Hiring a Contractor

Completing a DIY paint project can be a great experience. However, if you decide that hiring a professional contractor might be a better idea for you and your project, here are some points to consider:

Ask Around
To begin your search, locate the names of reputable contractors through sources you trust, such as friends, relatives, architects, decorators, trade associations and local paint supply stores. Make sure to compare a number of contractors (at least five), so you know you’re hiring the best person for the job.

Check for Quality
Once you have a specific name, check to make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. A contractor should be able to show you his certificate of insurance and should provide bonding information (if the job is large enough to require such) and documentation of safety training and compliance programs. Ask how long they’ve been in the business, if they do the work themselves or if they subcontract it out, and if they’re members of any trade associations, as members often have access to ongoing education and must meet set industry standards.

Get it in Writing
Get a written contract. This contract should clearly explain the work to be done and should cover exactly what is going to be painted, how much prep they are going to do, a time schedule for the project and how payment is going to work. By knowing exactly what work there is to be done, you’ll be able to compare the different bids you get and keep everyone on a level playing field. Contractors can differ on how they set up and bundle their pricing, so be prepared to break it down.

Reference Again
Ask for references of previous clients from your prospective contractor. Since a contractor probably isn’t going to give you a bad reference, ask references if they know of any other work this contractor has performed. Try to meet in person so you can actually see the work that was done. You should get a feel for how professional the contractor was and can gauge the quality of the project—especially if it is one similar in scope to yours, and has lasted a couple of years.

Talk Warranty
Make sure to talk about any guarantee or warranty, including any manufacturer’s warranty on the products. Remember that a contractor’s work is only as good as his products. If you’re looking for long-term quality and durability, make sure the contractor is using high quality goods.