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    <title>Harbor Painting, Plastering, and Wallpaper Blog</title>
    <link>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0</link>
    <description>Great articles for homeowners, designers and architects concerning painting projects</description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 22:48:55 GMT</pubDate>
    <dc:date>2026-03-27T22:48:55Z</dc:date>
    <dc:language>en-us</dc:language>
    <item>
      <title>Top Paint Color Trends for Long Island Homes in 2026 (What Homeowners Are Choosing Now)</title>
      <link>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/top-paint-color-trends-for-long-island-homes-in-2026-what-homeowners-are-choosing-now</link>
      <description>&lt;h1&gt;&lt;span style="color: #181c20;"&gt;Top Paint Color Trends for Long Island Homes in 2026 (What Homeowners Are Choosing Now)&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h1&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;If you're planning to paint your home in 2026, you’ve probably noticed one big shift — homeowners are moving away from cool grays and toward warmer, more natural tones.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;h1&gt;&lt;span style="color: #181c20;"&gt;Top Paint Color Trends for Long Island Homes in 2026 (What Homeowners Are Choosing Now)&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h1&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;If you're planning to paint your home in 2026, you’ve probably noticed one big shift — homeowners are moving away from cool grays and toward warmer, more natural tones.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;So what paint colors are actually trending right now in Long Island?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In this guide, we’ll break down the top paint color trends for 2026 and how to choose the right one for your home.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Biggest Paint Trend of 2026: Warm, Nature-Inspired Colors&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The biggest shift in 2026 is toward colors that feel natural, calming, and grounded.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Homeowners are choosing tones inspired by:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Earth (browns, clay, terracotta)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Plants (greens, eucalyptus, olive)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sand and stone (warm neutrals, khaki, beige)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;These colors create a space that feels more comfortable, inviting, and timeless.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span&gt;1. Warm Neutrals Are Replacing Cool Grays&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;For years, gray dominated interior design — but that’s changing fast.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In 2026, we’re seeing:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Creamy whites&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Soft beiges&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Warm taupes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Khaki tones&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;These colors feel softer and more welcoming compared to the colder gray tones of the past.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&#x1f449; Popular choice: Sherwin Williams “Universal Khaki”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span&gt;2. Earthy Greens Are Taking Over&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Green is one of the most popular paint colors right now — especially muted, natural greens.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Trending shades include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Eucalyptus green&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Olive tones&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Smoky jade&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Deep forest green&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;These colors bring a calming, organic feel into the home and work well in:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Living rooms&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Bedrooms&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Kitchens&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt;  
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span&gt;3. Dark, Moody Colors Are Making a Comeback&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Homeowners are becoming more confident with bold colors.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In 2026, darker tones are being used for:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Accent walls&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Dining rooms&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Offices&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Popular shades:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Deep brown&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Charcoal with warm undertones&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Plum and espresso tones&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;These colors add depth and a high-end feel when used correctly.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span&gt;4. Color “Layering” Is the New Design Trend&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;One of the biggest trends right now is using different shades of the same color throughout a room.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Instead of painting everything one flat color, homeowners are:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Using a darker trim&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;A lighter wall color&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Coordinating ceilings&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;This creates depth without overwhelming the space.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span&gt;5. Painted Ceilings Are Gaining Popularity&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ceilings are no longer just white.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;More homeowners are now:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Matching ceiling color to walls&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Using subtle color contrast&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Adding depth to rooms with height&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;This trend works especially well in larger homes.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span&gt;How to Choose the Right Paint Color for Your Home&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Before selecting a color, consider:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lighting (natural vs artificial)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Room size&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Existing finishes (floors, cabinets)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Desired mood (calm, bold, modern)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Choosing the right color is just as important as the application itself.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span&gt;Why Hiring a Professional Painter Matters&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Even the best color can look wrong without proper preparation and application.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;At Harbor Paints, we help homeowners:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Choose the right colors&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Prepare surfaces properly&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Apply finishes that last&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt;  
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Expert Help Choosing the Right Paint Color&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;If you're thinking about painting your home in 2026, Harbor Paints can help you choose the right color and deliver professional results.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Contact us today for a free estimate and expert guidance.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Contact Harbor Painting and Power washing (Huntington NY)&amp;nbsp;today to schedule a consultation. Call 631-385-4405&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=85654&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harborpaints.com%2Fblog-0%2Ftop-paint-color-trends-for-long-island-homes-in-2026-what-homeowners-are-choosing-now&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.harborpaints.com%252Fblog-0&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>paint color trends 2026</category>
