While many DIYers love to talk about doing drywall themselves, if you want to ensure your drywall is done right the first time, hiring a drywall contractor is your best bet. Your walls are important, so you want to have them installed by someone who is an expert in the field. To help you find the best drywall contractors in your area, we have put together some things to look for in a drywall contractor in San Jose and other areas.
Plan Your Drywall Project
Before you look for a qualified drywall contractor in San Jose, you need to plan out your project. Are you constructing a new building? Are you opening up more space in your home and need to restructure your walls? Do you need to replace damaged drywall in an older building? How big is the scope of your project?
Looking for the right drywall contractor means getting quotes from your potential candidates, and you have to have the details of your project in mind before you start looking. Don’t worry, though, if you don’t know the square footage of those walls. You can have just a rough estimate, but it’s good to have an idea so you can relay all your needs to your potential drywall contractor.
Think about the type of environment surrounding the drywall. Is the building damp and prone to must or mold? Is it drafty or stuffy? A good drywall contractor will adjust the type of drywall they use for your unique situation. Some drywall is resistant to both moisture and mold to keep the walls looking great for years, and other drywall is a natural insulator to keep out chilly breezes.
Look for A Licensed and Insured Drywall Contractor
No matter what state you are in, contractors must be licensed and insured to operate legally, and they should be able to provide verification if it is requested. Many companies will list their license number on their websites (look at the bottom of the page for a license number). Licensing guarantees the drywall contractor you hire has been certified by state guidelines and meets certain safety and quality standards. In California, a drywall contractor must have four years of journey-level experience before they can apply, where the contractor masters installation of many kinds of walls. They must also pass a C-9 trade exam, a law and business exam, and obtain insurance.
The insurance is important because if something goes wrong during the project, you are not left with the cost of the damages. This is the risk in using a non-licensed, non-insured contractor. Don’t feel shy about asking how long a drywall contractor has been licensed or for the details of their insurance coverage. A genuine drywall contractor is proud of their license and understands bad contractors are out there. Your potential drywall contractor should explain their insurance coverage to you and help you understand it. You can also take the opportunity to ask what the procedure is if something goes wrong with the drywall after installation.
Look for References
Any good drywall contractor will have positive references for prior work. Check the references of any contractors you talk to about your project. Ask for testimonials and see if they have any past clients whom you can speak with directly for a review. Look at reviews for this contractor online, on both their website and third-party review websites. One bad review might not be a red flag, but if they’re garnering too many, ask for an explanation for find another contractor.
Verify Skills and Experience
When you talk to a potential drywall contractor, ask about their experience with projects similar to yours. This may include the next stage of your project after the drywall is installed, like soundproofing, painting, or adding texture to the walls. Be clear about your idea for the project and ensure your contractor has the skills and experience necessary to install the drywall and successfully prepare your project for the next stage.
As part of learning about their skills and experience, ask prospective drywall contractors how long they have been in business and how long they have been in the industry as a whole.
Make a List of Questions to Ask Drywall Contractors
You need to ask your potential drywall contractor the right questions, so it is a good idea to plan your questions in advance so you don’t forget them when you talk to prospective contractors. Some of the questions that you should ask contractors are:
- Are you licensed and insured? Can I see proof?
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you have references? Can I contact any of your past customers?
- What is your proposed timeline for my project?
- How will you clean up the project?
- Do you offer a service guarantee?
- Do you have the special skills this project may need?
- Who will be my main contact?
Look for Drywall Contractors Who Outline the Work
A good drywall contractor can provide you with a clear outline of the work they will do for you, all of the materials they intend to use, the timeline for completion, and an estimate for the total price.
Pricing Considerations
When you are looking for a drywall contractor, make sure you discuss pricing right away. You want to find a contractor who is upfront and honest about pricing so there are no hidden surprises that pop up later on.
Start Your Drywall Project Today!
Taking the time to look for the best drywall contractors in your area is crucial to the success of your project. At Magnum, we love what we do and take great pride in our work. We would be happy to be your drywall contractor. If you are ready to start your construction project in San Jose or elsewhere in the Bay Area, contact Magnum today!