Whether you are remodeling or having a new building constructed, drywall is one of the most important components for the walls. While many will try to DIY install their own drywall, it is a craft that takes a lot of skill and training to master completely. The best way to ensure that your drywall is installed properly is by hiring a professional. There are many drywall contractors out there, so it is important to take your time to find the right commercial drywall contractor. That is why, in this article, we are going to look over some tips for hiring a professional drywall contractor.
Plan Your Project
Before you start looking for your commercial drywall contractor, determine the scope of your project. Determine what the square footage is going to be for the project, as well as if you just need the contractor to repair some damage, transform the wall itself, or have something built from scratch.
Will they need to have any special application techniques for certain textures? If you want to get a special texture for the walls, make sure you hire a drywall contractor who has experience with that.
In addition to drywall installation, you can also see if the contractor offers painting services. While you can DIY paint, having a professional do it means that you will have the entire project polished for you. Consider looking for a contractor who can paint the walls after they finish installing the drywall.
Do Your Research
Once you know the scope of your project, it is time to start researching local commercial drywall contractors. Spend time looking at their website for completed projects, Google and Yelp reviews, and the Better Business Bureau. Ask your potential drywall contractors for testimonials and references from their previous clients. If possible, try to speak to people who have worked with that contractor in the past. If you have the opportunity to see their previous work firsthand, you should take it.
You should also make sure that any potential drywall contractors you work with have the right licenses and that they have insurance. Many states have laws requiring contractors to have specific licenses and training, so looking into that with your prospective contractors is important. In California, Magnum Drywall has passed the CSLB state exam for a specialty C-9 Drywall contractor’s license.
Get Estimates
When you talk to potential drywall contractors, make sure you get an estimate for the overall project. After you have estimates from your contractors, both in price and timeline, compare the details from all of those estimates. However, do not choose a contractor based on price alone. Look at all of the factors involved before making a choice.
Discuss the Budget
You need to have your budget in mind for this project before you start looking into hiring a drywall contractor. When talking to your prospective drywall contractors, make sure you talk to them about your budget in advance to ensure that they will be able to stay within the budget if anything unforeseen comes up.
Determine Your Role in the Project
You most likely will not have much of a role in the project since you are hiring a professional commercial drywall contractor, but some will have expectations for your involvement. It is important to make sure that you know exactly what the contractor expects from you. For example, the contractor might need you to clear out the area near where the project is being completed. Also, make sure you have a set way to communicate with your contractor.
Ask Your Drywall Contractor Questions Before Hiring Them
As part of your selection process for hiring a drywall contractor, put together a list of questions you want to ask them. These questions are a good starting point, but make sure you also ask the contractors things that are specific to your project.
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Can I see proof of the license and insurance?
- How long have you been in business?
- What is your experience with this type of project?
- What timeline do you think will work for your project, including the start and end dates?
- What is your payment schedule?
- How will you clean up after the project?
- Do you offer a service guarantee?
- Can I see references from your former clients?
- Will there be any subcontractors involved?
- How would you go about doing this job?
- What is the best way to contact you during the project?
The purpose of asking these questions is so that you can try to eliminate any drywall contractors that will not work within your project. Do not worry that they might get offended by your questions; the point of this process is to ensure that you find the right match for your job. If they get defensive of any of your questions, that is a red flag.
Secure a Contract and Payment Schedule
Once you have decided which drywall contractor you will be hiring, secure a contract with them. Make sure to go over every point of the contract with your contractor before you sign it. The contract should include:
- Projected start and end dates.
- The down payment amount.
- The payment structure and schedule.
- Contingencies for the final payment.
Look Out for Red Flags
As you look for drywall contractors, make sure you keep an eye out for any red flags. Some red flags to look out for include:
- Having trouble confirming their licensing information.
- Sketchy reviews, especially on sites they do not own.
- Unwilling to give you references.
- They get defensive during the interview process.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are looking for a commercial drywall contractor in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Magnum Drywall to get a drywall estimate and start planning your project today.