popcorn finish or other texture. In that case, it can be challenging to create a seamless finish. 

Professional drywall finishers have the skills and experience to make the ceiling’s final result appear consistent and blend seamlessly with the untouched areas.

Wall Discolouration

Wall or ceiling discolouration is a sure sign that something unplanned is happening behind walls that requires attention. Reaching out to a local handyman is a great first step to resolving the issue. They can assess the discolouration as well as help determine if other tradespeople, such as electricians or plumbers, should get involved.

Common reasons for a section of drywall to become discoloured include:

• Water damage
• Mould or Mildew
• Smoke damage
• High humidity
• Leaching from poor quality paint
• Poor hygiene or cleaning processes
• Food and cooking stains

Texture Changes

Trends in wall and ceiling textures evolve alongside interior decor trends. Popcorn ceilings, a ubiquitous sight in late 20th century homes, were favoured by residential home builders and buyers. In recent years, an interest in wall texture is developing, with styles such as “knockdown” or “orange peel” becoming increasingly popular.

Shifting from one texture to another isn’t as simple a process as many homes and garden shows would have you believe. It’s a long process that requires consistency, expertise, and extensive knowledge of caring for wall and ceiling surfaces. When altering the texture of your home’s walls or ceilings, or when installing new wainscotting, consult a drywall specialist to guarantee results with a professional-looking finish.

Finest Finish: Offering Superior Drywall Finishing Services in Victoria, BC

Expert drywall finishing and installation are vital for a space’s walls and ceilings to appear crisp, smooth and professional. Our years of experience in the construction finishing industry have allowed us to develop and hone our skills at a superior level. Visit our website to learn more about our specialist skills and services.

Tips for Properly Caulking Baseboards from Trusted Contractors

by Finest Finish | Dec 1, 2021 | blog

An easy way for a space to appear cohesive, inviting, and well-maintained is to keep the existing trim and baseboards in good condition. This is because the appearance and condition of baseboards and trim can greatly impact a home’s look and feel. In addition to regular cleaning, repairing, and painting these surfaces, caulking your baseboards is also a good idea.

In this article, we’re providing trusted contractor tips and easy instructions anyone can use to caulk baseboards properly. 

Why Caulking Baseboards is Important

Caulking may not seem like an exciting topic, but its importance shouldn’t be underestimated. For interiors, in addition to maintaining pleasing aesthetics, caulking baseboards can help protect both the baseboards and the walls. 

Prevent Water Damage

It helps ensure they won’t be damaged by moisture or become slanted from unequal floor levels and can prevent wall paint from peeling.

Avoid Rot and Mould Growth

Baseboard seams sealed with an appropriate caulking product can prevent water from seeping into walls and under floors. This helps to avoid possible rot and mould growth.

Improves Home’s Appearance

When caulked correctly, baseboards provide a clean and uniform appearance that enhances a space’s interior design and feel.

Steps to Properly Caulk Interior Baseboards

Choose the right caulk

Before starting your baseboard caulking project, be sure to have the right caulking product at your disposal. Caulk is used in sealing several areas of a home’s interior and exterior. Therefore, there are several different types of caulk to choose from at your local hardware store. Caulk selection is dependant on a project’s individual needs.

Baseboard Caulk Selection

For interior baseboards, you’re going to want to use a type of caulk that is durable, flexible, seals out water, and supports the room’s aesthetics. We recommend using a latex-acrylic caulk with added silicone. 

Latex-Acrylic-Silicone caulk products are available in different colours to better match flooring or baseboard paint colour. They adhere well to wood, MDF, and composite baseboards and have enough flexibility to minimize cracking.

Gather Your Supplies

Once you’ve selected the best caulk product for your project, it’s time to gather the rest of your supplies before getting started. A suggested materials list is as follows:

• Caulk
• Caulking gun
• Damp cloth/sponge
• Liquid caulk remover
• Cleaning supplies
• Vacuum/broom

Prepare the Area for Caulking

Before adding caulk to any baseboard or trim, ensure the surface is prepared and ready to go. 

Baseboards should always be clean and free of dust and debris before applying caulk. Old caulk, dust, debris, and any other contaminants may result in poor application of the caulk and reduce its ability to maintain a firm seal between the baseboard and wall/floor.

To clean the baseboards, be sure to wash them with a gentle soap. A solution of diluted vinegar works excellently as well. If any old caulk is on the baseboards, remove it carefully using a putty knife or a liquid caulk remover. 

Wait until baseboard and wall surfaces are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Load the Caulking Gun

Caulking guns are used to hold a tube of sealant as well as control its rate of flow. Follow the directions supplied with your caulk gun for installing the tube. Next, using a utility knife, carefully cut the tip of the tube at a 45-degree angle. Cut about ⅛ to ¼ inch away from the top of the tube.

