Creating an Optimal Workspace – Part I

We focus much of our attention on updating your home, but many of us actually spend the majority of the daylight hours in an office. Whether you’re in a high rise in the heart of the city or in a home office with a view, there are a few key things to consider in creating an optimal workspace.
Part I – Let There Be Light
Lighting is at the top of the list for creating a space that is truly conducive to productivity. Natural light is always the best option, but if you have to rely on artificial lighting as your primary source of light, try to stay away from fluorescent lighting if possible. The new LED lighting mimics natural light much more successfully, and is much more energy efficient as well. If the lighting in your office is completely out of your control, try bringing in a floor lamp that shines up and boost the light in your space. The 4 pm slump is much easier to avoid if you have good light throughout the course of the day.
 
 
Creating An Optimal Workspace Part II
Creating An Optimal Workspace Part III

 

 

Exterior Painting in Philadelphia Before Planting

Do your exterior painting in Philadelphia BEFORE you do your landscaping this spring with John Neill Painting & Decorating! Now that spring weather is finally here (sort of), do you have landscaping on your to do list? If so, it would be a good idea to get your pressure cleaning, exterior carpentry, or exterior painting taken care of first. While we do take great care to protect your plants, getting your maintenance work done before they go in saves us all time and potential worry over newly planted flowers and shrubs. Here’s to a beautiful spring and the prettiest yard on the block.

 

 

 

2013 U.S. Open at Merion

The Merion Golf Club will be hosting the 2013 US Open in June, and when it came time to prepare for this prestigious event, they turned to John Neill Painting & Decorating. After a thorough pressure cleaning, we painted the exterior of the Clubhouse, the barn and courtyard walls. We also painted the interior of the Men’s Locker Room, interior hallways and stairs.
Do you have a special event planned at your home this spring or summer?
Is your home in top condition and ready to welcome family and friends?
If not, give us a call today to set up an estimate and save your space on our schedule.

 

 

 

Five Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Painting Contractor

Hiring a contractor can often be a stressful and unsettling endeavor. With nearly 40 years in business, we’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation and provided you with the key questions to ask before making your final decision. Finding a company you are truly comfortable with can make all the difference in a stressful vs. a successful experience. Here are 5 questions to ask BEFORE hiring a painting contractor that can help you save money and make sure the job is done right!
What products will they use?
Not all paint is created equal, and generally speaking, you get what you pay for. Be sure to ask about the products that will be used for your job. These play a key role in both the aesthetic appeal and the durability of the completed project, and if you want the best results possible you may need to be willing to spend a little more on the products.
What preparation will be done?
 The key to a durable and long lasting paint job lies in the preparation before the finish coat is applied. Be sure to ask about all of the preparation that will be completed prior to applying the final coat of paint.

Who will be performing the work?
 There are painters, and then there are craftsman. Be sure to ask about the people who will be sent to your home to complete the work; how long they have been with the company, their skill level and product knowledge, and how available they will be to answer any questions that may arise along the way. Remember, they will most likely be in or around your house for at least a week, so you will want to choose a company you feel comfortable working with.
What is their reputation like?
Check to see how long they have been in business and what type of reputation they have established. A well-established painting contractor should be willing and able to provide you with references and testimonials upon request, and you should not be shy about asking for them.
And the last of the five questions to ask before hiring a painting contractor is…
What type of warranties do they offer?
Many customers do not realize that they are warranties on home services such as painting. Any reputable painting contractor should offer one, and be sure to ask about the details and read the fine print. If the initial price of the work to be completed seems high, look at the warranty offer and evaluate the overall long-term cost of when you will have to repaint again. You may actually find that spending the extra money up front will be in your favor over the long run.
See our Painting Services page to see how John Neill Painting & Decorating can help you in Philadelphia and the Main Line!

 

 

The Coolest Thing About John Neill Painting

We usually don’t “talk shop” at our weekly family dinner, but last week my father had missed a few days due to a cold. When we sat down to eat, he asked me how everything was at the office and if there was anything he needed to be brought up to speed about. I gave him a brief update and then my younger brother chimed in. He said that he has always found it really cool that if you call John Neill Painting Customer Service you actually get to speak to John Neill (and often meet him in person as well).
37 years later and John’s still going strong. While we have delayed the ringer in his office so he doesn’t answer every single phone call himself, he is still here everyday hard at work. When asked once in an interview what his favorite part of the job was, there was no hesitation in his answer. He truly loves being able to work with our customers directly in updating and maintaining their homes.
In the day and age of automated telephone answering systems, big box stores, small companies being bought out by big companies, and corporate mergers everywhere, it’s nice to know that there are still small business owners out there who like keep things personal. Give us a call and see for yourself.

 

 

Sprucing Up For A Sale

Are you thinking of putting your house on the market this spring? If so, there are a few things you should be aware of if you’d like to get the maximum value possible for your home. Because of the real estate crash that accompanied the crash in the economy, buyers now have the upper hand, but getting your home ready for sale doesn’t have to be a hassle with John Neill Painting & Decorating serving the Main Line and the greater Philadelphia area.

As mentioned in a recent article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, little details that were often overlooked in the past are now being scrutinizing by the buyers. Staging has almost become a necessity when getting your home ready for sale, and exterior maintenance and interior paint touch ups can make or break a deal. Updated kitchens and bathrooms still rank high on the list as well, so be sure to consult with a reputable real estate agent about recommended updates if you’re aiming for a quick sale.

 

Quality Matters. Call Now for an Estimate 610-664-5555

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