      <category>interior paint colors</category>
      <category>warm neutral paint colors</category>
      <category>green paint colors</category>
      <category>best paint colors</category>
      <category>long island painting tips</category>
      <category>house painting ideas</category>
      <category>Long Island home design</category>
      <category>modern home paint trends</category>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 22:07:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <author>ed@harborpaints.com (Edwin Rivera)</author>
      <guid>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/top-paint-color-trends-for-long-island-homes-in-2026-what-homeowners-are-choosing-now</guid>
      <dc:date>2026-03-27T22:07:55Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House in Long Island (2026 Guide)</title>
      <link>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/how-much-does-it-cost-to-paint-a-house-in-long-island-2026-guide</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/how-much-does-it-cost-to-paint-a-house-in-long-island-2026-guide" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-03-04%20174110-1.jpg" alt="How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House in Long Island (2026 Guide) | Huntington New York" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;h1&gt;&lt;span&gt;How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House in Long Island (2026 Guide)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h1&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;If you're planning to paint your home in Long Island, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span&gt;how much is this going to cost?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;h1&gt;&lt;span&gt;How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House in Long Island (2026 Guide)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h1&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;If you're planning to paint your home in Long Island, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span&gt;how much is this going to cost?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Harbor Painting wants to offer the hard truth &amp;nbsp;— pricing varies based on several factors, but this guide will give you real numbers based on current 2026 market conditions.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span&gt;Average Cost to Paint a House in Long Island&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Interior painting: $2.50 – $5.50 per square foot&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Exterior painting: $3.00 – $7.00 per square foot&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;For a typical home:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;1,500 sq ft home: $4,000 – $8,500&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;2,500 sq ft home: $7,000 – $15,000&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;4,000+ sq ft home: $12,000 – $25,000+&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span&gt;What Affects the Cost?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span&gt;1. Surface Condition&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;If walls require repairs, patching, or sanding, labor increases significantly.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span&gt;2. Number of Coats&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;One coat = lower cost&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Two coats = better durability (most common)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span&gt;3. Paint Quality&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Higher-end paints like Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore cost more but last longer.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span&gt;4. Prep Work&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Power washing, scraping, priming, and caulking all impact pricing.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span&gt;5. Accessibility&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;High ceilings, tight areas, or complex architecture increase labor costs.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span&gt;Interior vs Exterior Painting Costs&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Interior painting is typically more controlled and predictable, while exterior painting requires more preparation and weather considerations.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Exterior jobs also involve:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Power washing&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Surface sealing&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Weather-resistant coatings&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span&gt;How to Get an Accurate Estimate&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;To get a real price, a contractor should:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Measure your space&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Evaluate surface conditions&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Review paint specifications&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Provide a detailed breakdown&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span&gt;How to Avoid Overpaying&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Avoid extremely low bids (usually uninsured or rushed work)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ask about prep work — this is where quality is made&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span&gt;Final Thoughts&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Painting your home is an investment — not just in appearance, but in protection and long-term value.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;If you're located in Long Island and want a professional evaluation, Harbor Paints offers detailed estimates with clear pricing and no surprises.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Contact Harbor Painting and Power washing (Huntington NY)&amp;nbsp;today to schedule a consultation. Call 631-385-4405&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=85654&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harborpaints.com%2Fblog-0%2Fhow-much-does-it-cost-to-paint-a-house-in-long-island-2026-guide&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.harborpaints.com%252Fblog-0&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>house painting estimate</category>
      <category>long island painting tips</category>
      <category>cost to paint a house</category>
      <category>interior painting cost</category>
      <category>painting cost long island</category>
      <category>cost per square foot painting</category>
      <category>home painting estimate</category>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:12:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <author>ed@harborpaints.com (Edwin Rivera)</author>
      <guid>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/how-much-does-it-cost-to-paint-a-house-in-long-island-2026-guide</guid>
      <dc:date>2026-03-25T15:12:24Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Why Decorative Applied Moulding is transforming rooms on Long Island</title>
      <link>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/bid/35871/why-decorative-applied-moulding-is-transforming-rooms-on-long-island</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/bid/35871/why-decorative-applied-moulding-is-transforming-rooms-on-long-island" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hs-fs/file-15786653-jpg/images/x--photos-mmmm-pb090040.jpg" alt="Ten reasons why you need to update your crown molding | Harbor Paints " class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div class="hs-migrated-cms-post"&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="color: #000080;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Decorative moldings can work wonders to transform a boring box into a wonderful room.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div class="hs-migrated-cms-post"&gt;
