I meant to add that the larger shrubs have been removed and I am preparing the beds using the lasagna method.

Hi Posie,
Can you describe what products he used?
Were you present when he was prepping house?
Specific brands used...if you know.

As a doctor would say, the more details, the better!
Faron

I only know the brand of the paint was Monarch. I was not present when he was prepping or painting house, but my neighbor said he used a sprayer. That's all I know.

Hey Posie,
Sorry to be so long on answering...trying to stay ahead of my mowing!!

It's kinda hard to tell from the 2 pics...since I can't view-'em side-by-side; and the pics aren't close-up.
* 3 yrs. is a little soon for noticeable fading from quality paint though...
* I don't know of Monarch paint. What supplier/store did your "painter" use?? If you track this down, you could inquire at that store. Ask a few neighbors, or your paint stores if they know of the brand.
* Had you picked out a certain brands' color other than Monarch??

The reason I ask...
* Some homeowners painters' will take a chosen brands chip, and have it matched into "cheap-brand-x" paint, and still charge YOU for the higher-price line.
* I tint a LOT of paint where I work (NOT HD or a SW/BM store), and periodically, a painter will come in and take some chips (we have ACE-Royal, Ralph-Lauren, & C2). They then leave to have them matched at a store where they get BIG discounts on "entry-level" grade paints.
* Since we have a high-end line like C2 (low $40's/gal.), it prob'ly happens more than I'd like to believe!

>>> Since you can't locate the painter, I'm guessing this is your situation.
>>> Exterior spraying...Takes a practiced hand to do it right. Spraying is usually the "fast & cheap" way out.
>>> The best do it the old-fashioned way...by HAND. Coupled with good prep...cleaning/sanding/caulking/priming/TWO brushed topcoats...you should get a decade of good wear.

Lemme know what you find out!
Faron