Before you decide to "do it
yourself" or hire the least expensive painter you can find, here are some
points to consider that suggest the lowest price may not be the best value.
Safety: Painting can be hazardous
work, whether its working on a ladder or dealing with solvents and dust.
Hiring a professional contractor means you don't have to worry about these
problems.
Preparation: Getting the surface
properly prepared makes all the difference. Professional contractors know
the value of preparation and do it right.
Knowing Paints and How to Apply Them:
The choices today are more complicated than just oil or latex, and
professional contractors will know what works, how to use it, and will have
the right tools for the job.
Clean-up and Disposal: Hiring a
professional contractor means you don't have to worry about dealing with
paint residues and other leftovers. Professionals will know how to handle
hazardous wastes that may be part of the job.
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How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Project
Once you have decided to contract with someone to do a
particular painting and decorating project, how do you
go about selecting the right person or firm? Do you make
your selection on price, size of company, years in
business, or other criteria?
To locate the names of reputable contractors, there are
many sources of information. Some of these sources would
be friends, relatives, architects, decorators, yellow
pages, trade associations, local "quality-oriented"
paint supply stores, and newspaper advertisements.
However, these sources can only give you limited general
information. In order to make an educated decision, you
need some specific information about any person or firm
you are considering hiring.
Always ask if the contractor is licensed and insured.
Quality contracting firms will be only too happy to
provide you with copies of their certificates of
insurance. They should provide bonding information (if
the job is large enough to require such) and
documentation of safety training and compliance
programs.
Reputable contractors will encourage the use of a
written contract. This contract should clearly explain
the scope of the work to be performed. It should also
cover such items as surfaces to be painted, methods and
extent of surface preparation, time schedules for the
project, and payment procedures.
Knowing the total scope of the work enables you to
carefully evaluate the different bids you may receive
with the proper information and keep them on a level
playing field. The contract serves to protect both you
and the contractor.
Obtain a list of references from the prospective
contractor. This list should include the contact person,
address, and telephone number of the previous client.
Follow up on this list with a phone call. Remember, the
contractor will not give you a bad reference. Therefore,
ask references if they know of any other work this
contractor has performed. Be sure to ask whether the
contractor and employees treated you professionally and
with respect. The references you are interested in
should be from projects similar in size and scope to
yours. Also, these projects should be at least a few
years old. This will help you gauge the performance of
the construction and materials used. If possible, try to
see the work that was done.
Discuss any guarantee or warranty programs the
contractor may offer. Ask about the manufacturer's
warranty on the products to be used on your project.
Remember you are looking for long-term durability from
the paint job. The use of high quality products is as
important as the selection and performance of the
contractor.
Good contractors are very eager for your business. They
are also very proud of their craftsmanship. Once you
have made your selection, step back and give the
professional room to execute the project. You have both
done your homework, so give the professional the
opportunity to meet and exceed your expectations.
Remember, as with anything else in life, you get what
you pay for. If you want high quality and reliable
service, be willing to pay the price that comes with it.
Good luck with your painting projects.
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