|
|
Contractor Selection Tips
Price: In choosing the best price, make sure that you compare
apples-to-apples. Compare written estimates (not verbal promises) regarding the
amount of preparation, quality of materials, number of coats, etc. The lowest
price is seldom the best price.
Promptness: A contractor who keeps the appointment for an estimate is
more likely to arrive promptly for the job and complete the project on time.
Communications: How a contractor responds to phone calls can be an
indication of your ability to contact him after the work begins. If you must
wait days for a return phone call, will the same occur after the job starts?
Insurance: Adequate insurance is important for your protection. Ask to
see a Certificate of Insurance.
Warranty: A professional contractor will stand behind his work and will
offer a written warranty. However, if the company goes out of business (or can't
be located), your warranty is useless. The stability of the company is as
important as the warranty.
Written Proposal: A well written proposal will carefully describe what is
included in the job. This allows both parties to clarify any omissions or
misunderstandings. The proposal speaks volumes about the professionalism of the
contractor.
References: Any contractor should be able to produce a list of good
references. If possible, drive by a recently completed job and look for at the
quality of their work.
Consumer awareness: No two jobs are exactly alike. A professional
contractor will seek to learn what you need and/ or desire. He will listen to
your comments and questions, and make recommendations suited to your purposes.
Trust: A contractor may be at or in your home for a week or longer. Be
certain that you feel comfortable with him.
|
|
|
|
INTEGRITY
A company can speak of honesty, conscientiousness,
and responsibility, but behave in an entirely different manner. The
proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Empty platitudes about virtue
are as fraudulent as outright lies.
Integrity demands that one implement the principles
that one advocates. Integrity is virtue in action.
The construction trades are infamous for
con-artists and frauds. Many consumers are leery of contractors, and
rightly so. But this does not mean that all contractors must resort
to fraudulent behavior to be successful. Quite the contrary-- a
company that treats its customers honestly and with respect will
enjoy success in the long-term.
Consumers want to deal with honest and reputable
companies. If a company promises such, it must put those promises
into action.
Integrity does not demand perfection. Rather, it requires one to
conscientiously and sincerely act according to the principles one
advocates. Acting with integrity can be a challenging task. It can
create short-term difficulties, or raise the temptation to take the
easy way out. Few people enjoy admitting and correcting their
mistakes. To do so requires courage and loyalty. One must possess the
courage to do the right thing, and loyalty to one's convictions.
As with any principle, the primary benefit of
integrity comes in the long-term. Adhering to one's stated beliefs
is the only means to self-respect.
|
|
|
|
Philpaint provides professional interior and exterior painting services throughout
Southwest Houston, including the following communities:
Bellaire, West University, Rice Village, Southampton, Montrose,
The Heights, Braeswood, Meyerland, Tanglewood, River Oaks, and
surrounding areas.
© Philpaint
Incorporated 2006 All rights reserved. |
|
