Embarking on our House Painting Project

Well, after four years of feeling like the sore thumb of the neighborhood with our peeling gutters, two years of "we really need to get the house painted", and one year of calling various painters who were recommended to us (and getting absolutely nowhere); we are getting serious!

When we bought the house in 2009, it was already badly in need of a paint-job. 












Giving up on the advice "first step is to ask friends and family to recommend a competent professional" (http://www.ehow.com/how_5470163_choose-house-painter-questions-ask.html); I decided to break out the good-old PAPER Lincoln County yellowbook* and call every painter listed in the yellow pages.  My only criteria:

1. Must have enough of an ad so I could tell that they paint exteriors of houses
2. Ad must list their Oregon CCB (Construction Contractors Board) number

*A must-read - who can resist a book that claims to be "packed with content[ment]"?!?

The result - four of the seven painters called me back the same day, one called the next day.  All expressed interest and are going to be coming by the house this week, with bids submitted sometime next week.  Out of the five, we hope to get at least three valid bids.

"Its important to get a few quotes (at least 3), verify their experience, ensure they are licensed and insured, and also make sure you hire someone you're comfortable with."  Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_5470163_choose-house-painter-questions-ask.html

Here are some more "before" pictures.

West (front) of house

East (back) of house

                                   North side

South side

I'm still researching advice on how to make a selection.  Here are some questions we've come up with so far:

1. Overall cost
2. Type/brand of paint and cost
3. Description of prep-work, caulking, and other important labor
4. Experience and references
5. What happens when you run into repairs that need to be done (e.g., rotten wood, loose flashing) 

The first painter is here to look at the house -- cross your fingers for us!