Would builders pay for this? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

toddcla2002 · 01-16-2008, 01:15 PM

Hey, I am a paint contractor. I painted the first LEED certified houses in my county. I think it's sad that they mainly just specify using lower voc products. Within my company I am starting a Green Paint Division aimed at residential repaints. (I don't think builders would pay for this). All of our sheetrock is brushed & rolled to save paint material. Less materials used....greener product. We will also take the time to thoroughly scrape all the paint out of a bucket (usually about 7% of each bucket is wasted) and we will take the next step to recycle the buckets as well. All of our contracts our via email and all of our paperwork is on 100% recycled paper etc.

My question to you is would a builder pay let's say 10-20% more to not only have a paint contractor that uses LOW VOC products but one that has a company that is thru and thru doing a far superior job in using less product, using more recycled product, recycling product and obviously still outstanding customer service? Thanks!

~todd

ajpace · 01-16-2008, 03:33 PM

Using less material does not make the painting project green. As a matter of fact, I'll argue that it does the exact opposite. Paint manufacturers provide application guidelines to ensure that the dry film thickness is substantial enough to provide the level of performance the product is rated for. By stretching the coverage rate, all you are doing is voiding the manufacturer's warranty. If, or I should say, when, the paint fails, any cost savings is lost due to additional labor and materials to fix it.

The sustainable choice is to use high quality low-toxin materials, and apply as directed. One coat of primer, two coats of finish. The customer will probably get sick of the color before they ever have to repaint due to durability issues.

Will builders pay more...probably not. But informed homeowners will.

gregj · 01-16-2008, 05:19 PM

Probably not unless a specific customer specd it.

toddcla2002 · 01-17-2008, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajpace

Using less material does not make the painting project green. As a matter of fact, I'll argue that it does the exact opposite. Paint manufacturers provide application guidelines to ensure that the dry film thickness is substantial enough to provide the level of performance the product is rated for. By stretching the coverage rate, all you are doing is voiding the manufacturer's warranty. If, or I should say, when, the paint fails, any cost savings is lost due to additional labor and materials to fix it.

The sustainable choice is to use high quality low-toxin materials, and apply as directed. One coat of primer, two coats of finish. The customer will probably get sick of the color before they ever have to repaint due to durability issues.

Will builders pay more...probably not. But informed homeowners will.

I apologize as I did not mean to suggest that we would not be following manufacturers standards in regards to mil build. Yes there are some painting products that HAVE to be sprayed such as many high build surfacers that are used as a primer and skimcoat on smooth walls. Just to let you know the transfer rate of airless sprayers is anywhere from 65-75% efficient. That means that only that much paint makes it to the walls. Also if you use cheap paint more of that evaporates where if you have a higher grade paint with more solids then there is less that evaporates. All of my work is warranted through me and my manufacture so just to let you know there would be no compromise.

**genecarp** · 03-16-2008, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajpace

Using less material does not make the painting project green. As a matter of fact, I'll argue that it does the exact opposite. Paint manufacturers provide application guidelines to ensure that the dry film thickness is substantial enough to provide the level of performance the product is rated for. By stretching the coverage rate, all you are doing is voiding the manufacturer's warranty. If, or I should say, when, the paint fails, any cost savings is lost due to additional labor and materials to fix it.

The sustainable choice is to use high quality low-toxin materials, and apply as directed. One coat of primer, two coats of finish. The customer will probably get sick of the color before they ever have to repaint due to durability issues.

Will builders pay more...probably not. But informed homeowners will.

read it again, he is not saying that he applies less paint to the wall, he is brushing and rolling instead of spraying, spraying consumes more paint, also scraping out the cans and trays uses less paint per job

Fox Flooring · 03-16-2008, 09:21 PM

It all depends on what kind of builders you deal with. There are a few builders that we work for that are very open minded to new things, but some of the larger builders we work for are the completly opposite, all they want is cost-effectiveness on their multi-million dollar communites.
But then again, you shouldn't be worried, as there is always a market for "GREEN" companies.
good luck

Custom Builder · 03-16-2008, 10:13 PM

I would never use it. We build larger homes and while the people claim to be "green". They have us build a home so large that it takes 4 furnaces and A/C's to heat and cool it. Their decorator will then ask for Sherwin Williams Cashmere paint. 10-20% is a lot.

Milhaus · 03-19-2008, 12:02 AM

I'd use you. Those practices that you are using will be a factor if not now, down the road. I haven't found anyone that cares around here. You anywhere near Iowa?

mark

john5mt · 06-13-2008, 08:57 PM

Nope wouldnt pay extra, if you do it do it out of the goodness of your heart or cause you believe in green and grand pontiff gore.

MALCO.New.York · 06-13-2008, 09:53 PM

Anyone care to hear my opinion??? Reread "Custom Builder"'s post.

jmgrahamjr · 06-13-2008, 10:07 PM

I think that green products would do better in california because thats where most building trends start.

MALCO.New.York · 06-13-2008, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmgrahamjr

I think that green products would do better in california because thats where most building trends start.

Oy Vey!

orson · 06-15-2008, 10:04 AM

What happens if you Google your local and "green building"? Ought to be a good starting point for finding builders to market your services to.

For the price difference you're talking about you should be able to use zero VOC paints rather than just low VOC.

milancole · 06-20-2008, 11:34 PM

I'd prefer to hire someone who cares like you do, but if it's spec building, then it would be a difficult choice. On the other hand, paying more for quality and reliable work is to be expected and if it's a green remodel type job that it's an easy sell.