You are now ready to start caulking baseboards.

Apply the Caulk

Practice First

If you haven’t applied caulk before, hone your application skills on a piece of paper or an old piece of baseboard. Hold the gun at a 45-degree angle. Gently squeeze the trigger to dispense the caulk. With the trigger engaged, run the tube’s tip along the length of the paper while distributing a consistent thickness of caulk across the line. Keep practicing until your caulk lines begin to appear consistent from start to finish.

Caulk Baseboards

Once you’re comfortable handling a caulking gun, it’s time to apply the sealant to your baseboards. Starting at a corner or wall edge, spread the caulk on the top of your baseboard as you did during the practice runs. Make the line as long as you can comfortably maintain consistent pressure and speed.

Smooth the Bead Line

Before the sealant has a chance to dry, it’s time to smooth the bead line you just dispensed on top of the baseboard. To do this, take your index finger and run it along the caulk, smoothing it between the top of the baseboard and the wall. Use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe away any excess caulk from your hand and the baseboard.

Repeat these steps until you have finished caulking your baseboards.

Find Expert Finishing Help from Finest Finish

Baseboard care and maintenance may not be your favourite way to spend an afternoon, but it is important to keep your home looking and performing at its best. Contact our finishing professionals for professional help that will get your baseboards in tip-top shape for a reasonable price. Located in the Greater Victoria area, we are trained in all aspects of carpentry finishing.

6 Paint Colour Selection Tips House Painters Swear By

by Finest Finish | Oct 29, 2021 | blog

Paint colour selection is often one of the hardest decisions to make when refreshing the walls of a home, office, or commercial real estate property. It’s not uncommon for people to experience feelings of anxiety or a sense of dread when making a paint colour selection. Fortunately, experienced house painters can help their clients select a wall colour they’ll love.

In fact, it’s extremely common for homeowners and project managers to rely on the colour consulting advice provided with professional painting services. This shouldn’t be too surprising because house painters have tremendous experience with, and are experts in, paint colour selection.

What advice can painting contractors give on how to choose the best paint colour for a project? While no two projects or clients are the same, everyone should follow six general paint colour selection rules. We have them outlined for you in this article.

To find out what practical, pro-tips top-painters in the Greater Victoria Area use to make picking a perfect wall colour straightforward, keep reading. 

House Painters Use the 80/20 Rule

Professional painters and interior designers like the 80/20 rule for paint selection because it provides parameters that keep a project’s aesthetic well balanced. When following this rule, simply select one colour for 80% of the paint job. In the remaining 20%, different colours are allowed but, they aren’t necessary. If using multiple colours, ensure the primary paint colour unifies all of them.

For example, a homeowner having their kitchen, dining room, living area, and entryway re-painted may be tempted to choose a different colour for every room. However, this can lead to a space that feels small and disjointed from wall colours that lack consistency. 

Instead, use the same colour on most of the walls in the project and keep different colour options to just one of the rooms. Or, consider adding new colours sparingly throughout, as with a feature accent wall.

2. Maintain a Unifying Colour Palette

A unified colour palette will help a home’s layout flow seamlessly, making the space look larger and more inviting. Colours that unify a space complement each other rather than contrast and clash. They have similar tones and shades and should enhance each other.

3. Insist on High-Quality Paint

High-quality paint products should always be used in every interior and exterior painting project. A great, professional-grade paint will always yield exceptional results compared to a project completed with cheap or poor-quality paint. Even when it comes to colour selection.

The benefit of choosing a wall colour from a supplier of fine paint goes beyond the added durability, washability and longevity of the surface coating. They also go on surfaces better, have greater levels of pigmentation, and generally appear more smooth and consistent. Professional paint producers, such as Sherwin Williams, take extreme care, research, and consideration when blending new paint colours.

4. Be Sparse with Bold Feature Walls

Feature walls are a great way to add some fun and personality to a room. However, too much of a good thing is simply too much. Resist the urge to create an eye-catching feature wall in every room of your house! Feature walls should be used sparingly and in a manner that will draw the eye to a focal point. 

Ideally, a feature wall’s focal point should be one that you find appealing and want to show off a bit. Walls where a fireplace sits or the bedroom wall behind a headboard are great choices to add a feature or accent wall to a home’s aesthetic.

When choosing a colour for a feature wall, be sure to keep the following elements in mind:

• Select a colour that is complementary to the project’s colour palette.
• Consider using the same colour as the primary colour, just in a darker shade.
• Avoid using a feature wall in crowded or small rooms.
• Consider incorporating wainscoting to add depth and character.

