The following information is provided so that you can have a successful experience decorating or remodeling your home or office. So often, we want to ìdo it ourselvesî; yet, the time comes when we need a professionalís expertise and advice.
This handout will help you ask the right questions to select the right qualified paperhanger to work with you.
Selecting the Right Installer for the Job
First, youíll want to hire an installer with a reputation for excellent work. There are a number of ways to check for this information.
- Use recommendations of friends or neighbors; get references and check them. If possible, go look at finished work.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau in your area for any complaints against the paperhanger.
- Look for a member of the National Guild of Professional Paperhangers, Inc. Members of this association must be craftsmen and women who hang paper for a living.
Second, solicit two or three bids for the work you need done. Do not blindly accept the lowest bid. Ask why a bid is as low or high as it is. A higher fee may be worth the extra services or better quality product provided. Make sure you understand precisely what the installer will do and what materials are necessary to complete your project successfully.
What Needs to Be in Writing
A professional paperhanger carefully prepares a comprehensive plan, estimating costs based on material, labor and experience specifications. A reputable wallcovering installer will not give you a sketchy, hastily prepared proposal.
You should detail exactly what you want from the installer. This can include protection of your household goods, office equipment and areas surrounding the job site as well as daily clean-up or cleanup upon completion of the project. Clean-up is sometimes an additional labor cost for the installer, so it may slightly increase the cost of the job.
Be certain that you or your decorator specify all the materials to be used. Your installer will do the same so that these details (measurements, pattern names, brand names, quantity and product information) will be part of the contract.
Make sure both parties understand the financial terms which should be spelled out in the contract. The total price, payment schedule and a cancellation penalty (if there is one) should be clear to both parties.
All changes to the original contract must be made in writing. Any amendments should be agreed upon by both parties before work is begun or continued.
If the contract which you and the installer agree is not complete in every meaningful area, do not sign it. Make sure you understand fully all terms and conditions. Affirm that you are getting exactly what you want, that you know the cost of each item and each service, that you're paying a fair price. If an item you want is not in the contract, you probably wonít receive it.
Know all the facts before you sign on the dotted line, and before you spend your hard-earned money.
Finally, donít hesitate to ask your professional paperhanger to provide certification of insurance covering workerís compensation, property damage and personal liability. Career wallcoverings installers are insured for the kind of work they do. This request should be easily met.
Provided by the National Guild of Professional Paperhangers.
If you would like a list of professional paperhangers who work in your area, please contact the headquarters of the National Guild of Professional Paperhangers:
10521 St. Charles Rock Road - Ste. One
Saint Ann, Missouri (MO) 63074-1838
Telephone: 314-429-0920
Visit www.hirshfields.com for a listing of local guild members.
Hirshfieldís employees will provide names of paperhangers and painters that frequent the store. However, Hirshfieldís will not warranty their work. Ask for references and carefully inspect the final completion of the project before paying for the work.