Category: Special Features

  • Bottle & Tap – Hartsville’s Craft Beer Destination

    Bottle & Tap – Hartsville’s Craft Beer Destination

    It’s a Celebration of Good Beer and Good People.

        A few years ago, the City of Hartsville started to boom. New businesses brought new opportunities and Hartsville became a place where people wanted to plant their roots. After enjoying a few craft beers during a brainstorming session with Mayor Mel Pennington, the Wholesale Wine and Spirits team realized there was a void in the area for craft beer for the changing Hartsville population. The idea for Bottle and Tap came along. Shortly after, the guys at West Oil Company brought the vision to life. Fortunately, they had a unique location positioned adjacent to the Shell station on South 5th Street in Hartsville where they could create a quality environment that catered to the craft beer customer with both retail and on-premise products. Bottle & Tap was opened by West Oil Company in June of 2015 under the guidance of its Wholesale Wine & Spirits Division. 

        The craft beer venture started off by primarily providing packaged products and growlers for take home consumption, but over time the atmosphere seemed to win over the hearts of regulars as it slowly became a place they wanted to stay a while. The business continued to thrive and expand. Today, their concept is simple and is something craft beer drinkers needed in Hartsville for a long time… an inviting atmosphere to explore the world of craft beer with good company, all under one roof.

        You can join them at the bar where you can find a draft station with twelve rotating taps of some of the most unique beer available in the area. You can even sample the freshly poured beer on tap before you order. At Bottle and Tap you can grab a pint or flight to enjoy on-premise, or if you stumble on something you love, you can order a growler to-go to enjoy later at home. They maintain over 100 unique packaged craft beers, and you can try out a single bottle from the cooler, which is stocked with 75 options to choose from. You can even customize your selection with a “mix and match” six pack from the cooler, or any size pack for that matter! They also keep a small selection of wine and cider for the non-craft beer consumer and free popcorn with several flavor topping options, which is known to be a serious crowd-pleaser! Their top-notch hospitality doesn’t end there. They will gladly look into bringing in special order beer for customers that they cannot find within the area.   

        To top it off, they offer happy hour every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 4-7 p.m. featuring discounted draft beer and the famous Hartsville Markette donut holes. (You have to try these local bites!) They host Tap Takeover events inviting local brewery representatives as their beers are featured on tap. Customers are able to try the beer and discuss them on the spot with the people that make them. Food Truck Fridays are also a popular end of the week event. Their newly renovated modern patio features a 60″ television, outdoor speakers and patio lighting creating a relaxing atmosphere. Their interior space includes cozy couches, ample table top seating, music, and two 50″ TVs, with sports on regularly, especially college football!

        There is truly something charming and endearing about a small shop attached to a gas station and the experience they are able to provide. When you visit, be prepared to be overwhelmingly pleased with all the available options, talk beer with the friendly staff, and meet some new folks. Bottle and Tap is more than just a bottle shop, more than a craft beer bar, but is a celebration of beer and good people.

    Bottle and Tap is happy to offer their establishment as a place for parties and events. They can also provide full kegs for off-site events. For more information about upcoming events, follow them on Facebook at @BottleandTapSC.

    621 S. 5th St. Hartsville | 843-309-9522

    bt1@wholesalewineandspirits.com | bottleandtapsc.com

  • In the Kitchen

    In the Kitchen

    Sweet Potato Salad with Toasted Pecans

    Step 1:  Roasted Sweet Potatoes

    4 medium sweet potatoes, cleaned and cut in 1/2 inch cubes

    3 medium shallots diced

    3 1/2 tbsp. vegetable oil 

    1 tsp. ground coriander 

    Pinch of cayenne pepper 

    Pinch of chili powder

    Salt and pepper to taste

    Toss all together and roast at 375o for 20 mins or until done.

    Step 2:  Roasted Pecans

    1/4 c. pecan pieces 

     I egg white whipped 

    3 tbsp. Brown sugar

    Salt to taste

    Toss all together and toast for 10-12 mins.

    Step 3:  Dressing

    2 tbsp. cider vinegar

    1 tbsp. Dijon mustard

    1 1/2 tbsp. honey

    1/2 tsp. ground cumin

    1/4 tsp. Smoked paprika

    1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil

    Combine all ingredients together. Slowly emulsify oil in with other ingredients.

