So we have talked about selecting the right color and the importance of getting that right and to always keep the final outcome of your project in mind. The little details up front matter a whole lot at the end.

We have covered the issues of proper priming and when is it advantageous to use primer. Always keep in mind that proper priming can dramatically affect the longevity of the final project.

We discussed what tools do you need and what steps should you follow if you want to tackle painting a room in your house. The final tip from me in this series is how to throw in the Do it yourself towel and hire a professional.

When Hiring a pro you should always remember that you are in control and have lots of options. I recommend considering selecting a contractor like an interview process. (feel free to interview several people for your project)

1. Select some companies that you want to interview. They can be found by referrals from friends, painters you have seen in your neighborhood, online searches, advertisements etc. but be picky about who you invite to interview. Not all contractors are equal.
2. Set up times for the “interview” estimate. This is an important opportunity to evaluate the contractor. Who answers the phone when you call, how quickly can they schedule the estimate, if you leave a message how soon do they respond. Are they concerned about your schedule needs or not. You have to remember that this is a person you will be dealing with potentially through the term of your project.
3. When they arrive for the appointment are they on time, organized from the beginning and pleasant. Remember how long you may need to be dealing with this person.
4. Let the estimator ask you questions about your needs and wants. If they spend the entire interview telling you about themselves then you can rest assured you will be getting that persons idea of the paint job and not your own. Always remember that it is your home and you should be in charge. Don’t give up that authority.
5. Once finished, see how long it takes to get back the estimate. Find out how long it will take to schedule the work and who will be performing the work.
6. With all of that info in hand, evaluate the quotes side by side to compare based on clarity, detail of the scope, paints being used and cost.

Far too often when getting quotes I see people to eager to count all contractors as equal and only evaluate based on price. Remember that the devil lives in the details. If you look objectively for a professional company you should feel assured that the work is done correctly and that you received all that you intended to purchase.

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