Choosing the Right Paint Grade Can Save You Thousands in Repainting Costs

When planning your next painting project, understanding the differences between paint quality grades isn’t just about getting the best color—it’s about making a smart investment that affects your home’s appearance, durability, and long-term value. Two of the most common misconceptions homeowners have are that “Paint is Paint” or “It doesn’t matter what kind of paint I use.” The exact opposite is true.

The Three Main Paint Quality Grades Explained

Paint professionals classify paint into one of three categories: Builder-grade, Contractor-grade, or Premium-grade. Each serves different purposes and budgets, but understanding their differences can help you make the right choice for your specific needs.

Builder Grade Paint: The Budget Option

Builder-grade paints meet the low-price point required by builders and may touch-up fairly well, but are generally not very durable. “Builder grade” or “contractor grade” is defined as inexpensive products made from low-grade materials, as opposed to quality grade or custom grade materials that are more durable.

Builder-grade paint is often used in new construction homes or rental properties because it’s inexpensive, goes on fast, and looks “good enough” for walkthroughs or showings. However, this comes with significant drawbacks for long-term use.

The main difference between builder- and higher-grade items is the quality of the materials used in their construction. You might not be able to visually spot the difference, but builder-grade fixtures tend to wear out faster and need attention sooner than their higher-priced counterparts.

Contractor Grade Paint: The Middle Ground

What professionals refer to as “Contractor-grade” paints are generally middle-of the road in both price and quality, and are adequate for many uses. Some of them (but not all) have adequate durability to withstand general home wear-and-tear.

Regular paint is better than contractor/builder grade paint. Exceptions abound and it depends on your definition of regular paint. The amount of solids differs in each paint. More solids delivers more physical product to your surface.

Premium Grade Paint: The Investment Choice

Premium-grade paints are preferred for re-paint work or for any use where increased durability or increased longevity is desired. Premium paints are generally thicker, so they give a little more latitude for changing colors without needing an extra coat, and they are also more durable then lower-grade paints. This means they may last longer or wash better and this translates into savings over time by not having to re-paint as often.

The Science Behind Paint Quality: Volume Solids Matter

The main thing when it comes to quality of paint is the volume of solids in the paint. What that means is the more volume solids in a paint, the better it performs concerning coverage, sheen level, color consistancy and color retention. This is the most expensive ingredient in the paint, which is what drives the cost.

The volume solids of a paint is a reasonably good measure of the paint’s quality compared to other brands. Typical volume solids are 30–45% of the paint volume. More water means less solids, and a lower percentage of solids will result in a thinner dry paint film, with lesser hiding and durability.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

If you’ve got kids, pets, or just want your space to hold up over time, premium paint saves you from constant touch-ups (and a lot of frustration). If you’re painting your forever home, or even a space where life happens—like a hallway, bathroom, or kids’ room—builder-grade paint just won’t hold up.

For homeowners in Macomb and Oakland Counties, working with an experienced Painting Contractor in Oakland County, MI can help you navigate these choices effectively. Professional painters understand which grade works best for different applications and can help you balance quality with budget.

Professional Application Makes All the Difference

Any reputable painting contractor should be well-versed in various grades of paint and their benefits to you. Beware of any contractor who does not ask you about your needs, or who only offers one option for paint grade. It may be that they are basing their pricing in a specific paint, or worse, that they are using performance characteristics of a lesser-grade paint to guarantee themselves a bigger job.

Legends Painting is built on more than 10 years of hands-on painting experience. They specialize in delivering exceptional residential and commercial painting services. Family-owned and operated, they prioritize superior workmanship, customer satisfaction, and competitive pricing.

The Bottom Line on Paint Quality

In short, bargain paint saves you only a limited amount of money, so it’s best to opt for premium grade. While the initial cost difference might seem significant, the long-term benefits of higher-quality paint—better coverage, increased durability, easier maintenance, and longer-lasting results—make it a wise investment for most homeowners.

Whether you’re planning interior updates or exterior refresh work, understanding paint grades empowers you to make informed decisions that protect your investment and ensure beautiful, lasting results for years to come.

