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“And every work that [Hezekiah] undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:21). There are here in this one verse three keys to prospering in your work. One, whatever you do should be in accordance with the word of God. God’s will is revealed in his word; it is to be found in no other place. I realize the Bible does not tell us whether we should be a carpenter or a financial advisor, a realtor or a nurse, but it does tell us to do what we do as unto the Lord. So if what you are doing can be so done, it is well and good as far as God is concerned. Better yet, find out what God wants you to do, and do that. I teach that a person should get a word from God as to his occupation. It could be that God puts a certain thing on your heart, to be and do such and such a thing. This is also good in God’s sight, as he gives us the desires of our hearts. He is in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure. That said, let it be “in accordance with the law and the commandments.” Two, seek God. He is a rewarder of them that seek him. Jesus taught, “seek and you shall find.” Having sought God as to what he wants you to do, keeping seeking him as to how to do it. This is a never ending endeavor. There is a verse in Scripture that goes like this: “As long as he sought the Lord, he prospered” (see 2 Chronicles 26:5). So if you are seeking God and prospering, if you want to continue to do so, keep seeking God. Three, do what you do with all your heart. The Bible says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). What is to be noticed here is who you are working for. You may think you are working for the government, or the auto-maker, or the real-estate broker. Or, if you are self-employed or own your own business, that you work for yourself. The Christian, however, is to work for the Lord. Verse 24 of this same book and chapter says, “You are serving the Lord Christ.” So, if you think a half-hearted approach to your job pleases the Lord, then go for it. Otherwise, you had better up your game. There is another verse in Ecclesiastes that addresses how you work. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (9:10). In other words, in everything you do, whatever it is—your job, your service to your family or church, or even mundane things like mowing the yard or shoveling snow, give it all you have. Do it as for Jesus, as this greatly pleases him. It should be apparent, then, that if you wish to prosper, be applying these principles. And if you want to keep on prospering, don’t let up. I have found that after enjoying a measure of success, it is easy to ease off on the intensity with which you approach your work. Jesus says it best when speaking about prayer: keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking. The key words here being “keep on.” The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

While you can get your property painted for just about any amount, hiring a reputable commercial painting contractor will ensure you get a quality end-product with a firm that stands behind its work. To provide this, there are three cost-factors that go into a good commercial contractor’s price: labor, materials, and profit.

Moisture is among your commercial property’s greatest enemies. Wind-driven rain, leaky gutters and downspouts, old, deteriorated caulk or glazing, plus improperly painted substrates are all factors in moisture penetration. The result of water getting into unwanted places include peeling paint, damaged substrates, and—worse yet, mold and mildew. This is why you want to keep your commercial building waterproofed. While no one can prevent unwanted weather, and leaky gutters and downspouts are outside the scope of this article, proper preparation and a good quality paint job can go a long way in preventing moisture penetration. The following will contribute to a watertight building: Caulking. It is surprising how much damage a little water can do and how small an area allowing access will allow a lot of water in. Gaps in building materials, open joints, holes, plus splits and cracks may seem insignificant, but they’re a major entry point for moisture. This is easily solved by installing a good quality caulk. Since building components vary, caulks vary as well. They can be as simple as latex caulk, acrylic, siliconized acrylic, polyurethane, butyl, and pure silicone. The key is to seal up points of entry. Painting. Your commercial building is properly painted when all the paintable substrates have an adequate and cumulative amount of coating on them. I say adequate and cumulative as typically one coat of paint applied too thin will typically not do the job. Every substrate, that needs to be protected from moisture penetration, must have the right amount of millage installed. The proper mill thickness can be found in the manufacturer’s product data sheet (PDS). Of particular concern are those commercial buildings comprised of concrete masonry units (CMUs), or block. Concrete block is extremely porous, and unless coated properly will allow a huge amount of water into the walls of your building. The most important aspect of waterproofing a masonry building is filling the pores of the CMU. This is done by applying a block-filler as a first coat, with no more than ten pin-holes (the pore) per square foot. Once this is achieved, a good quality topcoat of any sort will provide water tightness. Best for CMUs are elastomeric coatings. These are rubber-based paints that, once dry, form an impenetrable rubber film over the substrate, and are the best for preventing moisture penetration—even wind-driven rain. Another advantage to elastomeric coatings is that they expand and contract, and will actually bridge small cracks in the masonry that may develop over time. There are other options for waterproofing—actual waterproofing sealers, stains, and cementitious coatings, all of which we have applied over our 36 years in business. In summary, to keep your commercial building looking good and free of moisture damage, keep it sealed up and make sure it is properly painted. Here at T. L. Hart, Inc. our goal is to ensure your commercial property is always in excellent condition. Our team of professional painters stands ready to keep moisture out of your property. Contact us today to request a quote.

