Tony Evans asked:


(c) 2008 Smoky Mountain Painting

As a professional painting contractor for more than thirty years I have heard literally hundreds of horror stories from customers about their past experience with hiring painting contractors. Some of the most common stories that I have heard include painting contractors who have obtained a down payment from the customer and never returned who were not actually painting contractors but just plain crooks, painting contractors who started the job and their work was so bad that the customer was forced to ask the contractor to leave. These are just a couple of the typical stories that I have heard and continue to hear from customers. In this article, we will look at what you can do to protect yourself when you decide to hire a painting contractor.

Although there are many places to find a quality painting contractor such as the internet, yellow pages or even the local newspaper, the best place to start is by asking friends, relatives and coworkers what painting contractors they have used in the past and ask what kind of experience they have had with a particular painting contractor. Make sure to ask if they were satisfied with their work, the price and how long it took the painting contractor to complete the job. You can also check with your local paint store and ask them for a recommendation. If you can not locate a painting contractor from any of these sources, then you can turn to your local Better Business Bureau and ask if they can provide recommendations.

To begin with ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance. Quality contracting firms will be only too happy to provide you with copies of their certificates of insurance. Not all states and municipalities require licensing however business registration with your state and municipality is generally a minimum requirement.
Get references from the contractors you’re looking at most seriously. Talk with those people honestly and openly about the services they received. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about money and service. You want to know that you are hiring a professional painting contractor who will give you a quality job at a fair price.

It is very important to get a written contract. Reputable contractors will encourage the use of a written contract. This contract should clearly explain the scope of the work to be performed. It should also cover such items as surfaces to be painted, methods and extent of surface preparation, time schedules for the project, and payment procedures. If you know the total scope of the work in writing you will be better able to determine the cost difference between different contractors. The contract protects both you and the contractor.

Other questions to ask include, how long has the contractor been in business? There is a high turnover rate in the painting industry. Be sure to hire someone who has been in business for at least five years. Ask about the experience levels of the companies workers, because there are some companies who will hire workers with little or no experience in order to save money. Also ask what preparation the painting contractor will do on your job, preparation is one of the most important steps in painting any surface. Ask the painting contractor to make recommendations on materials for the job. A professional painting contractor will be able to suggest particular paints, colors and finishes.

Next you will need to find out if a paint warranty is included? If a paint warranty was included find out the length of time that the contractor will guarantee his work. Simply stating a warranty is not enough, you must get the warranty in writing including any limitations.

Many contractors will ask for a down payment upon signing the contract. This is normally customary, however before giving a down payment make sure that you have completed checking all of your references and are that you feel completely comfortable with the contractor. Be wary of anyone who asks for a substantial down payment and never give anyone more than 20% of the price up front.

Next, take time to compare the estimates carefully. The lowest price may not be your best choice. If you find there is a wide range between the bids, ask the contractors for an explanation. Are all the contractors using the same paint and materials? The low bidder may be taking shortcuts on quality. Keep in mind, getting the lowest price should not be your first consideration. You want to get someone who is skilled, experienced, fully insured, and has an experienced crew. In the painting industry as with most other industries you will usually get what you pay for. Good professional painting contractors want your business and will provide you with insurance certificates, references, advice on colors and finishes and are polite and professional to deal with. Once you have made your selection, step back and allow the professional painting contractor to complete the project that you have hired him to do. If you want high quality and professional service, you must be willing to pay the price that comes with it.



RODRIGO

BadTasteRec asked:

Logh - The Contractor And The Assassin, taken from the album “The Raging Sun”. More Logh: www.badtasterecords.se

MOISES

Elijah James asked:


You wouldn’t pick the low bidder to do plastic surgery on you, so why pick a fly-by-night operator to give your home a facelift?

Picking a home improvement contractor is a lot like picking a roommate, you’re going to have to live with them for a while, so you had better pick someone you can get along with and trust. Here’s a few pointers:

Know what you want going in: If you already know exactly what you want and can communicate that to a home improvement contractor, that allows the contractor to tell you how he or she will complete your project.

If the home improvement contractor sounds knowledgeable about your specific requirements – knows how to install hardwood floors, is familiar with the type of window frames you want, etc. – it’s a good bet that he or she is a reliable professional. Conversely, if a home improvement contractor gives you the deer in headlights look when you discuss the advantages of a floating floor, you might want consider going with someone else.
Do further research: The more you know about the project you want to undertake, the better you’ll be able to direct your home improvement contractor. Also, knowing what’s up will also make it harder for your home improvement contractor to pad the bill with unnecessary additions or outrageous labor costs. Not that any of them would do that, of course.

Don’t believe the advertising: Remember, contractors pay for all those flashy ads and television spots. If you want to find out a home improvement contractor’s real value, ask for references and a portfolio.

Papers please: Most states have laws requiring home improvement contractors to be licensed and bonded. Ask to see your home improvement contractor’s credentials and also check your contractor’s certificate of insurance. Contractors in most states are required by law to carry worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance.

