Frequently Asked Questions

Exterior painting timelines in Charleston depend on several factors:

• Single-story home: 3-5 days
• Two-story home: 5-7 days
• Historic properties: 7-10 days (due to special requirements)

Charleston weather considerations:

• Summer humidity can extend drying times
• Afternoon thunderstorms may delay work
• Hurricane season (June-November) requires weather monitoring

Professional painters will provide a detailed timeline based on your specific project and current weather conditions.

Best times for exterior painting in Charleston:

• Fall (October-November): Lower humidity, mild temperatures, less rain
• Winter (December-February): Coolest temperatures, lowest humidity
• Early Spring (March-April): Mild weather before summer heat

Times to avoid:

• Summer (June-August): High humidity, intense heat, frequent storms
• Hurricane season: Potential for severe weather delays

Interior painting can be done year-round, but spring and fall offer the best conditions for proper ventilation and drying.

Note: Charleston's subtropical climate means painting is possible year-round with proper planning and weather monitoring.

Homeowner preparation steps:

• Remove or cover outdoor furniture and decorations
• Trim bushes and plants away from house walls
• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Remove loose shutters or hardware
• Clear access to all areas to be painted

Professional preparation includes:

• Pressure washing (essential in Charleston's humid climate)
• Scraping and sanding peeling paint
• Caulking gaps and cracks
• Priming bare wood and metal surfaces
• Repairing damaged siding or trim

Charleston-specific preparation:

• Mold and mildew treatment (common in humid climate)
• Salt damage assessment for coastal properties
• Historic home compliance checks

Exterior paint recommendations for Charleston:

• Acrylic latex: Best for most surfaces, handles humidity well
• 100% acrylic: Premium option for maximum durability
• Mildew-resistant formulations: Essential for Charleston's humid climate
• UV-resistant paints: Protects against intense Southern sun

Interior paint recommendations:

• Low-VOC or zero-VOC paints: Better for indoor air quality
• Mold-resistant paints: Important for bathrooms and basements
• Moisture-resistant paints: For kitchens and high-humidity areas

Charleston-specific considerations:

• Salt air resistance for coastal properties
• Historic district approved colors and finishes
• High-performance primers for moisture protection
• Breathable paints for older homes

Generally, no permits are required for basic exterior painting. However, Charleston has specific requirements:

Historic District Properties:

• Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) may be required
• Color changes must be approved by Board of Architectural Review
• Certain paint types and application methods may be mandated

HOA Requirements:

• Many neighborhoods require pre-approval of colors
• Submit paint samples to architectural committee
• Check CC&Rs for specific restrictions

When permits might be needed:

• Structural repairs discovered during prep work
• Electrical work for outdoor lighting
• Significant siding or trim replacement

Recommendation: Professional painters familiar with Charleston will know local requirements and can help navigate any approval processes.

Essential qualifications to verify:

• Valid South Carolina contractor's license
• Current liability insurance
• Worker's compensation coverage
• Local business references
• Better Business Bureau rating

Charleston-specific expertise:

• Experience with historic properties
• Knowledge of local climate challenges
• Familiarity with HOA and historic district requirements
• Understanding of coastal weather patterns

Questions to ask potential painters:

• How long have you worked in Charleston?
• Can you provide local references?
• What's your experience with [your home type]?
• How do you handle Charleston's weather delays?
• What warranty do you provide?

Red flags to avoid:

• Door-to-door solicitation
• Requests for full payment upfront
• No written contract or estimate
• Significantly lower bids than others
• No local references or business address

Exterior painting frequency:

• Siding: Every 7-10 years
• Trim and shutters: Every 5-7 years
• Historic homes: Every 5-8 years (depends on materials)
• Coastal properties: Every 5-7 years (salt air accelerates wear)

Interior painting frequency:

• Living areas: Every 5-7 years
• Bedrooms: Every 7-10 years
• Bathrooms/kitchens: Every 3-5 years
• High-traffic areas: Every 3-5 years

Charleston climate factors:

• High humidity accelerates paint degradation
• Intense UV radiation fades colors faster
• Salt air causes premature aging
• Mold and mildew growth requires more frequent touch-ups

Signs it's time to repaint:

• Peeling or cracking paint
• Fading or chalking
• Mold or mildew stains
• Exposed wood or metal
• Caulk gaps or seal failures