The Great Nassau County Garage Door Recall of 2025: Which Models Are Failing Safety Tests and What Homeowners Need to Know

Nassau County homeowners are facing a critical safety situation as multiple garage door manufacturers have issued urgent recalls affecting thousands of residential properties throughout Long Island. While the most significant recall to date involved LiftMaster myQ garage door control panels due to entrapment hazards affecting over 96,000 units, ongoing safety testing in 2025 has revealed additional concerns with various garage door systems that could put families at risk.

Understanding the Current Recall Landscape

The garage door industry has been under increased scrutiny following failures in secondary entrapment protection systems that can cause garage doors to close even with obstructions present. These safety failures represent more than just inconvenience—they pose serious threats to family safety, particularly for children and pets.

Garage doors weigh hundreds of pounds and can cause serious damage if they malfunction, which is why the government mandated several garage door safety requirements including safety reverse features and quick release mechanisms. When these systems fail, the consequences can be devastating.

Which Models Are Currently Affected

The most widely publicized recall involves LiftMaster myQ garage door control panels manufactured between March 2022 and October 2022. However, safety experts are now recommending that all homeowners with garage doors older than 10 years undergo comprehensive safety testing, as older garage door openers may lack rolling code technology and other modern safety features.

Key warning signs that your garage door system may be affected include:

• Doors that close without detecting obstacles
• Inconsistent response to safety sensor tests
• Unusual grinding or clicking sounds during operation
• Doors that fail to reverse when encountering resistance

Critical Safety Tests Every Homeowner Should Perform

Nassau County residents should immediately conduct these essential safety checks:

Photo Eye Safety Test: Place an object taller than 6 inches in front of the photo eyes mounted no more than 6 inches off the floor, then attempt to close the garage door. If working properly, your garage door should sense the object and stop.

Reverse Safety Feature Test: Place an object 1 1/2 to 5 inches high in the path of your garage door and attempt to close it. The door should automatically reverse when it encounters the object.

What Nassau County Homeowners Need to Do Now

If your garage door fails any safety test, immediate action is required. Professional Garage Door Repair Nassau County, NY services can quickly assess your system and determine if your model is affected by current recalls or safety concerns.

For recalled LiftMaster myQ control panels, consumers should immediately contact the Chamberlain Group to receive a free repair kit, including shipping, which consists of a replacement garage door control panel and installation instructions.

The Importance of Professional Assessment

Given the complexity of modern garage door safety systems, professional evaluation is crucial. Whether your garage door is older or brand new, you should conduct a safety check at least once or twice a year. However, with the current recall situation, immediate professional assessment is recommended for all Nassau County residents.

Professional technicians can identify potential issues that homeowners might miss, including problems with springs, cables, sensors, and control systems. They can also ensure that your garage door meets current safety regulations requiring motion sensors and photo eyes that have been mandatory since the 1990s.

Moving Forward: Protecting Your Family

The garage door recall situation in Nassau County serves as a critical reminder that home safety systems require regular attention and maintenance. Garage door safety in 2025 is about more than just high-tech features—it’s about making sure the basics are covered and working right.

Don’t wait for a tragedy to occur. Schedule a comprehensive safety inspection today, ensure your garage door systems are functioning properly, and stay informed about ongoing recalls that may affect your home. Your family’s safety depends on taking immediate action to address these critical safety concerns.

For residents throughout Nassau County, the time to act is now. Contact qualified professionals to assess your garage door system and ensure your family’s protection against these potentially deadly safety failures.

Don’t Let Faulty Tank Sensors and Leaks Ruin Your Durham County RV Adventure

RV holding tank problems can turn a perfect camping trip into a nightmare. Whether you’re exploring the scenic beauty of Durham County’s Triangle RV Park or enjoying the natural wonders near Jordan Lake, malfunctioning sensors and tank leaks are among the most frustrating issues RV owners face. Understanding how to address these common problems can save you time, money, and stress during your travels.

Understanding RV Holding Tank Systems

In most cases, an RV tank sensor is mounted on the inside of your tank but some models are mounted on the exterior. Sensors are typically situated in several spots vertically on your tank wall, and the number of sensors varies from model to model. When the level of water in your tank reaches each sensor, they act as conductors, completing a circuit and lighting up that level reading on the sensor monitor box. Most RV fresh, black, and gray water tanks are made of spin-cast or rotocast high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Common Sensor Issues and Their Causes

Sensors are just circuits that are waiting to be completed by the water level. This means that anything that is covering the sensor (even if it’s not water) can cause the circuit to report tank contents have reached that level when in reality, they have not. This problem is fixed by cleaning the debris off the sensors.

