What to expect
From the first walk-through to the last
Every job follows these steps. Dates come from your calendar, not ours.
- 01
Step 1: Walk-through
We walk every space with a trustee or your administrator, including the attic or belfry if we are to paint it.
We ask the building's age and who uses each space
- 02
Step 2: Proposal and packet
A written proposal and the board packet follow, with options when your board wants to compare.
Review rules looked up for your address
- 03
Step 3: The schedule
After the vote we build a schedule by zone around services, funerals, weddings and school days.
A closed-space list for your sexton
- 04
Step 4: The work
Covering, repairs, priming and finish coats, one zone at a time, with the scaffold or lift in place.
A photo report to your contact as each zone closes
- 05
Step 5: Closing walk-through
We walk the finished building with you, fix what you point out and clear the site.
Warranty terms handed over in writing
Around the calendar
What we work around
Weekly services
Sanctuary entrances stay clear, and noisy work moves away from service hours.
Funerals and weddings
Put on the schedule before we start, with the date and the rooms they use.
School days
Wings are painted when the school says they are empty, and handed back before classes.
Weather
Exterior work waits for dry days, and the scaffold is secured when a storm is named.
Scheduling
Questions about timing
How long does a steeple or a sanctuary take?
It depends on the height, the condition of the wood and plaster, and the weather. The proposal gives a range of working days for each zone. It is a range because weather and what we find under old paint can move it, and we tell you as soon as it moves.
Do you work while services, classes or funerals are going on?
Not in the same space. The proposal splits the building into zones and says which are closed on which days. Sanctuary entrances stay clear on service days, funerals and weddings are put on the schedule before we start, and a school wing is painted when the school says it is empty.
What about humidity, rain and hurricane season?
Exterior paint needs dry surfaces and dry days, so we move exterior work to the cooler, drier months where the calendar allows. From June to November we watch the forecast, and when a storm is named we secure or take down the scaffold and tell you the new plan.
What should we have ready for the first walk-through?
Someone with keys to every space, including the attic, bell tower and boiler room if we are to see them. Any plans, earlier proposals or paint records you have, and the name of the person who will sign off for the board.
Pick a day for the walk-through
Tell us when your trustees can meet us at the building.