Who you hire matters…yes, it does! Simple statement, but it requires some knowledge of what you’re looking for. When it comes to hiring a professional to do work on your home or property it pays to do your homework. There are a lot of businesses out there, so how do you know who to trust? Here are some things to consider before you make a final decision on who to hire for your projects.
First Things First
After you have defined your project you need to get the names of some professionals you can contact to get an estimate. Don’t just take a shot in the dark. Get recommendations from friends, social media sites like Nextdoor, find businesses on Google and check out the reviews.
Once you have a few prospects, check out websites by googling the company name. It is true that many reputable companies do not have websites, but viewing an actual website let’s you know that comapny takes its business seriously. Also, you can see what kind of work they do and get some great ideas!
Setting Up An Estimate
You can learn a lot just by your initial contact with a company. When you make your initial contact you may need to leave a message or send an e-mail and wait for a response. A representative from the company should return your contact in a reasonable amount of time – 24-48 hours. If you have to wait longer than that it is a tip off that they may not be reliable (unless there are extenuating circumstances that you believe to be true.)
Set up a time and date for the estimate to take place. The representative should show up on time and be prepared to look at your project and answer your questions. Also, every professional differs in how they deliver an estimate. You may get a same-day estimate before the representative leaves or depending on the scope of the project a conscientious professional may want to take some time to do calculations and estimate for the cost of materials to give you a fair price. That being said, whether you get an on-the-spot estimate or not, you should have an estimate within 24 hours.
Making the Decision
Price should not be the deciding factor, although it is one consideration. Always be wary of low prices and regardless of the price. And never pay the full amount until the job is done to your satisfaction. Other important information you should gather before making the final choice and avoid being scammed:
Are they licensed and insured? What are the expected start and finish dates (although for any exterior types of work this may vary with the weather)? Where do they buy materials, paint, etc?
Also, trust your instincts. Do you have a rapport with the representative? Do you feel you could call them with questions?
Final Thoughts
Hiring a professional for painting or any project you have may ultimately save you a lot of time, worry and money. If you have an interior or exterior painting project, deck, dock or fence that needs stained or painted – let us help.
ColaTown Painting is here for you – a family owned local business that you can trust. Call Britt 803-603-6486 or email ellisb@colatownpainting to get the job done right!
Remember – Who you hire matters!
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