 &lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="color: #000080;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Decorative moldings can work wonders to transform a boring box into a wonderful room.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;img src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hs-fs/file-15786653-jpg/images/x--photos-mmmm-pb090040.jpg?width=482&amp;amp;height=348&amp;amp;name=x--photos-mmmm-pb090040.jpg" alt="Decorative Applied Molding" width="482" height="348" class="alignCenter" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Anytime you are looking to enhance or dress up a space decorative moulding is a great choice&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;ul&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Newly constructed homes usually have a simple baseboard molding along the floor and narrow casings around the windows and doors.&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Older homes often can be found with wider decorative moldings and this gives these homes real character.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;/ul&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;You'll be amazed how a home can look more luxurious with the simple addition of wider casings, deeper baseboards, crown moldings, and a chair rail.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;The most&amp;nbsp;common moldings used in homes today are:&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;ul&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Baseboard Mouldings&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;This moulding is installed at the bottom of a wall against the flooring to cover the gap between the two surfaces. A typical home uses baseboards from 2" to 6" deep from top to bottom. &lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Casing&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;This moulding is used to fill the gap between a window and wall or door and wall. A typical home has casings between 1" to 4" wide. &lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Crown Moulding&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;This moulding is used to fill the gap between a wall and the ceiling. Crown mouldings can measure from 1 1/2" to 15" or 20" depending on the size of the room, the height of the ceiling, and the grandness of the space. A typical home uses crown mouldings of about 4" to 5". &lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Chair Railing Moulding&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;This moulding runs horizontal to the floor, approximately 30" from the floor to protect the wall from chairs bumping. Today, a chair rail is often used for decorative purposes only.&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Astragal Moulding&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;An interior moulding&amp;nbsp;attached to one of a pair of doors or window sash in order to prevent swinging through; also used with sliding doors to insure tighter fitting where doors meet.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;/ul&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;img src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hs-fs/file-15786386-jpg/images/x--photos-iphone_808-iphone_808_300-resized-600.jpg?width=262&amp;amp;height=343&amp;amp;name=x--photos-iphone_808-iphone_808_300-resized-600.jpg" alt="custom moldings" width="262" height="343"&gt;&lt;img src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hs-fs/file-15785494-jpg/images/x--photos-101msdcf-dsc00266.jpg?width=276&amp;amp;height=344&amp;amp;name=x--photos-101msdcf-dsc00266.jpg" alt="Custom cabnet moulding" width="276" height="344"&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;Here are some of our &lt;strong&gt;tips on what rooms to add molding to and choosing the right molding&lt;/strong&gt; for your home.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;The best rooms to added Mouldings to are:&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;ul&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Dinning Room&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Living Room&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Foyer&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Bath&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Master Bedroom&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;/ul&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;What to consider when looking to add applied moulding:&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;ul&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Consider what rooms guest will see the most &lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;What type of ceilings are in these rooms&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;How high are the ceilings&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Are you trying to raise the roof or lower the ceiling&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;What are you trying to enhance in the space &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;(Details, Details, Details)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;/ul&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Consider the style of your home when choosing the right molding&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;br&gt;Choose moulding styles to coordinate with the style of your home. You may love deep crown moulding and a center medallion on the ceiling, but this would probably not work in a contemporary or ranch style home. A modern home should have plain mouldings with little detail. Traditional homes look wonderful with deep baseboards and wide casings. Elegant period style homes are enhanced with very detailed decorative mouldings.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Consider what you are trying to achieve:&lt;/strong&gt; Many homes today have open floor plans with very hight ceilings.&amp;nbsp; Visually lowering the ceiling by adding a chair rail.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Determine the size of crown moulding to buy.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;Crown mouldings should enrich the look of a room, not overpower it. Decorators and interior designers usually advise that you select the width of crown moulding based on the height of the ceiling, usually 1" of depth for each foot of ceiling height. This rule works well for large rooms where a room with 10' ceilings would have 10" crown mouldings. For smaller rooms and lower ceilings, the dimensions might be too wide and you would need to cut back on the width. Tape a piece of paper or cardboard to test different sizes.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;In Summary, Almost any room or style house can be enhanced with character with some Decorative Applied Molding.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;ul&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;There is always a solution&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;There are thousands of profiles&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Don't be afraid to go big&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;/ul&gt; 
 &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What has been your experiences&amp;nbsp;with&amp;nbsp;Decorative Applied&amp;nbsp;moulding?&amp;nbsp; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Are you looking to enhance you home with some applied moulding?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.harborpaints.com/contact-us/"&gt;&lt;img src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hs-fs/file-15780583-jpg/images/--hpserver-sharedfolders-heather-my_documents-my_pictures-decorative_applied_moulding.jpg" alt="Free consultaion Decorative Applied Moulding" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;
 &lt;img src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hs-fs/file-15780439-jpg/images/--hpserver-sharedfolders-heather-my_documents-my_pictures-decorative_applied_moulding_checklist.jpg" alt="Decorative Applied Moulding checklist"&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=85654&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harborpaints.com%2Fblog-0%2Fbid%2F35871%2Fwhy-decorative-applied-moulding-is-transforming-rooms-on-long-island&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.harborpaints.com%252Fblog-0&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>Enhancing your home with Decorative Applied Moldin</category>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:16:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <author>mark@harborpaints.com (Mark Clayton)</author>
      <guid>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/bid/35871/why-decorative-applied-moulding-is-transforming-rooms-on-long-island</guid>
      <dc:date>2026-02-19T21:16:51Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Top Reasons to use Venetian Plaster in your Long Island Home</title>
