The final sunset of the summer season doesn’t have to mean the door of opportunity closes on making those much-desired improvements to your cottage. In fact, certain big interior jobs are best done in late fall and winter. Why not return for opening day with all those indoor to-dos already done?
As Chad Gilchrist, owner of Roll-On Painting advises, “Painting and staining at the cottage is much less intrusive in the winter. We can come in, do the work and not be in the client’s way during peak season.” Chad and his team work year-round, full-tilt, and are booking now for the fall and winter months.
If you have any concerns about work happening in your absence, don’t worry: the company’s reputation is built on decades of experience and an impressive portfolio of residential and commercial jobs well done. Roll-On has extensive insurance coverage and, of course, WSIB.
Innovative investment
One of the key priorities of Chad’s work ethos is continuous investment in the company, from appropriate protections to innovative technologies that serve customers in new and exciting ways.
“We’ve opened a new, larger shop for painting cabinetry. If someone wants their kitchen done, we can remove all the doors, take them to the shop and spray them in our new facility. Then we take them back and re-install them.” The gables and other fixed elements of the kitchen get painted on-site. Considering how disruptive a household kitchen reno can be, this is a serious perk.
The expanded facility also features customized high-tech equipment imported from Europe that can pre-finish siding and cedar shakes and shingles. Rather than shipping lumber and shingles out of the area for such treatments, Roll-On does it right in Muskoka. That cuts down on inconvenient delays, a winning proposition for all involved.
Pre-coating siding and shingles with Sansin stain before they are installed dramatically extends the lifetime of the valuable materials. They can be pre-coated at the shop over the winter, so that they are ready for installation as soon as the contractors are ready for them in spring. They may even be installed over the winter, depending on the project. Then, if the client wishes, an additional coat can be applied after installation is complete.
Spray technology also allows the team to efficiently refinish older furniture. The pieces are sanded by hand, and then treated with fresh coats of stain and other finishes.
The all-season nature of the business allows for a blend of interior and exterior work, including new construction, repainting, and flooring projects. Investing in new technologies and facilities further widens the scope of what can be done throughout the year. “We invest everything back into the company,” Chad says with justifiable pride.
Local talent
Keeping it local is important. Catering to both residential and commercial clients – they have recently been working on a number of up-and-coming microbreweries in the region, for example – Chad knows how to acquire the talent that’s right under his nose.
Huntsville’s Mike Koop – of Koop Painting & Design – recently came onboard as their Head of Operations. “Mike is definitely instrumental in getting the new shop up and running.”
Mike brings 25 years of experience in colour and design, having worked extensively all over the region including considerable time running his own painting and decorating company. His expertise with kitchens is legendary, Chad says. Merging their talents and specialities made perfect sense.
Responsible materials recycling and disposal are always a priority for Roll-On Painting. In addition, they’re now an authorized dealer for Sansin stain, a global leader in environmentally friendly wood protection. Their water-borne wood finishes are a superb choice for working in Muskoka’s delicate environment.
While clients are either in hibernation mode or off enjoying winter holidays, the team at Roll-On Painting can work their magic on kitchens, floors and an ever-widening array of services. It makes good sense: when summer returns, cottagers want to be ready for the fun, sun and entertaining that are hallmarks of Muskoka.
TEXT MARNIE WOODROW