On commercial buildings, maintaining newly painted surfaces will, in the long run, save time and money by extending the life of the paint job. Here’s how to keep your commercial property looking good. On exteriors 1. Begin with a professional contractor who will do things right the first time. Many painting projects fail because of poorly prepared surfaces or cheap paint. Professionals know to produce great and lasting results. Paying a little more up front will pay off in the long run. 2. Be sure to eliminate sources of unwanted moisture. Moisture penetration, whether it is painted wood or masonry, is a prime reason for paint failure. A sound roof, proper flashings, gutters and downspouts unclogged and in good shape, plus windows, doors, and joints properly caulked, all contribute to a water-tight building. 3. Keep your building clean. One sure way of maintaining the good looks of your commercial property is to have it power washed regularly. Most contractors offer this as a regular service, but few customers take advantage of it. 4. Touch-up the paint. Inevitably, and over time, paint will chip and peel. This is true especially in climates like Michigan, where temperatures can vary ten or twenty degrees in a day’s time! This means the expansion and contraction of the substrates. Even metal siding will expand and contract with temperature variations. The best practice is to review your commercial building’s painted surfaces once a year, noting if there are any areas that need paint repair. Then, contact a good commercial painting contractor to take care of the issues before they become a major problem. On interiors 1. When initially painting or repainting, be sure your contractor uses a good commercial grade enamel. In most environments, an eggshell finish is the industry standard. The goal is a durable and washable surface. 2. Regularly take care of the painted finish by washing when and as needed. Cleaning walls is far less expensive than repainting them, and in most situations, a business’s cleaning company can take care of minor dirt and smudges. For larger projects, your commercial painting company will typically provide this service, and if not, many cleaning companies offer wall washing as well. 3. As on exteriors, you can extend the life of your interior paint job by taking care of scratches, nicks and gouges by spot patching and touch-up painting. It is particularly effective if you have some of the original paint left in store. Of course, if you want a professional to do the touch-up work, call your commercial painting contractor. 4. Use protective measures such as corner guards. Outside corners are usually the first areas to become damaged over time; a good plastic corner guard will solve this issue. Also effective are chair rails, vinyl wainscotting, fiberglass reinforced panels, kick plates (on doors), and proper door stops. Of course, nothing lasts forever, and even great paint jobs need to be redone in time. In taking the above measures, you will extend the length of time before repainting is needed. Like a car, it is cheaper to maintain it than to neglect it and end up with an expensive repair—or, having to purchase a new one as a result. Maintaining your commercial property's paint job requires a lot of work, which is why you need the help of a professional painting contractor like TL Hart. Our team of expert painters use tried and tested techniques to guarantee the longevity of your building's paint job. If you're looking to repaint your commercial facility, give us a call today and we'll provide you with a detailed estimate on the painting project you have in mind.

While you can get your property painted for just about any amount, hiring a reputable commercial painting contractor will ensure you get a quality end-product with a firm that stands behind its work. To provide this, there are three cost-factors that go into a good commercial contractor’s price: labor, materials, and profit. Labor While many ‘contractors’ have painters that work for them, not all painters are paid equally, and not all contractors pay the appropriate insurances and taxes. Painting contractors in all sectors are notorious for paying their help either ‘under the table’ or as 1099 subcontractors. This latter arrangement most always violates simple IRS rules stipulating who is, and who is not, an independent contractor. Reputable commercial contractors treat their painters as employees, pay a fair and competitive wage, and pay all appropriate insurances (liability, worker’s compensation, unemployment) and taxes (FICA). These additional costs are typically referred to as the labor burden, and can include health and dental insurance, plus contributions to retirement plans—all of which support those committed to the professional trades. In summary, a viable commercial contractor pays his help well and covers all required insurances and taxes. Materials While it can vary, materials typically constitute about 15%-20% of the overall cost of the job. Paint products are available in various price ranges. Some can be very cheap, while others are extremely expensive. A good commercial contractor will avoid poor, unsatisfactory materials and use paints suitable for the substrates being painted. With most major brands, there are commercial lines that are appropriate for the usual commercial property. These are best suited for the conditions typical to commercial settings. Overhead & Profit Where non-professional painting contractors will work for wages, viable firms know that to stay in business they must cover their non-production costs and make a profit. So once labor and material costs have been tabulated, the commercial contractor will add an amount that exceeds the hard costs of the project. Profits go toward the purchase of equipment and machinery, provide for operating expenses, plus accruing cash on hand for the unforeseen and often, inevitable downturns in the market. T. L. Hart, Inc. is in its 36th year and has built its company around sound business principles and practices. When providing a quote for painting or related work, you can be assured that the conditions and needs of your commercial property have been assessed, and a fair and reasonable proposal is offered you. Call us today to get a free estimate. We are currently booking work for 4th quarter 2020 and 1st quarter 2021.