      <link>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/bid/36397/the-top-reasons-to-use-venetian-plaster-in-your-long-island-home</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/bid/36397/the-top-reasons-to-use-venetian-plaster-in-your-long-island-home" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hs-fs/file-15781256-jpg/images/--hpserver-sharedfolders-mark-my_documents-p42600101.jpg" alt="The best Venetian Plaster Contractors on Long Island | Harbor Paint | North Port NY " class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div class="hs-migrated-cms-post"&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div class="hs-migrated-cms-post"&gt;
 &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;What is Venetian Plaster?&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Venetian Plaster&lt;/strong&gt; is a finishing technique using thin layers of plaster applied with a spatula or trowel and then burnished to create a smooth surface with the illusion of depth and texture.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;"Venetian plaster" is an American term to explain the variety of different techniques and materials used to create the polished stucco finish. The term "Venetian plaster" is common misconception.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hs-fs/file-15781256-jpg/images/--hpserver-sharedfolders-mark-my_documents-p42600101.jpg?width=543&amp;amp;height=477&amp;amp;name=--hpserver-sharedfolders-mark-my_documents-p42600101.jpg" alt="Venetian Plaster Long Island" width="543" height="477" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;The decision where to use Venetian Plaster can be overwhelming. Some of the common questions are:&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;ul&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Should I do the ceilings &lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Do I need to do the same plaster in each room&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;A shiny finish or a matt finish, texture or smooth&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Which are durable enough for a kitchen&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Do I need to wax or topcoat like the faux products&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;What about patching, cleaning&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;/ul&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;The Main reasons to use Venetian Plaster are:&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;ul&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;A beautiful Finish&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Crack-Resistant&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Very Breathable&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;If wet dries out fast&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;It will last a very long time &lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;It is very Durable&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Keeps out Moisture (Naturally Mold Resistant)&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Natural &amp;amp; Green&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;/ul&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;Venetian Plaster, the original "GREEN" product, allows the plaster to breathe. This is why they do not mold or mildew like paint or faux finish. The air in your home will become a healthy environment for you and your family.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="https://www.harborpaints.com/contact-us/"&gt;&lt;img src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hs-fs/file-15784740-jpg/images/x--free_consultation_button1.jpg" alt="Free consultaion" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;We can answer all your questions and even help in color selections. Choosing the right finish and color scheme can be a difficult task. We will consult with you to make professional choices that will produce exciting and dramatic interior finishes that create ambiance and stimulate the imagination.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=85654&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harborpaints.com%2Fblog-0%2Fbid%2F36397%2Fthe-top-reasons-to-use-venetian-plaster-in-your-long-island-home&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.harborpaints.com%252Fblog-0&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>Using Venetion Plaster to enhance you home</category>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:02:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <author>mark@harborpaints.com (Mark Clayton)</author>
      <guid>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/bid/36397/the-top-reasons-to-use-venetian-plaster-in-your-long-island-home</guid>
      <dc:date>2026-02-19T21:02:04Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Should you Paint before the Holidays?</title>
      <link>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/bid/77058/should-you-paint-before-the-holidays</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/bid/77058/should-you-paint-before-the-holidays" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hs-fs/file-1982224595-jpg/images/holiday_interior_painting.jpg" alt="Here is why should paint before the Holidays | Harbor Paints | Cold Spring Harbor  " class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div class="hs-migrated-cms-post"&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;With year-end holidays fast approaching, so too are visits by friends and family. Is your home company-ready? If not, don’t panic. You can quickly enhance your home with paint.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div class="hs-migrated-cms-post"&gt;
 &lt;p&gt;With year-end holidays fast approaching, so too are visits by friends and family. Is your home company-ready? If not, don’t panic. You can quickly enhance your home with paint.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;Adding a fresh interior paint color scheme is a wonderful way to beautify a home quickly and inexpensively. And with several weekends left before you greet your guests, you have ample time to do so.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt="Interior painting" class="alignCenter" height="284" src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hs-fs/file-1982224595-jpg/images/holiday_interior_painting.jpg?width=450&amp;amp;height=284&amp;amp;name=holiday_interior_painting.jpg" style="height: 284px; width: 450px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450"&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;ul&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;To get the best return on your investment, concentrate on painting the rooms where your company will spend the most time.&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;If the rooms where you entertain are very large, consider painting just one “accent wall” in each; this will give the rooms a fresh appearance for the holidays, and you if want, you can paint the other walls later on.&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Think about painting your rooms in “holiday” paint colors. Fortunately, red is a terrific choice for a dining room; and green and silver-grey, both holiday hues, are expected to be among the “hottest” interior paint colors next year.&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;If the weather is mild, consider repainting your front door to help create a better first impression of your home. For the same reason, consider painting your foyer also.&lt;/li&gt; 
  &lt;li&gt;Wherever you paint, be sure to use top quality paint made with 100% acrylic latex – and favor higher sheen levels. If your holiday revelers get reckless with food and drink, your new paint finish will be a snap to clean.&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;/ul&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;While it’s true that pre-holiday painting adds another item to your to-do list, when your guests arrive, you’ll be glad that you made the effort. And when the holidays are over, you’ll still be able to celebrate the beautiful new look of your home!&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;
  &lt;a class="cta_button" href="https://www.harborpaints.com/cs/ci/?pg=81d54900-35b1-4fcd-ae3b-bdbbf199665a&amp;amp;pid=85654&amp;amp;ecid=&amp;amp;hseid=&amp;amp;hsic="&gt;&lt;img class="hs-cta-img " style="border-width: 0px; /*hs-extra-styles*/; " alt="Get a free estimate" src="https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/85654/81d54900-35b1-4fcd-ae3b-bdbbf199665a.png"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
 &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=85654&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harborpaints.com%2Fblog-0%2Fbid%2F77058%2Fshould-you-paint-before-the-holidays&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.harborpaints.com%252Fblog-0&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>Brighten up your home</category>