    Step 4:

    While potatoes are still warm, toss them in the vinaigrette. Garnish with toasted pecans.

    Recipe provided by Local Motive, 123 N Dargan St, Florence

  • Veronica Robertson

    Veronica Robertson

    Going with the Flow

    story by Ashley Elvington • photos by Ivana Reay-Jones Photography

         Many who happen to meet Veronica Robertson will agree that she is a ray of sunshine, exuberating joy and kindness and warmth that puts a soul at ease. Originally from Colombia, South America, it didn’t take long for Veronica to feel at home as many in Florence welcomed her with the open loving arms of a family, especially in Downtown Florence… But, more on that in a minute.

        Veronica and her family moved to Florence almost a decade ago when her husband accepted the position of Medical Director at McLeod Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department. “We have found a home in Florence. Both of our daughters were born here and we are grateful for all of the opportunities the city of Florence has provided us. We are committed to this community and we expect to raise our family here and grow Flow Town Yoga.” Before she opened her own yoga studio, Veronica received 200 hours of yoga teacher training through Charleston Power Yoga in Charleston, South Carolina. Since then, she has completed a 500-hour yoga teacher advanced certification through the Kunga Yoga School at the Wilmington Yoga Center in Wilmington, North Carolina.

        She noticed that Florence was missing a yoga space led by trained and certified yoga instructors. Inspired to be the change the community needed, Veronica made plans to open her own studio in Downtown Florence. “I imagined a studio that offered varying formats, reaching individuals from a variety of populations and needs: seniors, children, males, females…from all backgrounds, body compositions and fitness levels. Anyone can find a class that fits their needs, from Senior Chair yogis to the Power Vinyasa yogis.” Doors opened in February 2017 and in less than two years, Flow Town Yoga has grown from offering 12 classes per week to over 32. “We now have two studio spaces in Downtown Florence, a heated room and a cool room. We feel honored to be a part of the development and growth of Downtown Florence.” Flow Town Yoga is now a Kunga Yoga affiliated studio and will soon be a Yoga Alliance registered school of yoga, the first of its kind in Florence. “We will train the next generation of yoga teachers who will share this beautiful practice with our community and beyond.”

        For Veronica, work weeks are easy to endure when you love what you do. “Yoga is accessible to everybody. It is not about the pose, but about what we learn in between. As we move through postures using our breath, we can find a place of calmness within ourselves where we can reflect and learn… Discovering tools that we own and can carry with us everywhere we go.” She enjoys teaching beginners, especially seniors. “Witnessing the growth and joy I see in others is amazing. By growth, I do not mean being able to do advanced, intricate yoga poses. It means being able to feel comfortable and powerful in their bodies… Being able to stand up from a chair using one’s own strength, being able to move confidently, to reconnect with your body and the present moment… Watching students walk out of the yoga room renewed, smiling and confident. Knowing we help in any little way to get them to that place, is very rewarding.”

    Flow Town Yoga | 152 S. Dargan Street,  Heated Studio | 127 N. Dargan Street, Cool Studio | Downtown Florence

    To learn more, as well as view a schedule of their classes, visit www.flowtownyoga.com.

     

    These 6 movements Rotate, flex, extend and align the spine, stimulating spinal nerves, toning abdominal and back muscles, and improving breathing. It activates digestion and relieves constipation, increases circulation, and brings fresh oxygen to musculoskeletal system.

    Twist: 

        Find  a comfortable seated position, on the floor or on a chair. As you begin to awaken the spinal muscles, allow the movements to be slow and mindful. There is no need to rush. Hold each pose for 3 breaths. Find length in the spine and a neutral pelvis, twist to one side starting the movement from the torso. Lengthening on the inhale and gently twisting deeper on the exhale.

    Benefits: Rotating the spine consistently and correctly will help us keep our range of motion healthy and flexible so that daily movement becomes easier and less painful. Twisting hydrates the intervertebral disks and massages the organs within the abdomen supporting digestion.

    Lateral Flexion:

        Start on an easy seated position with your legs crossed. Inhale reaching up with both arms then on the exhale placing your right hand on the floor and reaching over with the left arm creating a C shape with the spine. Hold for 3 breaths and repeat on other side.