Whether commercially or residentially, a good paint job depends on the work done before the first coat of finish is ever applied. This is what professionals refer to as preparation--or, more simply, prep work. Prep work is the process of getting the job ready to paint. Proper preparation helps ensure adhesion, color and sheen uniformity, plus longevity. Skipping this procedure or skimping on thoroughness most times will result in an unsatisfactory finish with a short life-span of the coating. To make for a good-looking and lasting commercial or residential paint job, professional painting contractors will follow these important steps in properly preparing the surfaces before finishing. Protection The first step is protecting those items and areas that are not being treated. This is done by masking and covering. On exteriors these would include windows, doors, lights, hose bibs, and landscaping. On interior projects it would be furniture, flooring, and fixtures. Key to a quality project is making sure the paint goes where it is intended! Exterior Preparation Power-washing While not 100% applicable, most exterior projects should be power washed. Power washing not only removes dirt and other contaminants, it aids in the removal of loose and peeling paint (if present). In some cases a simple washing is required; in other instances a more aggressive approach is needed. The key is a clean and stable surface (substrate), which power-washing provides. Typically, depending on the finishes being applied and the weather conditions, a building should be allowed to dry for 1-2 days before painting. Hand-prep Where loose, peeling or bubbling paint exists, it must be removed prior to priming and finishing; this is typically done by hand, although in some cases other mechanical means may be employed. Too, loose rust, where present, must be removed--as well as loose caulking or glazing. Depending on the application and the wants and needs of the customer, it is not uncommon to feather-sand the edges where loose paint has been removed and intact paint remains. This aids in the appearance as well as in the integrity of the finished product. Caulking and priming Typically, all bare wood and metal must be primed before painting. In some cases, entire surfaces must be primed; in others, simply spot priming is needed. The type of primer must be compatible with the substrate (e.g., wood primer for wood surfaces, metal primer for metals). Caulking gaps in wood members, joints, and holes is an important step to prevent moisture penetration, insects, and weather to enter your building--maybe even causing structural damage. There are a variety of types of caulk on the market, from urethanes and silicones, to acrylics and latex. A professional commercial contractor will know the right type of caulk to use. Interior Preparation Most interior preparation includes patching minor imperfections, caulking dissimilar materials, filling holes, spot priming, and sanding. Here again, proper prep work provides for a well-adhered, uniform finish that provides for aesthetic beauty, washability, and durability. Prep work can be time-consuming and certainly adds cost to the job, but omit these key steps and most likely you will end up with an unsatisfactory project. This is why you need the help of a professional painting contractor like T. L. Hart, Inc. With over 35 years of experience in commercial, industrial, and residential painting, T. L. Hart has the knowledge to assess and properly prepare the surface of your building. Call us today to learn more.

Every year, your commercial building takes a beating--hot summers, frigid winters, ice, snow, moisture, plus daily wear and tear all contribute to the deterioration of your property. Like all structures, your building requires regular upkeep to keep it looking good and well maintained. When the exterior paint of your building reaches the end of its service life, it can lead to: Rust Mold and mildew Cracks and holes Warping Exposed wood, metal and steel What to look for Knowing when to repaint is key to preserving its value and appearance. Unfortunately, many property owners fail to notice the signs of paint deterioration, which can result in extensive and irreparable damage. Most commercial exterior paints are designed to last from 3 to 10 years, depending on the building materials used, exposure to the sun, weather-tightness, and so forth. Here are signs to look for when determining when to repaint: #1 Fading color While newer acrylics hold their color longer, fading is inevitable over time. Mostly an aesthetic issue, it can also point to the need to repaint for other reasons. While you want your building to look good to your tenants and the public, when the paint begins to fade it is time to assess whether there are other problems areas needing correction. #2 Chalking Chalking occurs when a chalk-like powder forms on the surface of your building's paint film. Again, while modern and high quality acrylic paints rarely chalk, older products often do. This occurs as a result of weathering, which causes the binder to slowly degrade. If left unchecked, excessive chalking can: Seep into your building's brickwork and deface its surface appearance Erode the paint film Give the exterior paint a lighter look #3 Mold and mildew Are black, gray, or green stains starting to form on your building's exterior surface? If so, it's a sign of mold and mildew growth. This occurs as a result of poor air circulation and excessive moisture. Mostly unsightly, these can also have an adverse effect on people's health. #4 Cracking paint Another sign of paint deterioration is the appearance of web-like cracks in the paint film. This is common for buildings with many coats of paint. Also called alligatoring, these cracks can spread across large areas of your building and lead to paint chipping or peeling. Moisture then can enter through the cracks and gaps and lead to rotting wood, rust (if ferrous metal), and spalling (if concrete or brick). A #5 Bubbling paint Also called blistering, bubbling is the localized loss of paint adhesion as a result of: Applying the paint on a hot surface or under direct sunlight Exposing the paint film to rain or high humidity after being applied Escaping moisture that's trapped inside the wall Poor preparation by the previous paint contractor #6 Efflorescence Efflorescence is a white, chalk-like substance collecting on the surface of masonry products. These are salts that are common to concrete, brick, and block and result from moisture penetration and heat. Mostly unsightly, these salts can also cause paint to blister and peel. If you're not sure if your commercial building needs repainting, contact T. L. Hart can help you. Our experts can inspect your property, identify any potential issues with its exterior paint job, and recommend the ideal solution. To learn more about our commercial painting services, give us a call today.

