How to maintain the exterior paint on your house or building.

Please people understand paint is not paint. Only a few contractors and I mean a few use quality paint simply because most have just been laid off from their job at the shoe store so now their a painter and are clueless. The owners pays the ultimate in many ways.First call the paint store of choice and speak to the manager. Explain to him/her your project and get some recommendations on primer,caulk and paint to use and make a note..Now contact a paint contractor and question him/her so you can make a sound decision on whom to hire.After speaking with the store manager your knowledge probably exceeds majority of the so called contractors. When hiring your contractor do not always take the paint stores recommendation due to a lot of politics and you lose again. Have the contractor to remove shutters,storm windows and all possible the gutters before pressuring washing.Make sure the contractor cleans your home/building thoroughly. If any paint peeling,make sure they remove the lose paint back to an area of bondage. Make sure the contractor spot primes the areas with(exterior oil primer) only.Make sure when contractor begin painting to spot prime these areas with the color of paint he will use or you will have flash spots. If he repaints with same color 1 coat of quality paint is sufficient if color change 2 coats a must.After paint job is complete. Try at least to pressure wash your home yearly with mild detergent and inspect for split caulking areas and address them then touch up. Will be amazed the years  add to the paint job. Watch contractor when all possible.