      <category>painting</category>
      <category>Interior painting</category>
      <category>Holiday Interior Painting</category>
      <category>Holiday</category>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:55:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <author>mark@harborpaints.com (Mark Clayton)</author>
      <guid>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/bid/77058/should-you-paint-before-the-holidays</guid>
      <dc:date>2026-02-19T20:55:53Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>BUYER BEWARE! What to Look For When Hiring a Painter</title>
      <link>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/buyer-beware-what-to-look-for-when-hiring-a-contractor-or-handyman</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/buyer-beware-what-to-look-for-when-hiring-a-contractor-or-handyman" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hubfs/Buyer%20beware_%20hiring%20a%20contractor%20tips%20copy.png" alt="Why I should I Hire a licensed Painter " class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;I see a lot of people asking for contractor recommendations, and I also see plenty of contractors advertising their services. I’m writing this because I’ve personally seen far too many homeowners get taken advantage of by dishonest or unqualified people. As a&amp;nbsp;licensed and insured Home Improvement Contractor in Suffolk County, I want to share some basic information that every homeowner should know before hiring anyone.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;I see a lot of people asking for contractor recommendations, and I also see plenty of contractors advertising their services. I’m writing this because I’ve personally seen far too many homeowners get taken advantage of by dishonest or unqualified people. As a&amp;nbsp;licensed and insured Home Improvement Contractor in Suffolk County, I want to share some basic information that every homeowner should know before hiring anyone.&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;p&gt;First and foremost, all home improvement contractors must be licensed to work on your home in Suffolk County. There is no special exception for a “handyman.” If someone is doing home improvement work, they must also be licensed. Another major issue people overlook is Workers Compensation Insurance. If a contractor employs workers, they must carry Workers Comp. If they are a sole proprietor working alone, they can obtain a waiver. However, if a contractor hires local day laborers and they are not covered under Workers Comp, and one of them gets hurt on your property, that injured worker can sue YOU for damages and injuries. Many homeowners have no idea this risk even exists until it’s too late.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;It’s also extremely important to understand that a Home Improvement Contractor license does not include electrical or plumbing work. Those are separate licenses entirely. Do not let your contractor touch anything electrical or plumbing-related unless they are properly licensed for those trades. Most legitimate contractors hire licensed subcontractors for electrical and plumbing. You should be cautious of the “Jack of all Trades” guys who claim they can do everything. They often know just enough to sound professional, but if they aren’t licensed for the specific work they’re doing, you could be the one held responsible if something goes wrong. In many cases, homeowner’s insurance will not cover damages caused by unlicensed work.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;By law, Suffolk County Code §563-17D requires contractors to include their license number in all advertising, including business cards and social media posts. If they don’t include their license number, that should be your first red flag. Suffolk County Code §563-21D also requires contractors to provide a written estimate that includes a start time and end time, a description of the work being performed, and a breakdown of labor and material costs. In addition, all contractors must carry liability insurance, and homeowners should always ask to see proof of it. If they can’t provide it, don’t hire them. Any legitimate contractor will have proof of insurance readily available because it is required to obtain and maintain their license. When I was contracting, I always provided a copy of my license and proof of insurance with every estimate so the homeowner knew they were protected.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Before hiring anyone, you should also check Suffolk County’s “Wall of Shame.” If a contractor appears on that list, you should not hire them. You can find it here: &lt;a href="https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Consumer-Affairs/Wall-of-Shame"&gt;https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Consumer-Affairs/Wall-of-Shame&lt;/a&gt;. For a complete listing of laws governing home improvement contractors, you can also visit: &lt;a href="https://ecode360.com/14947425"&gt;https://ecode360.com/14947425&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Another important point is that reputable contractors pull permits. They know what work requires permits and inspections, and they follow building codes and best practices. If a contractor tries to talk you out of pulling permits or seems afraid of inspections, RUN. That’s usually a sign they don’t want their work examined. Also, don’t expect a quality contractor to start immediately. Many good contractors have wait lists because they stay busy from word-of-mouth referrals. In all the years I was a contractor, I never advertised because recommendations kept me consistently booked. At one point, I had a six-month waiting list. Plan your projects accordingly.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Yes, licensed and insured contractors often charge more than unlicensed ones, and there’s a reason for that. Running a legitimate business comes with overhead: insurance, licensing fees, Workers Compensation, payroll, and taxes. That additional cost translates into protection for the homeowner. If you hire someone unlicensed to do work and they do it wrong, damage something, or injure someone, you could be financially responsible. For example, you hire a handyman to hang kitchen cabinets, everything seems fine for weeks or months, then suddenly the cabinets fall because they weren’t attached properly. Someone could get seriously hurt or killed, especially a child. Or you hire a guy to do “small electrical work” like an outlet or light fixture. A short occurs, a fire starts, and now your home is damaged. If the work was unlicensed, your insurance may not cover it. There are millions of stories like this.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;I understand times are tough and everyone wants the best work for the best price, but please don’t cheap out on having work done correctly. Don’t be lured into “It’s just a small project… my friend’s guy can do it.” Always check references. Visit recent projects and talk to past clients. Most contractors are proud to show their work and happy customers, and if they aren’t, don’t hire them. Check their license status here: &lt;a href="https://ca.suffolkcountyny.gov/dcasearch"&gt;https://ca.suffolkcountyny.gov/dcasearch&lt;/a&gt;. Ask to see proof of insurance. Get three estimates, even if it takes time. Contractors are busy. Plan ahead and make sure you are comparing apples to apples.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Don’t be a victim. Protect yourself, your home, and your family.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;If your looking for a licensed Paint Contractor contact Harbor paints at 631-385-4405 .&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=85654&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harborpaints.com%2Fblog-0%2Fbuyer-beware-what-to-look-for-when-hiring-a-contractor-or-handyman&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.harborpaints.com%252Fblog-0&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>long island painting tips</category>
      <category>painting tips &amp; guides</category>
      <category>painting contractor tips</category>
      <category>avoid painting scams</category>
      <category>how to hire a painter</category>
      <category>choosing a painting contractor</category>
      <category>questions to ask a painter</category>
      <category>hiring a painter checklist</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 23:51:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <author>ed@harborpaints.com (Edwin Rivera)</author>
      <guid>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/buyer-beware-what-to-look-for-when-hiring-a-contractor-or-handyman</guid>
