Beginning a home improvement project of any kind, whether it’s repainting a room, updating your kitchen, or renovating your yard, can be daunting. Hiring the best professionals is one of the most important factors for succeeding in your project. Your project is only as good as the contractor hauling the materials, so be sure to compare local contractors before making any hiring decisions.
Start with Research
When hiring for any job, it is always best to do your homework before hiring. Start by brainstorming a list of companies in your region. For example, if you want someone to revamp your home’s inside or outside, you could target painting companies in your area. You can check for reviews and ratings online by looking on Google, Yelp, or Angi; don’t base a decision solely on those online comments. Local bulletin boards, community groups, and even informal word-of-mouth recommendations will often offer useful information on a company’s reputation.
Check Credentials and Experience
When you have a short list, research each pro’s credentials. This encompasses licensure, certifications, and insurance. Certification establishes that the professional is held to industry standards and can work safely. Consider their experience. A company that has been serving your area for several years should have a solid, local reputation. For painters, when you go through their portfolios to see what they’ve worked on in the past, check out attention to detail, variances in color, and quality of finishes.
Request Multiple Quotes
Finding the cheapest option is not all there is to comparing professionals. It’s a matter of knowing what each provider is going to give you for the price. Contact at least three local experts and get quotes in writing. The strongest quotes itemize labor, material, and any additional costs that might arise. This transparency is going to save you a lot of surprises later. Cost is not the only consideration to keep in mind when you get quotes. Sometimes, paying a little more for a company with fantastic reviews and a great reputation is well worth the investment in peace of mind and better results.
Ask Questions and Assess Communication
And there is an important, often forgotten one of assessing communication. The way a professional responds to your questions may also provide insight into how they will work with you on the job. Compile a list of questions about timelines, materials, and process, as well as the warranty. Remember, watch not only what they say in response to your questions but also how receptive they are to explaining and offering information. Clear communication is essential to prevent misunderstandings and make the project smooth.
Check References and Past Work
Even after researching, comparing credentials, and getting a few quotes, one of the best ways to compare local professionals is to connect directly with former clients. Request references from each contracting company and contact them to talk about their experiences. Were deadlines met? Did the worm meet your expectations? Did the pro address any problems that arose quickly? Seeing a finished project, assuming you can visit one, gives you the chance to see their work in action.
Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your instincts. While research, quotes, and references are important, so is your comfort with the professional. You would like to hire someone who listens to what you say, sees your vision, and puts on a professional front. And if something feels off during your interactions, it’s worth checking other options.
The time you spend comparing local professionals before you begin a project can feel like just that — time, but it’s much less than what (time and money) you’ll have wasted should your project get botched. By doing your homework on reputations, credentials, cost, and references, you will find the best one. Whether you’re engaging painting companies for a simple home refresh or other trades for a larger renovation, following these steps will make all the difference, as your project will be in capable hands and you’ll end up with the completed project just as you’d envisaged.