    Benefits: Lateral flexion is a movement that bends the body to the right or left side. It helps to open up the side-body, strengthens the obliques, and is helpful in increasing flexibility of the spine lengthening the muscles between the ribs and pelvis, plus parts of the lower back. Lateral flexion also opens up the ribcage, helping to expand the lungs and aid in deeper breathing.

    Spinal Flexion:

        Start on table top on your hands and knees. Hands directly underneath shoulders, and your knees directly underneath your hips. Keep your back flat, and your head in line with the rest of your spine. INHALE. With an EXHALATION tuck your tailbone, round the spine towards the ceiling and gently bring your chin towards your chest. This is called Cat pose.

    Benefits: This shape expands the back-body, stretching the back of the lungs, increasing breath capacity, and tones the abdomen with an engaged core. It allows us to turn inward for reflection and calmness.

    Spinal Extension:

        After Cat pose and exhaling, INHALE, tip the tailbone up, drop the belly and chest toward the floor, and lift your head and chin forward and up. Think about lengthening the spine as you do this movement. This position is Cow.

    Benefits: This is a lengthening pose particularly for opening up the thoracic spine and the muscles of the chest and shoulders. It strengthens the lungs and facilitates deeper breathing. When done in a chair, place hands on your thighs and extend and flex the spine with the flow of the breath. Establishing a breathing rhythm. Inhaling deep with the Cow position and exhaling completely with the Cat position.

  • Alzheimer’s Awareness

    Alzheimer’s Awareness

        In 1983, President Ronald Reagan designated the month of November as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. It is still recognized today. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, at that time there were less than two million people with the disease, however, that number has increased to more than five million. Alzheimer’s disease is now the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

      Many lives change when a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Today, many families are faced with difficult decisions regarding loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Care, financials, and physical and mental health are all of concern. Additionally, the process can also be challenging for caregivers. There are an estimated 16 million caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the United States.

        New Generations Adult Day Center located in Florence provides services specifically for those with Alzheimer’s disease or related conditions. They understand that caring for a loved one can take a toll on family members, which is why they provide adult day care services that can give a much-needed break in addition to benefits for loved ones. The Alzheimer’s Activity Center provides programs and support services for individuals in order to keep them engaged with activities while exercising the brain in a safe environment. The staff is trained to understand Alzheimer’s and they work together to create a welcoming, supportive, and enriching environment. Services include enhancing cognitive skills, stimulating interaction on personal and group levels, encouraging mobility and stability, and nutrition and personal hygiene assistance. While South Carolina requires one caregiver per eight participants, New Generations has one caregiver per five participants in order to better provide individualized attention to those who need it.

        Vantage Point, a division of CareSouth Carolina, Inc. in Hartsville has a network called Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), which is a local aging program that provides information and services on a range of assistance for older adults and those who care for them. They disperse respite money to families to help with care. Respite allows a person to take time off from caregiving duties while someone else cares for their loved one. John Belissary, administrator and owner of New Generations Adult Day Center states, “If you’ve ever been a care giver, it’s the toughest job there is. If you think about it, an elderly woman has become a full care provider for her husband. She’s withdrawn herself from society. She can no longer go out to eat with her Red Hat lady friends, play Bridge with her friends, or go play golf or tennis. Her life is consumed with medications, doctor appointments, making sure he eats, bathes, and doesn’t fall… it never ends.” Through Vantage Point, a person can qualify for a grant of $500-$1500 per year to get a provider, whether it’s through New Generations or a home care service, in order to take care of the individual and provide caregivers with a break. 

        The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide and is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. The money goes directly to respite to help with the care of many of our loved ones. “We are put on this earth to help one another and to care for one another,” says John. “That’s what we should be doing. I can’t tell people enough to donate to this research fund so they can continue their search to find a cure. It will directly affect so many people in all of our lives. It’s important we show these people compassion.”

     

    New Generations Adult Day Center

    2111 West Jody Rd. | Florence | 843.773.2781

    www.newgenerationsadc.com 

     

    Book Recommendation for those with loved ones faced with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis:

    Still Alice is a 2007 novel by Lisa Genova, set in Boston. The novel is about a woman who suffers early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Alice Howland, a 50-year-old woman, is a cognitive psychology professor at Harvard and a world-renowned linguistics expert. She is married to an equally successful husband, and they have three grown children. The disease takes hold swiftly, and it changes Alice’s relationship with her family and the world.

