Selecting The Right Painting Contractor
Once 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 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 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 minimum
requirement.
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.
Is Your Contractor a PDCA Member?
Determine if your contractor is a member of the Painting and Decorating
Contractors of America. It has been in existence since 1884 and has over 3100
members all over the country and parts of Canada. The focus of the association
is the education of its members and the promotion of professionalism within the
industry. Look for the PDCA logo on your contractor's business card, bid sheets,
or trucks. Trade associations such as the Painting and Decorating Contractors of
America (PDCA) offer many programs for the education of painting contractors.
This education includes training in the area of safety, business management,
technical areas of painting and surface preparation, and more. 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.
Not all association memberships are alike
National Associations such as PDCA and the Better Business Bureau are non-profit
associations who are interested in making the contracting world better, not just
selling their products, which many marketing and sales type association type
groups are in business for. PDCA is the only national association for painting
and decorating contractors and one of the oldest contractor associations in
America.
Industry standards are another benefit of trade associations. PDCA produces
nationally recognized Painting Industry Standards that cover many different
aspects of a painting project. Use of these standards in proposals and contracts
helps improve communication between the client and the contractor, assists in
ensuring quality, and becomes a basis for evaluating the job’s requirements.
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.
The Painting and Decorating
Contractors of America is a full-service national trade association
representing over 3,100 companies engaged in all sectors of the coatings
application industry. PDCA has developed this article to assist you in making an
informed decision when you next contemplate a painting or decorating project.
If you are looking for a
Staten Island painting contractor please call Onsite Services today at 718-227-5322 or complete our online request form.
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