Hiring and Contracting with a ProfessionalPainting and Decorating ContractorBefore 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.
SafetyPainting 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.
HealthIf 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. Painting contractors are required tofurnish EPA-produced pamphlets to their residential customers before they begin a job that involvesdisturbing lead-based paint in or on a residence. Professional painting contractors will understand andbe willing to follow the recommendations on this pamphlet.
Preparation & PaintingGetting 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 knowwhat works, how to use it, and will have the right tools for the job. Professional contractors utilize andpartner with professional paint, coatings, and wallcovering suppliers.
Cleanup and DisposalHiring 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 ProjectOnce you have decided to contract with someone to do a particular painting and decorating project,how do you go about selecting the right company? Do you make your selection on price, size ofcompany, years in business, or other criteria?
To locate the names of reputable contractors, there are many sources of information. Some of these sources are PDCA's Find a Pro search engine, friends, relatives, architects and design professionals, and local "quality- oriented" paint supply stores. 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 verify 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. Not all states and municipalities require licensing however business registration with your state and municipality is generally a minimumrequirement.Written Contracts are a Must. 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.
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. 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. Verifying references will provide a return on your project investment.
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