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David Chamberlain

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 Consultations


Services Offered

• Color Consultations

How much?

The initial Consultation is $120.00
This usually lasts from 75–120 minutes.
I’ll be able to select/suggest numerous samples at this time.
Occasionally, I might need to "sleep on it" & mail a few color chips the very next day.
During the initial consultation no PAINT samples are applied.

Follow up visits are $45.00 for that day's 1st hour and $35.00 for any additional hrs. performed on that same visit.
For example:  1 hr. = $45.00   2 hrs. = $80.00  3 hrs. = $115.00

Service area map
Be sure to look at My Approach to Color.

Customers are encouraged to purchase & apply their own samples, or I’d be more than happy to apply samples & re evaluate them on a return/follow-up visit.  I can put up about 6 samples (at least ~ 2 feet x 3 feet) each in 3 or 4 different locations in less than an hour (assuming I'm not having to talk to you & a half dozen of your friends/neighbors) or referee your color blind husband . . .

Clients often prefer to purchase their own samples.  I have accounts at most paint stores in Austin and my token discount is fully transferable — just mention my name and/or show my business card.  If you ask me to purchase the samples, I have to charge for my time shopping.  I’d be happy to do this on my way to our follow-up visit. Best case scenario*, 20–30 minutes added to the bill/time, or you’re welcome to purchase the samples at your convience.
(* Best case scenerio = means having at least 24 hrs. lead time to call the paint store & have the samples mixed & waiting for pick up.  Worst case scenerio means waiting 90+ minutes in line & while the colors are being mixed.)

Generally I like to put up 3 different samples for every color attempted.  Once this is done, the exact perfect shade can easily be determined with no more than 1 or 2 additional samples.

Generally people's biggest complaint in picking colors is "The paint I put up doesn’t match the chip."  My experience allows me to compensate for this.  I find that verbal cues and descriptions often give me a closer idea of what someone is looking for rather than just pointing to a paint chip or sample.

Everyone has their own interpretation of ‘sky blue’, ‘terracotta red’, ‘sand’, ‘ocean blue’, ‘cement gray', etc.  Only by applying a few samples in different lights can one accurately pin these personalized color perceptions down.  I call this "orienting one's self to the paint chart".  Switching charts starts a new orientation process.  It’s best to stick with one or two manufacturer's color Charts.  Franticly switching brands just adds to the confusion and frustration in selecting the exact color desired.

I can also blend samples to get what we’re looking for.  The paint store can then mix up/match our sample.  The computers used to match customer-supplied colors are very exacting these days.

Typical Timeframes

Simple color selection:
1 or 2 off whites / colors
Generally two visits, occasionally 3.

Multiple colors:
We meet 2 or 3 times a week — you’ll be surprised at how much the colors will change depending on the time of day and variations in light.
It’s a good idea to start by laying out a general framework and then to go back and select the EXACT shades one at a time.

A couple thousand dollars is the most I’ve ever charged anyone (so far) for the 12–15 color palettes we developed.

Projects Specified & 2nd Opinions

Are you confused about what really needs to be done?
Practical is my favorite word.

Are you unsatisfied (or maybe even fearful) with your (sub) contractor's minimally worded:  "I promise . . . i do good Job" = legally binding contract?

If you're selling your home, or considering a partial fix up, are you wondering how extensive (and expensive) to get? — the number of coats, what finishes – where, and what sheen, primers, mold problems . . . the list is endless.

I have extensive experience understanding and writing painting contracts and bid specifications.  After determining YOUR NEEDS and budget, I will draw up a detailed, clear, and easy-to-read list of directions, instructions and/or recommended specifications that can be used to get the 10 estimates that NORM recommends in This Old House: Ask Norm.

Or just a practical chore/shopping list for the do-it-yer-selfer, I can also advise on tools, supplies, materials, techniques and more if you’re attempting a do-it-yourself painting project.

Typical charge for project specifications about $150–$250.





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