While the location of the business has a great deal to play into the market focus of the painting contractor—that is to say, smaller geographical areas will necessitate contractors be multi-disciplined, there are distinctions to be made between the residential and commercial painting business. The first is just that: is it a legitimate business? As is common in many of the trades, many painting companies are not businesses per se; instead, rather, they are individuals engaged in the painting trade. Some might refer to them as ‘one-or-two-man shops.’ A major difference between the residential and commercial contractor is their business designation—they have a business address, are registered with the state as a bonafide entity (e.g., LLC, S-corp, etc.), and have employees. They are distinguished by having a quality website, uniforms, and labeled vehicles. Let me say this about employees: companies who have persons working for them, who exercise control over what they do, how they do it, and when, are required to treat them as employees—not independent contractors. While the latter is a practice rampant among some trades, the IRS says if you control your workers, they are employees. You are responsible to pay them overtime if they work it, withhold and pay their taxes, and properly insure them. Another feature of legitimate businesses is their affiliation. Membership in the local and state chambers of commerce is a good indicator that you are dealing with a business and not an individual. Memberships in trade associations are telling also. For painting contractors these might be The Painting Contractors of America (PCA), or The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Another distinction is this: a safety program. Since safety is paramount in any market sector, commercial contractors are more likely to have a detailed safety program and provide safety training to their employees. The painting business can be very hazardous; painters work with dangerous equipment and oftentimes hazardous materials. Both can put at risk both the company and the end-user. Moral of story: make sure the contractor you use, residential or commercial, has a viable safety program. Insurance. A contractor that is fully insured is vital to the end-user, and while all painters should carry insurance, not all do. General liability, auto, and worker’s compensation are not only required, but offer protection to both the contractor and their employees—plus the entity receiving their services. Legal compliance. The painting trade, like everything else, is highly regulated. While licensing is no longer required by the State of Michigan, there are DNR, EPA, and MIOSHA requirements that a contractor must know and abide by. In general, the commercial contractor is more likely to comply with these requirements. Size and scope of projects. Whereas there are, of course, smaller commercial jobs just as there are residential ones, the commercial contractor is more geared toward larger and more complicated projects. This means they must be knowledgeable as to staging and sequencing this kind of work as well as staffing it. Again, speaking generally, the commercial painting company is typically larger and able to accommodate more customers and projects than the residential contractor. Longevity and reputation. Finally, a major distinction between residential and commercial painting contractors is duration. Whereas many smaller companies come and go, commercial contractors—because they tend to be more bonafide businesses—generally are around much longer. They develop a reputation; and if they have served their customers well, it is a good one. While these differences are not exhaustive, they do give you a good idea of what distinguishes commercial painting companies from residential contractors. If you're looking to have your commercial property painted, make sure you choose the right painting contractor for the job. T. L. Hart has been in the business of painting since 1985. We have completed thousands of projects large and small all over Michigan as well as in other parts of the U.S. Contact us now to get a quote.

If there is anything that tells of your care for your property--or the lack of it, it is a poorly maintained building. Shabby landscaping, an unkept parking lot, and a faded, peeling paint job not only detracts from your property’s road appeal, but its value and your tenant’s morale. Just about every building, with the exception of brick, needs maintenance painting at some point, even prefinished metal buildings. Here are some benefits of having your commercial property repainted. Painting increases your property’s value A well-maintained commercial building will have a more competitive price on the market compared to one that's not. While you may consider some maintenance works and renovations to increase your property’s value, repainting is one of the most cost-effective methods to achieve that. Painting extends your property's life span Today's paints are formulated to provide extra protection against snow, rain, and UV exposure. In addition, the latest paints and paint additives can keep pests from infesting the wooden parts of your building. Painting can attract new clients and customers A well-maintained and newly painted building will likely invite new and potential clients. When they see how well you take care of your property, they can be confident that you will take care of them equally well. Painting sets your property apart  Repainting and maintaining your commercial building regularly is a good way to set yourself apart from nearby businesses that offer the same products and services. Using vibrant and eye-catching colors is also a good way to attract more customers to your business. Painting your building in your company's colors is a good way to reinforce your branding.