Learning Center
Answers to the questions most contractors dodge
54 guides on what things cost, what goes wrong, and how the options really compare. We write these because if you are asking, someone else asked yesterday and nobody answered them straight.
The Big 5
Start with the category that matches your question
Cost, problems, comparisons, reviews and best-of. Those five cover nearly everything homeowners actually search for.
On camera
Video library
David answering the same questions on video, so you can hear the answer instead of reading it.
Newest first
Recently published
Cost & Pricing
$22K or $3K to Paint Oak Trim? A Real Homeowner Case Study
A St. Charles homeowner got a $22,000 quote from us and a $3,000 quote from someone else for the same oak trim. Here is exactly what was in our number.
8 min read
Cost & Pricing
Commercial Wallpaper Problems, Costs and Durability: 10 Questions Answered
What commercial wallpaper costs in the Chicago suburbs, how long Type II and III vinyl lasts, what fails first, and when a repair means a full wall.
13 min read
Cost & Pricing
What Does It Cost to Paint a House Before Selling? A $5,700 Estimate
An Elgin pre-listing job came in at $5,200 and about $5,700 with add-ons. Here is the full scope, what moved the price, and when not to paint.
6 min read
Comparisons
DIY Cabinet Painting vs. Hiring a Paint Contractor
$5,000 and 4 days for a professional, or about $1,000 and over a month yourself: one 33 piece kitchen, our estimate, and the homeowner's own hours.
5 min read
Cost & Pricing
What Is the Cost to Paint Cabinets Yourself?
One kitchen, 33 pieces: our estimate was $5,324 and 4 days. The homeowner did it themselves, and here is how long it took them.
5 min read
Cost & Pricing
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Dearborn Model in Del Webb?
Painting a Dearborn model in Del Webb Huntley: David's 2025 ballpark is $5,800 to $7,400 for the base home, with closets and doors included.
5 min read
Before you hire anyone
Three pages worth reading, even if you hire somebody else
Who we are not right for
Six situations where you should not hire us, and who to call instead.
Read it straightBefore your estimate
What happens at the walkthrough, what we ask, and what to decide first.
Get readyAsk us anything
Still have a question?
Send it over and we will answer it. We answer questions publicly on this site, because if you are wondering it, someone else is wondering the same thing and nobody has told them straight.