      <dc:date>2026-02-17T23:51:25Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Why Waterproofing Your Brick Matters.</title>
      <link>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/why-waterproofing-your-brick-matters</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/why-waterproofing-your-brick-matters" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hubfs/48D181A7-D0ED-488D-9B63-585142B5E9D9.jpeg" alt="Waterproofing Brick Homes in Cold Spring Harbor | Harbor Paints" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/2vgj-tV3alM?si=zTfLJIPCaQlpTRD_"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/a&gt;Spring is here, and while many homeowners are focused on freshening up their landscaping or power-washing their decks, one critical aspect of home maintenance often goes overlooked—waterproofing your brick exterior. &amp;nbsp; 
&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div&gt;
 &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/2vgj-tV3alM?si=zTfLJIPCaQlpTRD_"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/a&gt;Spring is here, and while many homeowners are focused on freshening up their landscaping or power-washing their decks, one critical aspect of home maintenance often goes overlooked—waterproofing your brick exterior. &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt;  
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 Today, we’re sharing two real stories from homeowners in Dix Hills and Commack, NY —one who learned the hard way about the importance of waterproofing and another who stays ahead of the game with regular maintenance. &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &lt;strong&gt;The Dix Hills Headache :&lt;/strong&gt; When Water Wins the Battle
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 John, a homeowner in Dix Hills, NY, had always admired the timeless beauty of his brick home. For years, he believed that brick was naturally resistant to the elements, so he never considered waterproofing. &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 Then, after a few rough winters and some heavy spring rains, the damage started to appear. First, there were small cracks in the mortar joints. Then, damp spots began forming inside the house along the walls. Before he knew it, his once-solid brick exterior was spalling—flaking, chipping, and even crumbling in certain areas. &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 What went wrong? &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 Moisture had seeped into the porous brick and mortar. When winter temperatures dropped, that trapped water froze and expanded, causing the brick to break apart. Mold started forming inside the home, leading to air quality concerns and costly interior damage. &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 The Fix:
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 John had no choice but to call in the pros. The repair process involved: &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Brick Replacement: Severely damaged bricks had to be removed and replaced, which wasn’t cheap. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: var(--secondary-font-family); font-size: var(--base-font-size); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"&gt;Repointing: The crumbling mortar joints had to be scraped out and refilled with new mortar. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: var(--secondary-font-family); font-size: var(--base-font-size); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"&gt;Mold Remediation: Inside, mold treatment was necessary to prevent health hazards. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: var(--secondary-font-family); font-size: var(--base-font-size); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"&gt;Sealing &amp;amp; Waterproofing: Finally, a professional-grade waterproofing sealer was applied to prevent future damage. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;The total cost? Thousands of dollars —a painful lesson that could have been avoided with routine maintenance. &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &lt;strong&gt;The Commack Success Story:&lt;/strong&gt; A Home That Stands the Test of Time
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 Just a few miles away in Commack, NY, Lisa had a very different experience. She moved into her brick home over a decade ago and, from the start, made waterproofing part of her regular home maintenance routine. &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 Every five years, she called in a professional to apply a high-quality breathable waterproofing sealer to her brick exterior. This sealer allowed moisture to escape while preventing new water from getting in—protecting her home against freeze-thaw damage, mold, and premature aging. &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 Thanks to her proactive approach, Lisa’s home has never needed a single major repair. No cracks, no spalling, and no interior damage—just a strong, beautiful brick exterior that continues to stand up against Long Island’s unpredictable weather. &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp; 
 &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong style="font-family: var(--secondary-font-family); font-size: var(--base-font-size); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"&gt;&lt;br&gt;What’s the Takeaway?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 The difference between John’s costly repairs and Lisa’s worry-free home came down to one thing: proactive waterproofing. &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 By investing in professional brick waterproofing every few years, homeowners can: &amp;nbsp;
 &lt;br&gt;
 &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;Prevent costly repairs &amp;nbsp;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: var(--secondary-font-family); font-size: var(--base-font-size); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"&gt;Protect against water damage and mold&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: var(--secondary-font-family); font-size: var(--base-font-size); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"&gt;Extend the life of their brick exterior &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: var(--secondary-font-family); font-size: var(--base-font-size); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"&gt;Maintain their home’s beauty and value&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &lt;br&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong style="font-family: var(--secondary-font-family); font-size: var(--base-font-size); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"&gt;&lt;br&gt;Is Your Home Protected?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 If your brick home has never been waterproofed—or it’s been years since your last treatment—now is the time to take action! Harbor Paints offers expert waterproofing services that will protect your home for years to come. &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;
 &#x1f4de; Call us today at 
 &lt;span&gt;&lt;a href="tel:631-385-4405"&gt;631-385-4405&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; for a free consultation or visit Harbor Paints at 
 &lt;span&gt;http://www.harborpaints.com&lt;/span&gt; to learn more! Click 
 &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/2vgj-tV3alM?si=zTfLJIPCaQlpTRD_"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt; to watch the team in action.&amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=85654&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harborpaints.com%2Fblog-0%2Fwhy-waterproofing-your-brick-matters&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.harborpaints.com%252Fblog-0&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>Brighten up your home</category>
      <category>exterior house painting</category>
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Mar 2025 14:25:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <author>ed@harborpaints.com (Edwin Rivera)</author>
      <guid>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/why-waterproofing-your-brick-matters</guid>
      <dc:date>2025-03-07T14:25:26Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Wallpaper vs Accent Walls: The 2025 Trend Homeowners Are Embracing</title>
