Tips on Hiring a Contractor

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Ask for Referrals
Ask people whom you know and trust for contractor referrals, such as:

• Friends
• Neighbors
• Your local Benjamin Moore retailer

Check Credentials
When you make contact with contractors you're interested in hiring, ask them these questions:

• Are you a member of the local Better Business Bureau?
• Are you a member of any national or local painting contractors' associations?
• How long have you been in business?
• Do you subcontract your work or perform it yourself?
• Do you have the proper/required licenses? (This varies by state, and some states may not require licensing.)
• Do you have insurance and bonding? (This helps determine whether your contractor and any hired workers are insured for injury and liability.)

Review Guarantees and Warranties
Make sure you get guarantees and warranties for contractor work in writing, including:

• The types of problems covered, and how they will be handled.
• Specifics on what is covered by your bill (such as workmanship and materials.)

Check References

• Be sure to get at least three references from past customers.
• Speak to references directly.
• Visit references to evaluate work in person, and to see how well it has held up over time.

Additional Questions
When you speak with potential contractors for your project, be sure to ask them who will perform the work—the contractor themselves, their employees, or a hired crew.

Also pay attention to the following signs and behaviors, which will help guide you in selecting the right contractor for your project:

• Does the contractor project a sense of professionalism and experience?
• Is the contractor courteous and business-like?
• Is the contractor busy? (Good ones usually are.)
• Does the contractor return phone calls and provide estimates in a timely manner?
• Is the contractor on time for appointments?
• Do you have a good rapport with the contractor?
• Does the contractor seem interested in working with you?

Know What You Want
The more specific you are about your project and your needs with a contractor, the more precise your contractor's estimate will be.

It is a good idea to walk your property with each potential contractor and to discuss your needs as well as any aspects of your project that could affect its price.

Benjamin Moore, like other brands of paint, formulates paints for specific applications.  Residential structures, homes, apartments, and condominiums face different challenges, and consumers have different needs (washability, mildew protection, color fade resistance, etc.) than commercial structures. Because of this, Benjamin Moore has a line of Premium Residential coatings as well as commercial grade products. Be sure that your contractor's estimate includes the right products for your home.

Many products perform better with more than one coat or with a primer, so be sure that your contractor provides an estimate that includes these factors.

Get at Least Three Estimates
When you receive contractor estimates, they should fall roughly within the same price range. If estimates are widely different from one another, be wary of contractors who bid too high or too low. Ask about what is not being done, and where corners are being cut.

Review Your Contract
Take time to review your contract for work, and to ask questions about any details for which you need clarification. Be sure to ask about:

• The specifics on what is to be painted (house, trim, shutters, etc.)
• What will be used to paint different features (one color for your house, another color for your shutters, etc.)
• Details on preparation and cleanup.
• Paint and primer brands and colors that will be used.
• How many coats of paint will be applied.
• How your contractor will protect plants, patios, and other items.
• How much time the project will take, from start to end.
• When and how the contractor will be paid.

For additional information, ask your local retailer or call 1-888-BEN-MOORE.