Case Study: Repainting Walls for a First Floor in Ann Arbor, MI

Refresh Your Space with a First-Floor Makeover

Is your home starting to show signs of wear, with cracks and outdated colors dulling its charm?

Have water damage or nail pops become more visible, making your space feel less inviting?

In this post, you’ll follow the journey of Larry and his wife as they restore their first-floor walls and ceilings, transforming them into a refreshed, modern space.

By the end, you’ll learn how a simple repair and interior painting project can breathe new life into your home, leaving you with a space that feels brighter, cleaner, and updated.

Project Overview: Restoring and Repainting the First Floor

  • Client: Larry and his wife, homeowners in Scio Township, Ann Arbor, MI
  • Project: Repairing and repainting walls and ceilings on the first floor
  • Contractor: Tribble Painting, experts in interior painting in Ann Arbor
  • Objective: Address nail pops, stress cracks, and water damage before applying a fresh coat of paint in modern, updated colors

Larry and his wife noticed that their first-floor walls and ceilings had begun to show signs of aging, with visible cracks, water damage, and flaking paint.

Follow the link to learn how to fix stress cracks in drywall.

They wanted to restore the area and modernize it with new paint.

Rather than undergo a costly renovation, they decided that repairing the existing damage and adding a new coat of paint would refresh their living space at a much lower cost.

Properly preparing the existing wall by filling holes and applying primer is crucial, as is estimating how much paint is needed to ensure efficient purchasing and avoid overbuying.

The Problem: Cracks, Nail Pops, Water Damage, and Dark Walls

Larry and his wife started noticing that their first-floor walls and ceilings were showing significant signs of aging.

Cracks had developed in the drywall, nail pops were becoming more frequent, and there was visible water damage on the ceiling.

Painting over dark walls can be particularly challenging, requiring proper preparation and multiple coats of paint to transition from darker to lighter colors effectively.

Follow the link to learn how to fix nail pops in the drywall.

These imperfections not only made their home look worn down but also created a less inviting atmosphere.

Key Issues:

  • Nail pops were protruding from the walls, creating uneven surfaces.
  • Stress cracks had formed in the ceiling, making the space feel neglected.
  • Water damage from a past leak left unsightly stains on the ceiling, demanding immediate attention.

Larry and his wife wanted to repair these problems while also refreshing the look of their home with new paint.

They knew that by addressing the old paint and damage, they could give their first floor a much-needed makeover.

Why Larry Chose Tribble Painting

While driving around Ann Arbor, Larry and his wife noticed a Tribble Painting van.

Coincidentally, they had received postcards from the company before, and this felt like the perfect opportunity to explore their services.

After visiting the Tribble Painting website, they were impressed by the company’s professionalism and commitment to quality.

Key Reasons Larry Chose Tribble Painting:

  • Reputation for quality work: After reviewing their services, Larry felt confident Tribble Painting could handle both the repairs and the repainting process.
  • Transparent process: Tribble Painting offered a clear breakdown of the steps for repairing and repainting walls, helping the couple understand exactly what to expect.
  • Local expertise: With extensive experience in interior painting in the Ann Arbor area, Tribble Painting was well-equipped to deliver the results Larry and his wife were looking for.

Choosing a trusted local contractor was important for the couple, and Tribble Painting fit all their needs, from addressing the old paint to ensuring a smooth finish with new paint.

The Solution: How Tribble Painting Tackled the Project with New Paint

Skylar

Larry contacted Tribble Painting and spoke with Skylar, who helped coordinate the entire project.

After discussing their needs and timeline, the next step was to schedule an estimate with Todd Tribble.

Todd arrived on time, inspected the first-floor walls and ceilings, and provided a detailed estimate for the repairs and new paint.

Follow the link to learn why house painting estimates can be so different.

Key Actions Taken:

Todd Tribble of Tribble Painting
  • Assessment: Todd thoroughly examined the existing walls, noting areas with nail pops, cracks, and water damage on the existing latex paint layer.
  • Estimate: After the walkthrough, Todd offered a written estimate for repairing the walls and applying a fresh coat of paint.
  • Scheduling: Once Larry and his wife agreed to the estimate, they scheduled the project for November, ensuring ample time to prepare.

With a clear plan in place, Larry and his wife were eager to see their first floor updated with new paint and restored to its original beauty.

The Painting Process: Transforming the First Floor

Once the project was scheduled, the Tribble Painting team, led by Aaron, arrived promptly and began the process of restoring and refreshing the first floor.

The team followed a structured approach to ensure a smooth and efficient transformation of the space.

Steps in the Painting Process: Applying Multiple Coats

  • Day 1: The team moved the furniture, covered it with plastic, and laid down drop cloths to protect the floors. They started by repairing cracks, filling holes, and addressing imperfections in the existing walls.
  • Day 2: After sanding the repairs, the team painted the ceiling and prepared the existing latex paint layer for their new paint. Before painting, the team used painter’s tape to outline the edges of window frames. This protected the window frames from unwanted drips and ensured a clean finish.
  • Day 3: Using a paint roller and paint tray, they applied the first coat of Sherwin Williams Emerald paint to the walls. This high-quality paint provided a consistent, even finish.
  • Day 4: The team applied a second coat with a paint roller and paint tray to ensure full coverage and a flawless finish. Afterward, they cleaned up and performed a final walkthrough with Larry to ensure the job met his expectations.

By using multiple coats of new paint, the team achieved a smooth and vibrant finish that completely transformed the space.

The Result: A Brighter, Modern Space

After the four-day project, Larry and his wife were thrilled with the outcome.

Their first floor, once marred by nail pops, cracks, and old paint, now looked refreshed and inviting.

Painting walls with the new colors gave the space a modern, airy feel, making it much more enjoyable for day-to-day living.

Key Results:

  • The painted walls now have a smooth, clean finish, free of any imperfections.
  • The new paint added a brighter, more contemporary look to the space, making the home feel more open and welcoming.
  • The updated space met Larry’s expectations, with multiple coats providing excellent coverage and durability.

The transformation was remarkable, and the couple was pleased with how their first floor looked and felt like new again.

Before & After Gallery

Before

Repainting walls in the first floor on this Ann Arbor home
Stairwell before repainting walls

After

After repainting walls in the first floor family room
Stairwell after repainting walls in Ann Arbor

Client Testimonial: Larry’s Experience with Tribble Painting

Larry and his wife were beyond satisfied with the work done by Tribble Painting.

From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, the entire process was seamless, and the team exceeded their expectations.

Larry’s Thoughts:

  • “We loved how the crew handled everything with care. The team was punctual and professional, and the result was better than we imagined.”
  • “The painted walls look fantastic, and the new paint made a world of difference in making our home feel updated and refreshed.”
  • “I appreciated the attention to detail, especially in how they used painter’s tape to ensure clean edges and a smooth finish.”

The transformation was exactly what Larry and his wife had hoped for, and they were excited to enjoy their rejuvenated space.

Transform Your Home with Tribble Painting Company

A fresh coat of paint can completely revitalize your home, turning outdated spaces into modern, inviting areas.

Whether it’s fixing nail pops or cracks or simply refreshing the color, a professional touch ensures a flawless finish that will last.

Tribble Painting’s expert team handles every detail, from preparation to cleanup, ensuring that your walls and ceilings look their absolute best.

With a focus on precision and customer satisfaction, you can trust that the results will exceed your expectations.

Ready to give your home the update it deserves?

Fill out our contact form today, or give us a call to get started on your next interior painting project!

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