    For more info or to purchase, visit lisagenova.com.

  • Restoring Furniture

    Restoring Furniture

    Story By Natalie Mahaffey

        Jilian Harrington has always had a creative mind, but, until recently, she had never truly found what she was passionate about. That changed when she and her husband Brandon opened the now local favorite Palmetto Peddlers back in November of 2010. “We get a lot of furniture in from a lot of amazing vendors in our store,” Jilian says. “It’s hard to find time to hunt for stuff to resell, so I noticed I owned a few pieces that needed some form of transformation to work where I needed them. After working on some pieces for friends and family, I was surprised at all the positive feedback I was getting on my work. People really enjoyed the pieces that I had transformed, and they looked amazing in their homes. I enjoy that feeling of a client being satisfied with my creativity. I finally found a creative outlet for myself that I enjoy. It feels good, ya know? It’s healthy to be able to have that outlet.” One of the most important aspects of Jilian’s work is maintaining the integrity of the original piece of furniture, while updating to fit the needs of the client. “I try to salvage the certain areas that are too beautiful to be painted,” she explains.

        The materials Jilian uses to transform a piece of furniture are the most important aspects of any good project. So, when she first started using Dixie Belle and their array of products, she knew she’d found her perfect match. “Dixie Belle paint will always be my go to paint. It is a chalk mineral base paint that adheres to almost any surface, including wood, plastic, metal, and glass. And it hasn’t failed me yet!” But before she gets to the painting part of the transformation, she has to do some work with the furniture itself. “When choosing my project piece, I want to be sure there aren’t any areas that I can’t handle repairing myself. Sometimes no matter how perfect a piece may seem, repairs can get costly and you don’t want to take on more than you can chew,” she explains. Once repairs are complete on a piece, she moves on to the beginnings of the transformation. “I remove all the hardware, and I gently sand everything. It helps remove hard to clean areas and scuffs it up so the paint adheres better. Sometimes it may be an unnecessary step, but I feel it makes things easier in the long run,” she says. Once sanding is done, she uses wood cleaner and wipes down the whole piece, inside and out, including any drawers or cabinet spaces.

        When she completes the sanding and cleaning of the furniture, Jilian begins with the painting. The first rule of thumb when it comes to painting is to always prime. “This helps with coverage so you don’t use so many coats of paint. ‘Boss’ by Dixie Belle works great, but you can also use Kilz.” Priming a piece is especially important if you are going to be painting a light-colored piece. She also explains that, “an oil base primer works really well on furniture. I usually only need one thin coat of primer.” Once she has primed her piece, she sands it again, just to smooth out everything and to help with the finished look. Then she applies her paint. “There are a few different ways to do this. I use Cling On! brushes. They are exceptional in that they don’t shed bristles and they are self-cleaning. You just return the brush to the water and the paint falls off,” she says. The self-cleaning aspect of the brushes is especially important because then you don’t have to use any harsh chemicals on your brushes, which can deplete the quality of a brush fairly quickly. Jilian also explains that a technique she has found to be helpful is to dip the brush in water before painting because it gives a good even coat that doesn’t hold brush marks in the paint. She then lets the first coat dry for 30 minutes to an hour before applying another light coat of paint. She repeats the drying process, and sands the piece one last time. One last coat of paint goes on after the sanding process, and then she waits. Before doing any detail work to a recently painted piece of furniture, it is important to make sure it is fully dry. Otherwise, you will find yourself having to start over from the beginning.

        Once the painting part of the project is complete, Jilian then decides on the detailing that needs to happen to the piece. To do this, she has to decide on what types of products to use. Again, she relies heavily on Dixie Belle. Any piece of painted furniture needs to be sealed, and Jilian stresses that using wax or a clear coat sealer is important to maintain the integrity of the piece for years to come. She uses Minwax Polycrylic or Dixie Belle’s Satin Clear Coat to coat the piece of furniture. She lets the piece sit for at least 24 hours after sealing before moving it. One last piece of advice she gives: “Let a piece sit for a good 30 days to cure completely. Only allow light use until then.”

    To find some of Jilian’s original pieces, visit  Palmetto Peddlers at 2295 Hoffmeyer Road in Florence.

