10 Mistakes Homeowners
Make When Hiring a Contractor

1. Choosing The Lowest Bidder

The biggest mistake consumers make is being seduced by the price alone. Now that the price is out of the way you can focus your thoughts on choosing the right contractor to complete the job successfully. There is an old saying that the least expensive work turns out to be the most expensive in the end. Consider that your home is your biggest investment, and you should always think long-term when it comes to doing a painting project and also consider the effects saving a few dollars now will have over the lifespan of the job.

2. Not getting a written contract

Insist on a written and signed contract before any work is started or money exchanged. The contract should be dated and include your name and address, as well as the contractor's name, address and phone number (If required by state to have a license be sure to have the license number on the contract). It should also contain a detailed description of the project, (the scope of work) including materials, color schedule, and the approximate starting and completion dates. It also should outline how change orders will be handled and the notice required for cancellation. A schedule of payment should be clearly spelled out with deposit and payment draws over the course of the job.

3. Paying too much upfront

Avoid contractors that require large down payments. A small deposit to schedule the work is fine, 10% is standard. If a company needs a large down payment this can be a warning sign that all is not right. However, a payment directly made to the supplier for materials is acceptable. Other warning signs can be as follows: being asked to write a check to the contractor personally instead of to the company or being asked to pay cash.

4. Not getting a guarantee

Ask about the guarantee and ask if it is in writing, never accept a verbal guarantee. Always insist on a guarantee in writing. The guarantee should clearly spell out what is covered and what is not and how long the guarantee is good for. Have an understanding for a guarantee on both labor and materials.

5. Asking for references and not checking them

A good contractor will be happy to provide you with a number of written references. When speaking to the contractor's customers, ask such questions as:

1. Did the contractor keep to the schedule and the contract terms?
2. Were you pleased with the work and the way it was done?
3. Did the contractor willingly make any necessary corrections?
4. Would you hire them again?
5. Did the contractor listen to your questions and seem concerned about resolving any issues you may have had?

6. Not checking the contractor's insurance coverage

If a contractor says he has insurance coverage for himself and any workers, ask for them show you and make you a copy of the documentation from the insurance company (check dates and verify with the insurance company). Ask about their General Liability Insurance. Ask to be sure they employ their workers or sub-contract labor (Signed waiver upon completion). Make sure they require the same coverage from any sub-contractors that will be working on your home. Sub-contractors without insurance coverage won't be covered under the general contractors insurance and will default back to you.

Ask about Workers Compensation insurance. Without it, if the contractor or any of their employees get hurt on the job site they can go after you personally.

7. Not asking questions about how their business operates

I can't stress how important this information can be to you, ask questions such as how do they perform their work, what time do they start, how will you protect my carpets, how will the trash and debris be handled, do you work straight through a project? The answers to these questions will give you a clear picture of what type of contractor you are dealing with. Ask the contractor for the address of their business location and business telephone number, and verify them (could be contractors home address and phone number). A contractor who operates a business out of the back of a pickup truck may be difficult to find to complete a job or fix something that has gone wrong after the last bill is paid.

8. Hiring a contractor that has no experience with your job requirements

When considering hiring a painting contractor their skill set should match with your job requirements. Example: If you are looking to get a professional custom paint job in your new home you would not want to hire an apartment painter to complete the project. When hiring a residential re-paint contractor ask whether they are experienced working within occupied or unoccupied spaces. Unoccupied spaces require less concern, time and order from the painter.

9. Health and Safety

Homes built before 1978 may be painting with a lead-based paint. Lead-based paints can be hazardous to your health when being sanded or disturbed. A professional painting contractor is required to furnish EPA-produced pamphlets to residential customers before they begin a job that involves removing lead-based paints. Make sure the contractor you are considering has experience dealing with lead-based paints. Painting can be hazardous whether it is dealing with lead, dust, equipment, electrical power, gas or solvents.

10. Piece of mind

When hiring a painting contractor every person has different needs and wants. Take in to consideration who you are planning on inviting into your home. Ask if the contractor does background checks along with drug and alcohol tests on his employees. Do they offer health and safety programs to their workers? Are any of their painters certified?

10 Questions to Ask a Contractor Prior to Hiring

1. Do you have the skills I require for my particular project?
2. How many years experience do you have?
3. Do you have two or three references I could contact?
4. Do you carry liability insurance?
5. Do you carry workers compensation insurance?
6. Are you a licensed contractor in our state?
7. Do you pull all the required permits for the job?
8. What kind of products do you use?
9. Do you guarantee your work? If so, for how long?
10. Will you be present on the jobsite at all times with your workers?

Testimonies

"Hi, I thought I would do a comparison on a real job I quoted yesterday between our system and yours. The results are phenomenal. I am amazed at how close we were in price having never met one another. The prevailing thought among painters is that there is no system or science to estimating. Evidently, barring incredible coincidence, there is. Though we may not be able to articulate it or pass it on to others, there is a rhyme or reason."

Sincerely, Jeff Marble
Owner/President
Paint Pros, Inc.

Read more testimonies