How to Hire
a Professional
Before you decide to hire the least expensive painter
you can find, or "do it yourself", here are important points to consider that suggest the lowest price may not be the best
value.
Safety
Painting can
be hazardous work, whether it’s working on a ladder or dealing with solvents and dust. Hiring a professional contractor
means you don’t have to worry about these problems.
Health
If your home
or business was built before 1978, it may have been painted with lead-based paint, which can cause serious health effects
when it is scraped or sanded in preparation for repainting. Professional contractors will take appropriate steps to protect
you.
Preparation & Painting
Getting the surface properly prepared makes all the difference. Professional contractors know the value of preparation
and will 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.
Cleanup 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.
How to Choose the Right Contractor For Your Project
How do you go about selecting the right company? 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. Other professionals,
and local "quality- oriented" paint supply stores. However, these sources can only give you limited and general information.
In order to make an educated decision, you need some specific information about any person or firm you are considering hiring.
Written quotations are a Must
Reputable contractors will always give you
a writen quotation. This 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 quotation serves to protect both you and the contractor.
Invest Time in Verifying References
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 projects similar in size and scope to
yours. Also, some of the 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.
Quality painting and decorating contractors are well educated on the different aspects of any painting
project and that knowledge helps eliminate surprises. Excellence in paint application is as important with your selection
of a contractor as are the skills to properly manage their business and your project.
In Closing
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.
Here's to your successful painting projects.
