Selecting the Right Installer

"The thrill of a cheap price is soon forgotten with the pain of poor workmanship."

Poor work is not apparent until the paper starts coming apart at the seams, but then it's too late.

First, you'll want to hire an installer with a reputation for excellent work. Here are some methods to check this information:

• Use recommendations from friends or neighbors; get references and check them.
• If possible, view finished projects.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau in your area for any complaints against the paperhanger.
• Look for a member of the National Guild of Professional Paperhangers. Members of this association must be skilled craftsmen and women who hang paper for a living.

Second, solicit two or three bids for the work you need done. Do not blindly accept the lowest bid without asking why a bid is as low or as high as it is. A higher fee may be worth the extra services or better quality product provided. Make sure you understand precisely what the installer will do and what materials are necessary to complete your project successfully.

Finally, don’t hesitate to ask your professional paperhanger to provide certification of insurance covering worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability. Career wallcovering installers are insured for the work they do. This request should be easily met.

Get it in Writing

A professional carefully prepares a comprehensive plan, estimating costs based on material, labor and experience . A reputable wallcovering installer will not give you a sketchy, hastily-prepared proposal. You should detail exactly what you want from the installer. This can include protection of your household goods, office equipment and areas surrounding the job site as well as daily clean-up or clean-up upon completion of the project. Clean-up is sometimes an additional labor cost for the installer, so it may slightly increase the cost of the job. Or, it may be the difference in the price of two bids. Be certain that you or your decorator specify all the materials to be used. Your installer will do the same so that these details (measurements, pattern names, brand names, quantity and product information) will be part of the contract. Make sure both parties understand the financial terms which should be spelled out in the contract. The total price, payment schedule and a cancellation penalty (if there is one) should be clear to both parties.

Warranties and Guarantees

Any warranties should be in writing. Make sure warranties offered are written into the contract. A warranty must be identified as either "Full" or "Limited." A Full Warranty indicates that all faulty products will be repaired or replaced or your money will be refunded. A Limited Warranty __________ All changes to the original contract must be made in writing. Any amendments should be agreed upon by both parties before work is begun or continued.

If the contract upon which you and the installer agree is not complete in every meaningful area, do not sign it. Make sure you understand fully all terms and conditions. Affirm that you are getting exactly what you want, that you know the cost of each item and each service, that you’re paying a fair price. If an item you want is not in the contract, you probably won’t receive it. Know all the facts before you sign on the dotted line, and before you spend your money.

We are proud to be members of these prestigious organizationsique beauty and choices of today's wallcoverings can create a dramatic effect that's right for your home.