If your RV black tank sensors are giving false readings, residue buildup is often the culprit. Black water tank sensors misread because poop and toilet paper are caked on the sensors and gray sensors misread because they become layered with grease and oils. Hair and hygiene products like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste will end up inside your gray tank as well (which can cause nasty odors); the combination of these items and food grease can make for a powerful concoction of slime that can easily cause tank sensors to misread.

Identifying Tank Leaks

One way or another, leaking water will find its way to the ground, so any time you’re parked on dry pavement and you see signs of a puddle or active dripping under your rig (of what appears to be clear water) means you have a problem. In some situations, though, leaks can be a bit slower and sneakier. In these instances, you might notice that your sensors show a decrease in water even if you haven’t been using any. If you’re not sure where all your water’s going, a leak is likely the culprit.

Professional Repair Solutions

For Durham County travelers dealing with persistent tank issues, professional help is often the best solution. RV holding tanks are typically made from polyethylene plastic, which does not adhere well to most adhesives. Therefore, you’ll need to use a special glue that is compatible with polyethylene plastic if you plan to patch the tank. Access may be the biggest obstacle here and may require a fair amount of creativity or professional help.

When DIY solutions aren’t sufficient, seeking professional rv repair in durham county, NC becomes essential. Stream RV, located in Creedmoor, NC, stands out as a trusted partner for RV owners in the Durham area. Trusted, integrity, and respect are the bedrock of our company, and we’re proud to say that these values are translated into the services we provide our customers.

Stream RV: Your Durham County RV Repair Experts

At Stream RV, we make buying an RV simple and stress-free with expert guidance and personalized service. As a small independent dealership, we take pride in offering high-quality, carefully selected RVs, including rare and hard-to-find models. Stream RV offers personalized service and repair for all types of RVs, campers, motorhomes, food trucks, travel trailers, 5th wheels, and horse trailers. Don’t get lost in the shuffle dealing with large high-volume dealers – we are locally owned and operated and strive to address the individual needs of each customer.

Located in Creedmoor, NC, we are only 25 minutes from the “Triangle” formed by Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Catch a flight to Raleigh-Durham International airport (RDU) and you can be at our place in under 30 minutes! This strategic location makes Stream RV easily accessible for Durham County travelers who need reliable holding tank repairs.

Cleaning and Maintenance Solutions

Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing sensor issues. Cleaning black tank sensors is an easy process using Restore-It; repeating the process may be necessary to remove stubborn waste from the sensors. Cleaning grey tank sensors is an easy process using grease-eating Dawn Ultra dish soap.

For gray tank sensors, fill your tank with water (as high as the highest misreading sensor). Pour 20 ounces or more of Dawn Ultra down your RV’s kitchen sink line (if you think you’ve added enough, add a little more; the more you add, the tougher it will be on grease). Let this sit in the gray water tank and pipes overnight while you sleep. In the morning, open your gray tank valve and dump the tank.

When to Replace Sensors

When sensors still misread after multiple cleanings, they may have mineral deposits on them or the wiring that connects the sensor may be damaged. In both cases, the sensors will need to be replaced to read accurately. When sensors DO misread, it is usually a matter of needing to clean the holding tank to remove any debris or build-up from on or around the sensor. However, sometimes even with extensive cleaning, RV sensors can still misread. When this happens, there is usually an issue with the wiring or with the controller that shows the liquid level in the tank.

Warranty and Quality Assurance

Stream RV stands behind their work with comprehensive warranties. We source quality parts and complete the repair or service as soon as possible to get you back on the road right away. We warranty our workmanship for 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. We work with insurance companies and warranty providers to make the repair process as easy as possible for you.

For Durham County RV enthusiasts who want to enjoy the area’s abundant camping opportunities without worrying about holding tank issues, Stream RV provides the expertise and reliability you need. We have the knowledge required to work on both new and old models. We work on Forest River, Keystone, Jayco, Heartland, Dutchmen, Coachmen, Grand Design, Chinook, and many other brands. Don’t let sensor problems or tank leaks cut short your adventures in North Carolina’s beautiful Triangle region – trust the professionals who understand both your RV and your travel needs.