      <link>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/wallpaper-vs-accent-walls-the-2025-trend-homeowners-are-embracing</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/wallpaper-vs-accent-walls-the-2025-trend-homeowners-are-embracing" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hubfs/IMG_3289-1.jpeg" alt="Compare Wallpaper vs Accent Walls in Cold Spring Harbor NY, Huntington NY " class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;In 2025, homeowners are increasingly moving away from traditional painted accent walls in favor of wallpaper. This shift is driven by wallpaper’s ability to offer intricate patterns, textures, and a high-end aesthetic that paint alone cannot achieve. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;In 2025, homeowners are increasingly moving away from traditional painted accent walls in favor of wallpaper. This shift is driven by wallpaper’s ability to offer intricate patterns, textures, and a high-end aesthetic that paint alone cannot achieve. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Cost Considerations for Long Island Homeowners&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;When deciding between wallpaper and an accent wall, cost is a major factor. Here’s a breakdown for Long Island residents: &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;- &lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Wallpaper Installation&lt;/span&gt;: High-quality wallpaper costs between $25 to $50 per roll. Professional installation runs around $5 to $7 per square foot. For a standard 12’x16’ wall, this can total between $1,000 and $1,500, including labor. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;- &lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Painted Accent Walls&lt;/span&gt;: Painting a single accent wall is generally more affordable, costing between $150 to $250, depending on wall size, paint quality, and labor. If you decide to add wood trim to create designs or patterns then the cost will increase based on the carpenters hourly rate. This increase can rage between $600 to $1,200.00 for a 12’x16’ wall. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;While wallpaper requires a higher initial investment, it lasts up to 15 years, making it a cost-effective long-term choice compared to paint, which often requires frequent touch-ups and repainting. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Expert Wallpaper Installation with Harbor Paints&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;At Harbor Paints, we specialize in professional wallpaper installation—but we do not sell or supply wallpaper. Instead, we guide our clients to several trusted wallpaper suppliers, allowing them to choose the perfect design. Our in-house wallpaper expert will assist throughout the selection process, ensuring a seamless and stunning result. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;For expert insights on wallpaper application, check out this video from an industry professional: &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;“Wallpaper vs. Accent Walls” click &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/-jGITacFKM0?si=vCBKzm8Y6FOw53pB"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.&amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Let’s Transform Your Space!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If you're ready to refresh your home with a beautifully installed wallpaper feature, Harbor Paints is here to help! Our experienced team ensures flawless application, making your vision a reality. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&#x1f4de; Call us today at (631) 385-4405 to schedule a consultation!&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=85654&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harborpaints.com%2Fblog-0%2Fwallpaper-vs-accent-walls-the-2025-trend-homeowners-are-embracing&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.harborpaints.com%252Fblog-0&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>Brighten up your home</category>
      <category>painting contractor</category>
      <category>house painting estimate</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Feb 2025 14:36:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <author>ed@harborpaints.com (Edwin Rivera)</author>
      <guid>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/wallpaper-vs-accent-walls-the-2025-trend-homeowners-are-embracing</guid>
      <dc:date>2025-02-11T14:36:19Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Does It Really Cost To Paint My Home?</title>
      <link>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/what-does-it-really-cost-to-paint-my-home</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/what-does-it-really-cost-to-paint-my-home" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hubfs/IMG_3158.jpeg" alt="How much does it cost to paint my house in Cold Spring Harbor NY " class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;  
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;What Does It Really Cost to Paint a Home on Long Island?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;If you’re a homeowner on Long Island and you’re wondering, “What’s the average cost per square foot to paint my house?” you’re not alone. It’s a common question, but one that’s often oversimplified. Here at Harbor Paints, we want to shed some light on this topic—and maybe stir up a little controversy while we’re at it.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Temptation of Simple Math&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;Many contractors or online resources might give you a ballpark figure: “Painting costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.” That sounds straightforward, right? Just multiply your home’s square footage by the rate, and you’ve got your budget.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;Not so fast.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;While square footage is a starting point, it’s far from the whole story. Painting a home—whether it’s an interior or exterior job—is a detailed process, and the “per square foot” cost varies dramatically based on several factors. Let’s dive into some of the key considerations.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Preparation Work: The Foundation of a Quality Job&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;Before the first drop of paint is applied, preparation work sets the stage for success. Does the surface need extensive patching, sanding, or caulking? Are there cracks, water stains, or peeling paint that require attention? Proper preparation takes time and skill—and it’s a critical factor that cheaper estimates often overlook.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;Imagine skipping prep work on a weather-worn cedar siding exterior or walls in a high-traffic hallway. Sure, you might save money upfront, but the paint job won’t last and it will look sub standard. And let’s face it—no one wants to repaint in just a few years.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Scaffolding and Specialty Equipment&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;Working on a multi-story home or one with architectural details? You’ll likely need scaffolding, lifts, or other specialized equipment. These aren’t just one-time costs for contractors—they’re ongoing investments that factor into your estimate.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;Cheap quotes often sidestep the need for proper equipment, leading to unsafe practices or subpar results. As professionals with over 25 years of experience on Long Island, we know that safety and precision come at a cost worth paying.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Doors, Windows, Trim, and Closets&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;When calculating costs, don’t forget about the details. Painting doors, window frames, baseboards, crown molding, and closets involves significantly more labor than flat wall surfaces. These areas require precision and often multiple coats for a flawless finish. A professional painter will factor these into the total cost—because cutting corners on details can make or break the final result. So make sure to ask your contractor, hey does this quote include doors, windows, trim and closets?&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The Quality of Materials&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;Paint is not just paint. The difference between using a high-quality product like Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore versus a bargain-brand can be night and day. Premium paints offer better coverage, durability, and longevity, saving you money in the long run.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;When comparing estimates, always ask about the materials being used. If a quote seems too good to be true, it might include subpar paint—and that’s a recipe for disappointment.