Unfortunately, all my taste is in my mouth. Nor do I work on the kind of profit margin that allows me to make multiple sales calls to determine what you want in your project. Consequently, it is important that you determine your needs so I can quote you a price. This doesn't mean I am not willing to help, but you should have a good idea of what you want before I come out.
Many home centers now offer design services for free or low cost. An internet search is another way to find ideas that suit you. Feel free to call me or email me (earl@cflmolding.com) photos to determine local availability of materials and costs.
Of course, there are design firms available that will help you decide what best suits your taste. It is my understanding that you can get a one hour consultation for about $100. Here are the names of a couple of designers I've run into on jobs. I don't know a lot about either of them, but they both seemed knowledgeable.
Roberta Proitho 407 834-6589 www.revealdesigngroup.com (Longwood)
Libby Lea 407 365-1184 The Cabinet Shade Tree (Oviedo)
Painting Services
Caulking and painting are not included in my services. I recommend using the services of an experienced, professional painter. There is more to painting than most people realize, and a lousy paint job can ruin a project. I have also seen over and over that hiring someone's out of work brother-in-law because he seems cheap is often an expensive disaster.
In the greater Orlando area, I recommend Higgins Painting 407 758-1330. Tom is a knowledgeable professional and has painted many of my jobs.
Cabinet & Custom Work
If your project needs built-ins, cabinets, an entertainment center, etc. It is usually best to use a cabinet shop for the job. Someone like me (without a shop) is good for basic shelving, window seats, etc. or to match an older home's cabinets that were built by the carpenter's on site. Though I have the skills to do these more complex cabinet jobs, it is not efficient to do them without a good shop set up. So if your job requires drawers and doors, special finishes, etc. use a cabinet shop. I recommend Neale Mulberry (407 671-5483 Orlando). I've known Neale for at least 25 years and can assure you he provides a quality product at a fair price. And he's a nice person to do business with.
In the "this and that" department
If you are planning to repaint, have any carpentry work done before you repaint, especially crown molding. Trust me, it's easier for the painter and the carpenter this way.
Unless you are going to a dark color, painting trim before it is installed is a waste of time, so long as the trim comes primed. By the time it is caulked and nail holes filled, two coats are required to prevent "flashing". Trying to just touch it up does not work.
Though I will work with MDF (or primed fiberboard or whatever else they call it now-wonder why they keep changing the name) I consider wood a superior product. In my humble opinion, wood is more stable over time and less susceptible to water damage. There also is a health issue with MDF. The warning being given about it now reminds me of the warning they gave for arsenic pressure treating of lumber for years. Dangerous to cut and sand, but safe once installed and painted. Hmm. Here's a link for more info http://www.childrensfurniture.co.uk/mdf.html
Want to know more? Call me!
321 213-7525
