Questions, Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
General
How much will my project cost?
It depends on the size of the space, the materials and finishes you choose, the condition of what's already there, and whether any drywall, trim, or repair work is involved. The only honest way to give you a real number is to come out, look at the job in person, and follow up with a clear written estimate that spells out exactly what's included, and that visit is always free.
How long will the work take?
Every job is different. A single room repaint might be a day or two; a cabinet refinish or full interior runs longer; a larger remodel can take a few weeks. We give you a realistic timeline before we start and keep you posted if anything shifts.
Do your prices change once you start?
Our estimates are honest and we stick to them. No surprise add-ons once the job's underway. The only things that move a price are work you ask us to add, or something we genuinely couldn't see beforehand, like hidden water damage, bad wiring, or rot behind a wall. If that happens we stop, explain it, and get your okay in writing before doing anything extra. Construction can have surprises; your bill shouldn't.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Champion Property Care is licensed and insured, and we're glad to show proof before we start. You should never feel awkward asking a contractor for that.
Do you use your own crew or subcontractors?
Our own crew does the work. Our lead technician has 30+ years of hands-on experience and is on the job, so you're not handed off to whoever a subcontractor sends that day. One crew scopes the whole project, and one crew is accountable for it.
Do you handle permits?
Most of what we do (painting, cabinets, drywall, trim, and flooring) is cosmetic and doesn't need a permit. If a job does require one, we'll tell you up front and walk you through who handles what before any work begins.
Can I stay in my home while you work?
Almost always, yes. We stage the work so as much of your home stays usable as possible, and we protect the areas we're not working in. For bigger jobs we'll talk through what to expect so you can plan around it.
How will you protect my home during the job?
Before anything starts, we cover and protect floors, furniture, and anything outside the work zone. We keep dust down, stay organized, and clean up as we go. We aim to leave your home cleaner than we found it.
What if you find something unexpected behind a wall?
We stop and show you what we found, explain why it matters, and lay out your options before doing anything else. Any change to the scope or price is documented and approved first. No quiet surprises on the final invoice.
How do payments work?
Payments are tied to the project, not demanded all upfront. Your estimate spells out the deposit, the schedule, and when the final balance is due, so there's nothing unclear about it.
What if I'm not happy with something?
Tell us while we're still there. It's almost always easier to make right in the moment than at the end. We'll listen, explain the fix, and take care of it. Our work is guaranteed, and we don't consider a job done until you're happy with it.
What areas do you serve?
We're based in Murfreesboro and cover Middle Tennessee: Smyrna, La Vergne, Christiana, Eagleville, and Rockvale, out through the Nashville metro including Franklin and Brentwood. If you're within about 50 miles of Murfreesboro, we can most likely help.
Painting & Finishes
Why can't you quote me exactly over the phone?
Square footage only tells part of the story. Surface condition, peeling or damaged paint, wood rot, old coatings, trim, repairs, and how much prep is needed all change the labor involved. A quick look in person means the price reflects your actual project instead of a guess.
What prep do you do before painting?
Prep is where a paint job is won or lost. Depending on the surface, that can mean washing, scraping loose paint, sanding, patching and filling, caulking gaps, and priming any bare or repaired spots before the finish coats go on. It's a big part of why one estimate can look different from another.
Will you protect my floors, furniture, and landscaping?
Yes. Anything we're not painting gets covered and protected first: floors, furniture, and belongings inside; landscaping, walkways, and fixtures outside.
Do I need to move my furniture first?
We'll ask you to take down small and valuable items: pictures, curtains, electronics, and breakables. Larger furniture we can usually move to the center of the room and cover. We'll tell you exactly what to handle before your start date.
What paint and sheen should I use?
We match the product and sheen to the surface and how the room gets used, rather than picking by brand name alone. As a rule: flat and matte hide wall imperfections, eggshell is a durable, cleanable choice for most walls, and satin or semi-gloss holds up on trim, doors, cabinets, and anything that gets wiped down. We'll recommend the right one and explain why.
How often should a home's exterior be repainted?
Roughly every 5 to 10 years, but there's no single answer. Sun exposure, moisture, siding type, the previous prep, and the quality of the last coating all move that number up or down.
Why is my paint peeling or blistering?
Peeling and blistering usually trace back to moisture, a dirty or poorly prepped surface, or a coating that never bonded right. We find and fix the cause first. Painting over it without addressing why it failed just buys you the same problem again.
My home was built before 1978. Does that matter?
It can. Older homes may have lead-based paint, which calls for lead-safe work practices when those surfaces are disturbed. We'll evaluate it and follow the applicable EPA and local rules rather than treating it like an ordinary prep job.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. We stand behind our workmanship, and your written estimate lays out what that covers. If something isn't right, we make it right. That's the whole point of hiring a crew that's still around and cares about its name.