  • Purchasing Your First Home

    Purchasing Your First Home

    You Do Not Need 20% Down To Buy A Home

         Buying your first home can be very exciting but make sure you are prepared for what lies ahead. When you are transitioning from being a renter to a homeowner there are many things you need to consider.

         The Aspiring Home Buyers Profile from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that the American public is still somewhat confused about what is required to qualify for a home mortgage loan in today’s housing market. The results of the survey show that the main reason why non-homeowners do not own their own homes is because they believe that they cannot afford them.

         This brings us to a few major misconceptions that we want to address today.

    Down Payment

         A recent survey by Laurel Road, the National Online Lender and FDIC-Insured Bank, revealed that consumers overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a home loan.

         According to the survey, 53% of Americans who plan to buy or have already bought a home admit to their concerns about their ability to afford a home in the current market. In addition, 46% are currently unfamiliar with alternative down payment options, and 46% of millennials do not feel confident that they could currently afford a 20% down payment.

         What these people don’t realize, however, is that there are many loans written with down payments of 3% or less. USDA and VA have no money down options.

         Many renters may actually be able to enter the housing market sooner than they ever imagined with new programs that have emerged allowing less cash out of pocket.

    FICO Scores

         An Ipsos survey revealed that 62% of respondents believe they need excellent credit to buy a home, with 43% thinking a “good credit score” is over 780. In actuality, the average FICO® scores for approved conventional and FHA mortgages are much lower.

         The average conventional loan closed in May had a credit score of 753, while FHA mortgages closed with an average score of 676. The average across all loans closed in May was 724. The chart below shows the distribution of FICO® Scores for all loans approved in May.

         It is possible to get approved to purchase a home with a score as low as a 580 for VA or 600 for FHA. It is best to speak to your Loan Officer about the options available to you.

    Can you afford the monthly payments?

         Even if you have saved enough money for your down payment, you need to be certain that you are able to afford your monthly mortgage payment. Do not forget to factor in expenses like property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, etc. We will go over your budget and your financial goals to make sure that you are comfortable with your mortgage payment and still have enough money each month to enjoy your life in your new home.

    Bottom Line

         If you are a prospective buyer who is ‘ready’ and ‘willing’ to act now, but you are not sure if you are ‘able’ to, you need sit down with a reputable lender to discuss all of your options.

     

    Greg Tanner, NMLS 1046498

    2011-C 2nd Loop Rd. Florence 843.407.3464 | gregtannermortgage.com

  • Winterizing Your Home

    Winterizing Your Home

       Winter is still a few months away, but it is never too early to start thinking about saving energy costs during the cooler months. Electricity bills can skyrocket while we are indoors staying warm with our electric space heaters, electric blankets, and taking long hot showers. Pee Dee Electric Cooperative has spent years researching and educating our members on the best ways to keep costs down during winter months. While some are large and can be quite costly, there are many small sacrifices that can make a major difference in your winter bill.

       Larger projects like installing a new high efficiency heat pump, adding insulation, and investing in new energy efficient appliances are key components to saving energy. Although these tasks can be expensive upfront, the amount saved over the next 10 years or more will certainly outweigh those initial costs. You should also have your home checked for plumbing leaks and fix any dripping faucets. A leak of one drip per second wastes 1,661 gallons of water and can cost you up to $35 per year. And before it gets too chilly outside, be sure to check that your attic door closes tightly. If possible, insulate the attic door for an extra barrier.

       By taking the time to understand your energy use and by making small lifestyle changes, you can conserve energy. Your bank account will thank you!

    10 Quick Tips to Avoid High Winter Bills

      Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home.

      Reduce waste heat by installing a programmable thermostat.

      Turn off lights when not in use.

      Lower your water heater temperature. The Department of Energy recommends using the warm setting (120 degrees) during fall and winter months.

      Unplug electronics like kitchen appliances and TVs when you’re away.

      Open blinds and curtains during the day to allow sunlight in to warm your home.

      Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out.

      Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home.

      Wash clothes in cold water, and use cold-water detergent whenever possible.

      Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED’s, which use at least 75 percent less energy.

    For more info, visit www.pdec.com.

