All
16 questions
About McDermaid.
How long has McDermaid been in business?
34 years on the Peninsula, with the same family and the same name on the truck. Our CSLB license is #803672.
What areas do you serve?
Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton, Woodside, Portola Valley, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, and surrounding Peninsula communities.
Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
Yes. CSLB License #803672 (B-2 Residential Remodeling and C-33 Painting), bonded through the CSLB contractor bond, and we carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. EPA Lead-Safe Certified. Verify at cslb.ca.gov.
What is Fine Paints of Europe?
It’s a Dutch paint system with higher solids and no fillers or extenders. We’re a Fine Paints of Europe Master Certified contractor. That takes 5+ years of exclusive FPE experience, a nomination from a retailer and training in Vermont.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. We come out, walk the property with you and write up a proposal with the scope, the materials and a timeline. There’s no charge and no obligation.
What we do, and how.
What services do you offer?
Exterior and interior painting, FPE application, cabinet refinishing, B-2 residential remodeling (kitchens, baths, interior conversions, finish carpentry), maintenance programs, wildfire mitigation. Full services list.
What is Level 5 preparation?
It’s the highest preparation standard the PDCA defines. The whole wall gets a skim coat of joint compound, then it’s sanded smooth. That takes out “flashing” and “shadowing,” the defects you see under raking light that standard preparation leaves behind.
Why do you spend 70 to 80% of project time on preparation?
Because paint won’t hold to dirt, to old gloss or to wood that’s breaking down. Good prep lets a finish last as long as the coating allows. Skip it and the best paint fails early.
Do you work on historic homes?
Yes. We’ve worked on Spanish Colonials, Victorians and Eichlers across the Peninsula. We follow EPA Lead-Safe protocols on pre-1978 houses, and we know the historic preservation requirements.
Do you work on Eichler homes?
Yes, including across the Palo Alto tracts. We account for radiant slab moisture with moisture-mitigating primers and breathable systems.
What’s covered, what it costs.
What is your warranty?
Every project carries a written workmanship warranty, with your coverage stated in your contract. Full warranty terms.
What is your payment schedule?
The down payment is $1,000 or 10% of contract value, whichever is less (the CSLB rule). After that, payments are tied to milestones you can check, and the final payment comes at completion. The terms are written into every proposal.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Checks, credit cards, and bank transfers. Payment terms are outlined in your written proposal.
Getting in touch.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Call (650) 961-7415, fill out our contact form, or email office@mcdermaidrestoration.com.
What are your business hours?
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Saturday appointments available by request.
How quickly can you start my project?
It depends on the size of the job and the season. Call the office for the current schedule, and we’ll do our best to fit your timeline.
Still have questions?
Most inquiries get an answer within 3 business days, and it’ll be a direct one.