Good Questions Deserve Good Answers.

We schedule a free on-site visit to assess your project — whether it's a single room or a full exterior. We talk you through your vision, walk through the site together to look at conditions, take accurate measurements, and then build out your proposal on site, same day. For very large and intricate projects, we will have a fully built out proposal with options over to you within 48 hours.

The short answer, it depends on the scope of the project. A single interior room typically takes 1 day. A full interior can take 5 or more days depending on the home. Exterior projects range from 2 days to 14 days depending on the size of the home and prep requirements. We give you a specific timeline before we start and we stick to it.

Yes. Kade, his project manager, or a senior crew member will be on site for every project, every day. All of our crews have a tenured crew lead that excels in communication and project management.

We do a final walkthrough with you before we consider the job done. We go surface by surface, and if anything isn't exactly right, we fix it before we leave. You don't sign off until you're completely satisfied.

For interiors, we ask that you remove small items, artwork, and fragile objects from the rooms being painted. We handle moving and protecting furniture with drop cloths. For exteriors, we just need clear access around the perimeter of the home — move vehicles, potted plants, and patio furniture if possible.

Not necessarily. Many of our clients give us access and go about their day. We're communicative throughout — you'll get updates and can check in any time. That said, we do ask that someone is available for the start of the first day and the final walkthrough.

Completely. We use drop cloths, plastic sheeting, and painter's tape on every surface that isn't being painted. We treat your home with the same care we'd want in our own.

We work primarily with Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore — professional-grade lines that hold up in the New Orleans climate. We're happy to discuss specific product lines during your estimate and make recommendations based on your surfaces and goals.

Absolutely. Most clients come to us with colors already selected. If you'd like guidance, we're happy to walk you through options that work well for your space and architecture. We can also coordinate with your interior designer if you're working with one.

Finish affects both appearance and durability. Flat and matte finishes hide imperfections but are harder to clean — best for low-traffic areas and ceilings. Eggshell and satin are easier to clean and work well for most interior walls. Semi-gloss and gloss are highly durable and ideal for trim, doors, and kitchens. We'll make specific recommendations based on your rooms.

Yes, upon request. We stock low-VOC options for clients with sensitivities, young children, or pets — and for commercial projects where occupants need to stay in the space during or shortly after painting.

In New Orleans' climate — with its high humidity, intense UV exposure, heat, and frequent rain — a professionally applied exterior paint job typically lasts 5 to 8 years. In drier climates, the same job might last 8 to 12 years. The single biggest factor is prep work. Proper surface cleaning, scraping, caulking, priming, and moisture testing before application can add years to a paint job's life. Shortcuts in prep are the reason most exterior paint fails prematurely in this climate.

October through April is generally the most favorable window. Fall and early spring offer the most moderate temperatures and humidity levels, which allows paint to apply and cure properly. Summer months (June through September) bring sustained humidity above 80%, intense heat, and frequent afternoon storms — all of which complicate exterior painting. That said, experienced painters work year-round in New Orleans by carefully monitoring conditions: humidity below 85%, temperatures between 50°F and 90°F, and dry surfaces are the key requirements, not the season.

Humidity is the primary enemy of exterior paint in New Orleans. When relative humidity exceeds 85%, paint cannot bond properly to the surface — moisture gets trapped beneath the film and causes bubbling, peeling, and early adhesion failure. Even when humidity is within range, surfaces themselves must be dry before paint is applied. We use moisture meters on wood and masonry to confirm surfaces are ready. We also specify primers formulated for high-humidity, high-heat environments, which act as a moisture barrier and dramatically extend the life of the topcoat.

Exterior painting costs in New Orleans vary based on home size, surface type, condition, and the amount of prep work required. As a general range: a smaller single-story home (under 1,500 sq ft) typically runs $3,000–$6,000. An average two-story home (1,500–2,500 sq ft) generally falls between $5,000–$10,000. Larger or more complex homes — including those with intricate millwork, galleries, or historic detailing — can run significantly higher. The best way to get an accurate number is a free on-site estimate. Our team assesses your specific surfaces, condition, and scope before giving you a detailed proposal.

Yes — historic homes are a significant part of our work in New Orleans. If your property falls within a Vieux Carré Commission (VCC) or Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) jurisdiction, exterior color changes typically require review and approval before work begins. We're familiar with this process and can help you navigate it. We can recommend palettes that are likely to be approved, assist with the documentation process, and ensure your project stays compliant. Interior work is not subject to these restrictions.

In most climates, adequate prep work buys you a few extra years. In New Orleans, it determines whether your paint lasts 2 years or 8. The combination of high humidity, UV intensity, salt air in coastal areas, and frequent hard rains puts extreme stress on paint films. If the surface beneath isn't properly cleaned, dried, scraped, and primed, moisture and heat will force paint off within a season or two. Our prep process includes pressure washing, hand scraping failed paint, caulking gaps and seams, spot-priming bare wood or masonry, and moisture-testing before any topcoat goes on.

Interior rooms in New Orleans typically range from $600 to $2000 per room depending on size, ceiling height, condition of the walls, and whether trim and ceilings are included. Full interiors, exteriors, and commercial spaces are priced based on a detailed on-site assessment. Schedule a complimentary on-site estimate for an accurate, itemized quote.

Yes. We require a deposit to hold your project on the schedule. The deposit amount and payment structure are outlined clearly in your quote before you commit to anything.

Yes. Big Picture Painting is fully licensed and insured in Louisiana. We carry general liability coverage and workers' compensation. Documentation is available upon request.

We stand behind our work. If anything related to our application fails within the first 5 years — peeling, bubbling, or adhesion issues caused by our process — we come back and fix it. No questions asked.