Ask questions: Word of mouth is usually the best reference when it comes to contractors. Talk to friends who have recently had work done and also ask other professionals like your plumber or landscaper who they would recommend. Also check with local building inspectors and other public officials involved in construction.

Get legal: Check with your local district attorney’s office, the Better Business Bureau, or small claims court to see if any your potential home improvement contractor is facing any pending litigation. In most jurisdictions, court records are available to the public, and you should be able to see if any judgments have been entered against the contractor for incomplete or shoddy workmanship or shady business practices.

Picking the right home improvement contractor is key to the success of your project. Be informed and be aware and you’ll ensure that you get a professional that’ll do your home right.



BORIS

Danbro - Accounting Solutions for Contractors asked:


Danbro are delighted to announce a new partnership with leading emigration company FastrackOZ. With offices in the UK and Sydney, FastrackOZ offer a full range of relocation services to the growing number of UK contractors now looking to live and work in Australia.

Together FastrackOZ and Danbro aim to ensure that as much as possible is arranged and taken care of before our customers set off to start their new life.

Relocation services include recruitment help in Australia, professional sponsorship deals and visa assistance with fully registered agents. FastrackOZ also arrange essentials such as Australian bank accounts, Tax File and Medicare numbers while the team at Danbro ensure that contractors’ UK financial affairs are all up to date and in order.

Managing Director of Danbro, Damian Broughton says this new joint venture reflects Danbro’s awareness of the changing nature of the UK workforce

Contractors today are part of an international workforce. Gone are the days when you would spend your career in one company in one town. Now, professionals are happy to travel thousands of miles in search of the ideal job and the ideal way of life.

Managing Director of FastrackOZ, Dominic Hill, agrees. He points out that many contractors can now be ready to leave for their new life in Australia within a few months time.

Living the Australian dream is now a very achievable reality for British workers. The Australian economy is currently crying out for skilled professionals. In fact Fastrack have recently been approached by a number of leading Australian recruitment companies seeking candidates such as nurses, IT workers and engineers and our teams in the UK and Australia are fully equipped to help contractors find their ideal job and start their new life as soon as possible.

Contractors interested in working in Australia are offered a free initial consultation with fully registered migration agents to establish if their skills set is in demand and also to assess which visa would be most suitable for them.

For more information contact Andrew Boardman on 0844 371 1970 or visit www.fastrackoz.comv

Feel free to contact one of Danbro’s experienced consultants for unbiased, no obligation advice on 0800 731 3178 or

Head Office: 01253 600140

London Office: 0207 836 84000

Manchester Office: 0161 238 4918

Alternatively send an email to enquiries@danbro.co.uk

Visit : Danbro Umbrella Company



SHAWN

Sine Language asked:


I may need to find a contractor to replace some piping for my air conditioner that would require running new pipe through the floor or wall, How can I find a reliable contractor? Part of the probblem is that I think the problem originated with some careless work that was done previously. And, obviously they need to be familiar with, or be able to work closely with tha air conditioning company.

SANTOS

SAN DIEGAN asked:


I’m looking for a good contractor for the price and the work. I prefer the contractor be in the San Diego, California area. Thanks for the help.

GENE

AssociatedPress asked:

A crew using coordinates from a global positioning system demolished a 60-year-old home in Georgia, but it was the wrong house. (June 11)

SAMMY

lizdylan2003 asked:


i’ve been offered a job as an independent contractor. since i have no idea what that was i researched it and it somewhat makes since. but…. how is this status going to change my taxes and what eligible expenses (write-offs) can i expect? i’m not understanding the tax part of it…. is it good or bad? thanks in advance for your time!!

LUCIEN

Buckeye4Life asked:


I have a hail damage/siding insurance claim and a contractor that I signed a binding contract with to do the work if I got the claim. Now that I have the claim the contractor has written another contract for the work, with extra work I ask them to perform including gutters, facia, and wrapping all my exterior trim in aluminum. After the contract was signed, my contractor and I both noticed that the insurance company had paid for 13 windows to be wrapped in aluminum, and I only have trim on 5 of my window, leaving me with 8 windows that were paid for that I am not having the work done to ($967.00) which would go in my pocket.

Now, the contractor says that they miss measured some things, and is going to charge me $742.00 more than the original contract. My question is am I still obligated to have them do the work, even though they have broken the contract? Remember, I originally signed a seperate contract stating they could do the work, if I got the Ins. Claim. Is that still binding?

HOUSTON

Marie C asked:


I live in the Pittsburgh area and my husband and I may be buying a bit of a fixer-upper in the next two months. Before buying, we will need to get an estimate from a contractor (to be sure we can afford the renovations), but we are having a hard time picking one. Can anyone either recommend a contractor in the Pittsburgh area, or a good method by which to choose one?
Thanks for your time!

ALLEN