Whether you are building a home from scratch, doing renovations or just need a professional paint job, it’s worth it to hire a reliable contractor. Hiring painting contractors or other types of contractors is a delicate process, and you need to do your homework to find one that has a good record.
Hiring a reliable contractor is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost is that you get someone who will do what he or she says he is going to do. That means doing the scope of work agreed upon, doing it well and doing it on schedule. Reliable contractors also take great care to make sure they file for all necessary permits and also that they hire reliable subcontractors. For example, if the work on your house involves exterior painting, then you want your contractor to hire an exterior painter, not one who specializes in doing interior paint work. Reliable contractors also know what they are doing and they sub out work they don’t know how to do. For example, a painting contractor who knows what he’s doing will know that stucco has to be sprayed and can’t be painted with a roller. He’ll also take the time to do the proper preparation for an exterior paint job, which can involve scraping off old paint, caulking and priming.
What are the consequences of selecting a contractor who is not reliable? They can be numerous. The most likely outcome is that you wind up with work that is substandard — that is, if you even get the work completed. Many unreliable contractors fail to complete work at all, even after accepting payment for it. Another possible consequence is that you might wind up with work that doesn’t follow local codes. If your work is not up to code, it can fail an inspection, which can put your home in jeopardy. Substandard work by an unreliable contractor also can void warranties that may come with materials.
Whether you are doing a home remodel or a commercial painting job, it is important to select a contractor who is reliable. Before selecting someone to do your job, you need to thoroughly check that person out. Do online searches, talk to references and check for potential complaints. It is much easier to avoid an unreliable contractor than to get rid of one after work has already started.