  • Painting Done Right

    Painting Done Right

        Russ and Wendy Fortier are both Francis Marion University graduates and have two sons, Tyler and Davis. They have lived in the Florence area for more than 30 years. Together they own Fresh Coat Florence, SC, which is a national franchise based in Cincinnati, OH. They purchased the franchise and brought it to Florence in December of 2017, then launched their business in April.

        Fresh Coat offers residential and commercial painting services including: interior and exterior painting, light commercial painting (offices, small stores, apartments), wood staining and finishing (deck, fence), popcorn ceiling removal, wallpaper removal, small drywall repair. and more. Russ and Wendy are committed to providing the best customer experience possible and leaving customers with a finished project they will love every day.

        Russ Fortier shares with us his expertise on “painting done right.”

    What basic supplies are needed for an indoor and outdoor DIY painting project?

        “The key is to purchase tools and paint that are quality products, not the cheapest you can find.  At a minimum you’ll want:

      Quality brushes (3 inch is a must, but smaller brushes can also be helpful). Make sure that the brush is designed for the paint you’ll be using.

      5-gallon bucket with paint screen

      Cut bucket (small bucket you can hold in your hand for cutting trim)

      Contractor grade roller handle (cheap rollers flex when applying paint and can leave streaks in your work)

      Sanding blocks or sandpaper (for prepping your surface and finishing out your application

      Drop cloths

      Plastic sheeting (cover your furniture and valuables)

      Roller handle extensions

      A four or six-foot step ladder”

    What are the different types of sheens and what surfaces are they best for? 

        “There are multiple descriptions in sheens across all paint products. You’ll want to consult with a local paint store representative for advice on sheens to use. Here are some to consider:

      Flat- for walls and ceilings. Flats hide imperfections better than other sheens.

      Satin, Matte, Egg-Shell- used commonly on walls. Each has a slightly higher sheen and is a personal choice of the home owner. Check also for durability in each paint sheen/brand. You may want to use something with a high “scrubbability” rating for bathrooms and kitchen walls.

      Semi-Gloss & Gloss – commonly used for trim, doors, windows and cabinets.”

    What steps should we take when searching for exterior paint before jumping in and painting our entire house?

        “If you are doing it yourself, definitely talk with your local paint store. I recommend them over the big box stores. They work with both paint contractors and homeowners and they are experts in their products. They’ll also be able to give you advice on cleaning and preparation for painting, optimal outside temperatures for applications, dry time (keep in mind you are going to be watching the weather on exterior projects), and other items such as the degree of mildew resistance in their product (in the south, mildew resistance is an important factor).”

    How can we identify if we have lead paint? What steps do we take with a lead renovation project that would be different from a regular project?

        “If your house was built before 1978, there is a chance you may have lead paint present. The farther back in time your house was built, the more likely it is that you have lead paint. In Florence, we encounter lead paint with most of the houses in the downtown district. Lead paint projects require a contractor who is lead certified. A certified lead contractor can test for lead prior to the beginning of your project. If lead is present, they are required to notify you of the presence of lead and take additional precautions on the project to contain the lead dust and lead paint according to EPA rules. You can test for lead paint yourself with a simple kit available online or in some paint stores. Lead paint renovation projects will cost more, because the contractor must contain the area where any lead paint surface is being disturbed, contain the dust, and perform the appropriate cleaning techniques to ensure that the area is no longer contaminated. There’s also the disposal of the lead paint materials that has to be done as well.”

    What qualities make a reliable paint contractor and why is it necessary to have one?

    Here are some basic things to ask for:

      How long has the contractor been in business? How much experience do the painters have?

      Does the contractor require money upfront? How much?

      Are consumable supplies and paint included in the price? If not, be prepared to have additional cost added to the project.

      Is this estimate firm? Meaning, is the price turnkey for the entire project.

      Is the contractor licensed, bonded and insured? Ask for copies of each of these before accepting any proposal. Check for coverage limits and make sure that the certificate of insurance dates are valid. This is for your protection if something should happen to any painter or your property. If they aren’t insured, your homeowner policy may be required to cover the loss.

      If your project involves disturbing lead base surfaces, request copies of the Lead Renovator Certificate and the firm’s lead certification

      Lastly, request references and check them out. Ask questions like: Does the contractor show up when scheduled? Did they complete the project in a reasonable timeframe (or as promised)? Did the crew respect and maintain the homeowner’s property? Were you satisfied with the outcome of the project?