Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Commission a Decorative or Fine Art Painting Project? Call me or send an email with an overview of your project. I will come to the site and see the room, floor, etc. in it's context. I will bring my portfolio of samples and ideas to launch our discussion. It is helpful if you can collect magazine photos, etc. that show me examples of styles which interest you. We will discuss ideas and begin the dynamic process of creating the custom finish or mural or fine art piece that will make your home unique. I will then produce rough sketches or treatment samples as applicable. Once we've settled on an idea I will provide you with a written proposal. How Do You Charge for Your Decorative Painting Services? Decorative Painting, Mural & Fine Art Consultations: First hour free, then $50/hour Custom samples for potential paint treatments: $75.00 per set of three. Minimum Decorative Painting, Mural or Fine Art Commission: $350.00 Decorative Painting, Mural and Fine Art projects are contracted for a flat total fee.   This fee includes all labor, travel, equipment and materials. For an Idea of what a project might cost, here are some guidelines: Wall Preparation and Base Coats: $1.25 per square foot of painted wall for minor repairs, primer and two coats of base color for walls under 10' high. This is only a rough figure. It could be less if only one coat is needed, or more for extensive repairs. You are welcome to use your regular house painter for this step but I sometimes must supply proprietary materials for the base. You will be quoted a flat fee for the completed project. Wall Treatments: $2.00 and up per square foot of treated surface. Please Note: I do not actually charge by the square foot for wall treatments. There are too many variables in a given job to do so and ultimately the cost is dependent upon real time and materials. This starting figure is reference for you as you consider the possibilities for your home or business. You will be quoted a flat fee for the completed project. Murals, stencils, stripes & decorative flourishes: These projects vary too greatly to give reference points. Depending on the size of the projects I sometimes must charge design fees. I provide rough sketches and a flat fee for the project.   How Does Color Consulting Work? Color Consultations within 60 miles of my Studio (23130) are $100 for 1st hour, then $50 for each additional hour. Additional driving beyond 60 miles will be billed at $50/hour. You should be prepared for the consultation to take one hour per room - although it may take less time depending on how many color choices are needed. When we have discussed your project and color options. You may want to purchase sample pots or quarts of paint and test them on your walls. This allows you to live with your selections for a few days seeing them in different lighting conditions throughout the day and evening. The final decision is yours. If you would rather I purchase the test materials and paint posterboard-size samples, and return with them to discuss your selections, I will do so at the following rates: Return Visit with Color Boards:  $35 per color board plus Consultation/travel fees as listed above.   ***If I am already on site to discuss or implement faux finishing or mural projects a flat rate of $50/hour applies to color consultations. Color boards and return color & decor consultations are at same rates as above. Can you help me with other Decorating Decisions? Many of my paint & color consultations turn to discussions about carpets, tiles, furniture, etc. I am happy to guide you in the hard choices that tie your whole look together. I do not maintain a list of contractors and I do not oversee the work of other contractors. If I know of someone I can recommend, I will do so. (For custom furniture, I do sub-contract work to a local cabinetmaker.) I am not a kitchen or bath layout expert nor do I maintain files of suppliers catalogues or samples but I will help you sort through your own research and clarify your vision. My role is to bridge the gap between the decorative do-it-yourselfer and a full service Interior Designer. If you need radical structural changes or someone to bring a filtered selection of product options to you and supervise other contractors, I suggest you hire a Virginia State licensed Interior Designer*. Many people enjoy doing their own research but need guidance in the final decisions. That is where I can help. Decor Consultation: same as Color Consulting I do not charge for folllow-up telephone discussions.   **All sketches, renderings, paint samples, etc. remain my property. I retain all copyright to future use of any images unless a release is negotiated.   *In order to use the title "Interior Designer" a person must meet state licensing requirements which include extensive university level education, proven experience and professional exams.

© Copyright 2005 Marsh Hawk Studio