Hiring and Contracting with a Professional Painting and Decorating Contractor

Before 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.

• Safety - Painting can be hazardous work, hiring a professional contractor means you don’t have to worry about safety problems.
  
  
• Health - Painting contractors are required to furnish EPA-produced pamphlets to their residential customers before they begin a job that involves disturbing lead-based paint in or on a residence.
  
  
• Preparation & Painting - Getting the surface properly prepared makes all the difference. Professional contractors know the value of preparation and will do it right.
  
  
• Clean up and Disposal - Hiring a professional contractor means you don’t have to worry about dealing with paint residues and other leftovers.
  
  
• How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Project - make your selection on price, size of company, years in business, or other criteria's that are important to you. Get references from friends, relatives, architects or previous clients. PDCA can you help you find a Pro.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Written Contracts are a Must - Reputable contractors will encourage the use of a written contract.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Is Your Contractor a PDCA Member? - Determine if your contractor is a member of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America.
  
  Resources site: http://www.pdca.org/whyapro.htm