5. Use the Right Paint for The Room

As paint technology has evolved, the need for painters to understand the different types of paint available has increased. Additionally, they need to know how to select the appropriate paint product based on the space’s intended function and purpose.

For example, rooms with high humidity levels, such as the bathroom or laundry room, should use paint designed for use in humid environments. In areas that are musty or where mould is suspected, a product that kills and prevents mould spore growth is likely best.

While this tip isn’t directly related to colour selection, it will ensure that the colour you choose will look its best and last for years in your space.

6. Opt for Neutral Colours

While a bright yellow or radiant green may be all the rage in interior and fashion design circles, avoid plastering those overpowering colours on your walls. Instead, use the more bold hues as accessories in the space, perhaps as a throw pillow cover, artwork, or as a bright furniture fabric. For the walls, however, select a neutral colour to enhance and compliment the attention-grabbing tones.

Finest Finish: Victoria’s Best Colour Consulting House Painters

When looking to update, refresh or completely mix up the look and feel of your home, let the expert house painters at Finest Finish help you select the right colour. We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver the finest craftsmanship in our work. We know that colour selection is essential to guarantee customer satisfaction. For more information on our painting, drywall, or finishing services or to book a free quote, visit our website.

How Professional Interior Painting Services Saves Homeowners Money!

by Finest Finish | Sep 27, 2021 | blog

Interior painting services may seem expensive and frivolous to the cash-conscientious homeowner. However, unless the homeowner is an experienced home renovation pro, chances are their DIY job will cost as much – if not more, than hiring a local painting company.

Before buying buckets of paint, drop cloths and booking off a week’s vacation to save cash on painting your home’s interior, consider the following ways on how hiring professional painters is often a much better alternative.

It’s All About Prep Work

Successful interior painting projects are achieved with a steller preparation process. How well walls and surfaces are prepared before applying paint is directly related to how well the finished product looks. Many homeowners and novice interior painters aren’t aware of the unique nuances and close attention to detail needed to produce outstanding results.

When walls aren’t prepped right, the end result may not be better than the original walls. And, if poor painting techniques follow those improper preparation steps, those vertical surfaces may look worse than before. 

This can end up costing the homeowner money if they end up having a bad paint job covered professionally in addition to the cost of the paint and supplies they initially purchased.

You Need Proper Interior Paint Selection

While paint products are more robust, eco-friendly, and versatile than ever before, not all paints are appropriate for every project. For instance, let’s say a homeowner chooses to paint a high traffic entryway using interior paint without good durability. They may find that their front door vestibule ends up looking dingy and scuffed rather quickly.

This error in paint selection will undoubtedly cost the homeowner money. This is because they will have to re-paint the area much sooner than if they had used materials professionally selected by a residential painting company. 

Time is Money

Your time is valuable. Tackling large interior painting projects – such as a living room with 14-foot ceilings, a primary bathroom, or the central area of an open concept home, is a big effort that demands a considerable time commitment from the homeowner.

Instead of taking time off work, or sacrificing valuable time with family and friends, consider if paying for quality painting services is a better use of your time. 

Will you be able to complete the job in as little time as possible and get back to regular life? Or, is there a high likelihood the interior painting process will go over schedule and budget?

Consult Local Painters

If you’re unsure how to answer the above questions, call a painting company in your area and find out if outsourcing the task is better for you and your family. In the Victoria, BC area, painters in Victora that will deliver exceptional craftsmanship at lightning speed are available from the guys at Finest Finish.

Painting Tools Are An Investment

In addition to knowing what paint to use and how to correctly prep a surface for painting, knowing what tools are needed for an interior painting project is necessary. Quality paint brushes and rollers – as well as safety equipment, are essential for every painting job. These essential tools are not free and, not every tool is right for your project.

Instead of spending cash on the wrong tools for the job or, investing in expensive gear you’ll seldom use, let trusted experts with tools of the trade at their disposal handle the job.

Warranty

Many professional painting companies warranty their work. Warranties are great for a homeowner’s wallet. If anything goes wrong with the project, the painting company will cover the repairs. This cannot be said when taking a DIY approach. Any damages to the property incurred during the painting process will be the homeowner’s responsibility to rectify.

Increased Property Value

A great way to save money is to make money! When it comes to increasing the value of a home, professionally applied interior paint is an easy option. However, the key to this value-raising approach is the finished job must be done extremely well and in colours that reflect current trends and decor styles.

Professional painting and drywall services are great for adding value to your home while simultaneously creating an environment you and your family will adore spending time together.

Save Money with Finest Finish’s Interior Painting Services

Finest Finish is a renovation company offering locals in the Greater Victoria area our exceptional painting, carpentry finishing, and drywall services. We stand behind our name. Our services are always executed with precision and professionalism. To start your next interior painting project, contact our team today for a free estimate.