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You wouldn't spend thousands of dollars on a vacation without doing a little research about the place you are going to stay. So don't hire a team of people to come brighten your home without knowing who it is that you're working with and what they bring to the table.
We've created a short list to help you find the right fit for converting your home into your dream staycation experience.
Meet the pros. Call in at least two different contractors for your job. While hiring a friend or relative may offer a more favorable price, the finished product might not be what you hoped. Be home for the initial estimate meeting with them. That way, you’ll know how much time each contractor took to assess the condition of your home. The longer he takes, the more realistic the estimate you’ll get. Even an experienced painter will need more than a quick walk around your house. Also ask each contractor about the size of his crew and the members’ experience level. Ask if they handle the painting themselves or have subcontractors do the work.
State your expectations. The number of coats a painter applies isn’t the only factor in determining the quality—and price—of the project. Preparation is also key. If you want a surface that’s free of unevenness from past paint jobs, tell the contractors—and be prepared to pay extra. But if you can live with some imperfections, agree on what level of prep is acceptable and what isn’t.
Get estimates. Seek a written estimate from each contractor. It should include a breakdown of labor, material costs, the number of coats of primer and paint, the brand and model of materials, and a detailed description of the amount of surface preparation that will be done.
Check references and google ratings. Get a list of references from each contractor and call them to find about their experience with the pro. A history of positive references is a good sign.
Consider credentials. Before you hire someone, consider his credentials. Membership in a trade or local business group, for example, isn’t a guarantee of quality work, but it shows a level of commitment and reliability on his part.
Obtain a complete contract. The contract should include all the contractor’s key information: name, address, office and cell numbers, and whatever details were in the estimate. Make sure the contract clearly states what is and is not included in the job.
While the hiring process can be time consuming, ensuring that the team you hire is right for the job will save you a lot of money and headaches down the road. Taking a bit of extra time to research is well worth the investment and we hope these tips helped!
If you need more advice here are a few other articles that we found to be really great!
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