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The Value of Professionalism&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;Finally, let’s talk about the people behind the paintbrush. Licensed, insured, and experienced contractors bring a level of expertise that guarantees a higher-quality job. Fly-by-night teams or non-professionals (AKA Two Men In A Truck) might offer a lower price, but you’re taking a risk on reliability, quality and fake injuries that will cost you thousands.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;At &lt;a href="http://www.HarborPaints.com"&gt;Harbor Paints&lt;/a&gt;, we’ve seen it all—including “budget jobs” that ended in frustrated homeowners calling us to fix mistakes. While we’re happy to help, we always wish they’d called us first.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;So, What Should You Expect to Pay?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;While we can’t give you a one-size-fits-all answer, we can tell you this: a professional paint job is an investment. The cost per square foot might be a starting point, but true value comes from considering preparation, materials, equipment, and expertise.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;For example, let’s break down a sample project:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;- Home Size: 4,500 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;- Ceiling Height: 9 feet&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;- Details: Crown and baseboard molding throughout, 25 windows, 14&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; doors, 4 closets&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;- Preparation Level: Low (minimal patching or sanding needed)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;- Paint Quality: Good quality paint on drywall (e.g., Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;Estimated Cost: $12,000 - $15,000&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;This range reflects the comprehensive scope of work, including attention to all trim, doors, windows, closets, and ceilings. It also factors in professional-grade materials and a meticulous approach to preparation and application&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Let’s Continue the Conversation&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: normal;"&gt;What do you think? Are you willing to invest in a professional paint job, or do you think the lowest price wins every time? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, or contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate. Let’s talk about how we can bring your vision to life—the right way&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;  
&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=85654&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harborpaints.com%2Fblog-0%2Fwhat-does-it-really-cost-to-paint-my-home&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.harborpaints.com%252Fblog-0&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>find painters</category>
      <category>exterior house painting</category>
      <pubDate>Sat, 25 Jan 2025 03:11:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <author>ed@harborpaints.com (Edwin Rivera)</author>
      <guid>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/what-does-it-really-cost-to-paint-my-home</guid>
      <dc:date>2025-01-25T03:11:01Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Permanent Solutions for Rotted Wood on Long Island</title>
      <link>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/bid/42699/permanent-solutions-for-rotted-wood-on-long-island</link>
      <description>&lt;div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper"&gt; 
 &lt;a href="https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/bid/42699/permanent-solutions-for-rotted-wood-on-long-island" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"&gt; &lt;img src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hs-fs/file-15784681-jpg/images/wood_rot-resized-600.jpg" alt="How to repair rotting wood | Harbor Paints | Mill Neck NY " class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"&gt; &lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;div class="hs-migrated-cms-post"&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;Protect your investment by replacing rotted and worn out wood before the winter months arrive. Rotting wood should be replaced before additional structural damage is caused by water infiltration into the home. &amp;nbsp;At Harbor Paint we employ the best solutions for making repairs and replacements for rotted wood on trim, fascia, rakes, sills and soffits.&lt;/p&gt; 
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      <content:encoded>&lt;div class="hs-migrated-cms-post"&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt="Wood Rot Repair" class="alignRight" src="https://www.harborpaints.com/hs-fs/file-15784681-jpg/images/wood_rot-resized-600.jpg" style="float: right;"&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;Protect your investment by replacing rotted and worn out wood before the winter months arrive. Rotting wood should be replaced before additional structural damage is caused by water infiltration into the home. &amp;nbsp;At Harbor Paint we employ the best solutions for making repairs and replacements for rotted wood on trim, fascia, rakes, sills and soffits.&lt;/p&gt;  
 &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Painting AZEK Trim: Yes or No? Here’s What Homeowners Should Know&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;AZEK trim is one of the best exterior trim products on the market today. It’s durable, moisture-resistant, and unlike wood, it won’t rot, swell, or attract insects. That’s why so many homeowners across &lt;strong&gt;Huntington, Dix Hills, Commack, Cold Spring Harbor, and Northport&lt;/strong&gt; are choosing AZEK for their exterior upgrades.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;But one of the biggest questions we get at Harbor Paints is: &lt;strong&gt;Should AZEK trim be painted, or left alone?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;The short answer: &lt;strong&gt;AZEK doesn’t need paint for protection&lt;/strong&gt;, but painting it can dramatically improve curb appeal and help your home look more custom and high-end. AZEK typically comes in a factory white finish, and while it looks clean, it may not always match your siding, shutters, or exterior color palette. Painting gives you the flexibility to create a fully coordinated look.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;That said, AZEK is PVC-based, meaning it has a smooth, non-porous surface. If you paint it the wrong way, the finish can peel or fail early. Proper prep is the key. At Harbor Paints, we always start with a thorough cleaning, light sanding, and the correct bonding primer when needed. From there, we apply premium exterior-grade coatings designed to handle Long Island weather — from summer sun to winter freezing temperatures.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;When done properly, painted AZEK trim can look incredible and hold up for years.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Need Your Exterior Painted the Right Way?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;If you're located in &lt;strong&gt;Huntington, East Northport, Smithtown, Melville, or anywhere on Long Island&lt;/strong&gt;, Harbor Paints is ready to help. Contact us today for a free estimate and let’s make your home stand out with a clean, professional finish.&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Call Harbor Paints today or request a quote online! &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Call 631-385-4405&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
 &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; 
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&lt;img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=85654&amp;amp;k=14&amp;amp;r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harborpaints.com%2Fblog-0%2Fbid%2F42699%2Fpermanent-solutions-for-rotted-wood-on-long-island&amp;amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.harborpaints.com%252Fblog-0&amp;amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; "&gt;</content:encoded>
      <category>wood rot repair</category>
      <category>rotted wood repair</category>
      <category>azek repair</category>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Aug 2011 03:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <author>mark@harborpaints.com (Mark Clayton)</author>
      <guid>https://www.harborpaints.com/blog-0/bid/42699/permanent-solutions-for-rotted-wood-on-long-island</guid>
      <dc:date>2011-08-05T03:22:00Z</dc:date>
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