Almost every home needs to repair or replace drywall at some point. Whether a leak caused water damage, some overly rambunctious playtime led to a hole in the wall or you are remodeling the space, the need for new drywall is pretty much inevitable.
Although many homeowners can make small repairs themselves, installing larger sheets of sheetrock is a labor-intensive job that needs to be done well, or the imperfections will be obvious once the wall has been painted. The process actually involves two steps: the installation, which requires cutting the sheetrock to size and fastening it to the studs, and then the taping and sanding of the seams and places where it was screwed on, so the wall appears as seamless and smooth as a single sheet of drywall. Without an experienced drywall contractor, it’s possible that these steps could take much longer than necessary, and the results will be less than perfect.
So how do you choose the right drywall contractor then? With so many Detroit drywall repair and installation providers to choose from, how can you be sure that you are selecting the right team for your job? By asking the right questions, and keeping the following tips in mind, you can hire the right team the first time.
Identifying Contractors
First, do some research on the contractors in your area. Read reviews and pay close attention to how much experience the contractors have. While a less experienced drywall installer may charge less, the results may not be what you’re expecting. Check out the Better Business Bureau ratings for the contractor. Although BBB ratings are not the final word on any business, you can identify potential red flags based on the issues that other customers have had.
Meeting the Candidates
Once you’ve narrowed down the list of potential drywall installers, make appointments to meet with them. Although you may be anxious to get your project done, it’s important to carefully evaluate several providers before hiring someone. Not all contractors are created equal, and this is too important of a job to rely on the least expensive contractor or the one with the best online reviews.
Professional contractors will generally be more than happy to meet with you and will come prepared to answer your questions. During the meeting, they will likely take measurements and discuss the materials that will be used and any potential challenges that could pop up. Ask questions about when he or she can complete the job, how long it is likely to take, the materials required to do the job and any inclusions, such as the clean-up and haul away of old drywall. Be sure to get any estimates in writing with a clear breakdown of all the costs and charges.
It’s also important that you check on any potential contractors’ licenses and insurance coverage. You want to be sure the installers have a valid license to work in your area and that they have the appropriate insurance coverage. At the very least, they should be able to provide proof of liability and worker’s compensation insurance coverage, which will protect you in the case that any of your property is damaged during the project or if any of the workers are injured on the job.
Finally, ask for references. Again, a professional drywall contractor is not going to balk at providing references from customers. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the references and ask questions about their experiences.
Hiring for the Job
Once you decide on which contractor to hire, review the contract carefully. Be sure that the contract specifically states whether the charges are estimated or actual; in either case, ask for them to be itemized, so you know exactly what you’re paying for, and if the bill changes, you know why and where the increases occurred. The contract should also include a payment schedule. Demanding payment in full up front is a red flag; most reputable contractors will require a deposit and then payments on a pre-defined scheduled during and/or after the project. The contract must outline everything that is included as part of the job, start and end dates for the job and the terms for termination of the contract.
Once you have selected a contractor and negotiated a contract, the work can begin. It might feel like a lot of steps just to have some sheetrock replaced, but when the job is done well and your walls are smooth and even, you’ll be glad you went to the effort to hire the right person.
