Wednesday, March 5, 2008

How To Choose A Quality Tradesman

Choosing a good quality tradesman is essential when you are wanting work done to your home regardless of what you are wanting. In terms of keeping your home safe, you want someone who is trustworthy. In terms of keeping your home in good condition, you want someone who is experienced and knowledgeable. Because of the importance of selecting the right tradesman, it is important to ensure that you are selecting the right tradesman based upon your particular needs.

Some of the best things you can do include asking to see references and even asking to look at previous work. This will allow you to see exactly what the tradesman is capable of doing, as well as see how satisfied others are with their work. Hiring a tradesman without this information is almost like reaching into a dark cabinet and picking someone. It would be highly unwise to select a tradesman without doing any research, especially because of the wide range of skill levels as well as the diversity in experience.

If you are wanting a simple project done, you can generally feel more confident in selecting a less experienced tradesman. However, if you are looking at a very complex or lengthy project it is best to select someone who has more experience in the situation that you are looking at. Typically looking to find the cheapest bid possible is not always a wise decision, you could find yourself left with finished results that you are unhappy about. However, if you manage to find the cheapest bid is also someone highly experienced as well as reputable then you have lucked up and can call yourself lucky.

Just as all paint is not created equal, nor is all wood, not all tradesmen are created equal as well. While on the surface several tradesmen may all seem exactly the same it is important to truly compare the results amongst several tradesmen in order to truly determine who is best for your needs. For example, you would not hire a master plumber to paint your home; however, you certainly would not hire someone who is exceptionally skilled at painting to repair your floors. Choosing a tradesman who is appropriate for the job you need performed is very important.

If you are willing to put some effort into finding the right tradesman you are going to be much happier with the results, and your home will look much better when the process is completed. However, take comfort in the fact that choosing the best person for your particular needs is not always impossible. You are almost guaranteed to find a qualified tradesman with a bit of effort. Looking around you should obtain at least three quotes minimum once you have found several suitable possibilities so that you can ensure you select the correct person. Remember, choosing the cheapest quote simply to save money is not always going to give you the results that you want, or need for your home. It is important to compare the experience and the quality that you are getting with the price that you are given as well to make the best decision possible.

About Author:
Carrie Freeman is a published writer who also works closely with numerous businesses and clients from various countries. To contact her please use
http://www.carrielowe.com/ Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

WallDreams Paint Ideas! More tips on professional tradesmen-

    The pro faux painter will:

  • Inspect the site and give an estimate, with details on the work to be completed. For example, area(s) to be completed and technique used, number of coats, trim, any repairs to be done, specifications, etc.

  • Supply references from past customers.

  • Have samples of recent work.

  • Be a creative person and have experience in the type of work to be completed.
  • Listen to your needs and communicate with you well. If a problem does arise, he or she will speak to you about it immediately.

  • Have the utmost respect for your property, furniture and accessories.

  • Maintain his or her workspace as neatly and organized as possible.

  • Ask that pets as well as children be prevented from entering the workspace for their protection.

  • Stay on schedule.

  • Have a reasonable contract, comply with and fulfill the agreement. The contract will state the start date, completion date, total cost, payment schedule, paint brand and colors with surfaces to be covered and/or excluded, and specify the duties of the contractor (clean up and removal of paint from windows, other surfaces).

  • Leave your home better than when the work began!


    What a paint contractor should require of you:

  • What you should expect from the contractor and his/her contract is that you should remove all furniture and accessories from the room so that your painter has easy access to the walls, ceilings, and floors to be painted. If some heavy pieces can not be removed from the room, they are to be piled at or near the center of the room and covered. I say near because if there is a centered ceiling fixture that needs to be painted around, it helps to be able to get a ladder under it. Typically at least 3 feet of space or more is needed for a ladder and painter to work around a room. The job will go easier and on schedule for the painter if this is adhered to.

  • Have your pets banned from entering the work space at any time. Truly the same for small children, as it is for their own safety, as well as the painter's and the job being done. I remember painting with a friend, who's black cat somehow ended up looking like PepĂ© Le Pew, then later jumped IN the paint tray. Talk about 2 girls trying to catch a cat!

  • If you are planning to be responsible for the room preparation, this should be spelled out clearly on the contract as well. This may involve patching, sanding, caulking, priming and basecoating. A finished technique is only as good as how well the wall was first prepared.

  • A reasonable deposit to begin the work agreed upon. This is absolutely necessary for the contractor to begin buying the supplies listed on the contract.

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