How-to #6

How To Hire a Wallpaper Installer

Not the handy type? Check this guide to learn how to hire the right installer for your project!

With some projects comes the need for a professional!

Although Eazywallz offers Eazystick peel and stick fabric and the HP Pre-pasted Wallpaper as DIY materials that anyone can install, we also have DIGISCAPE® WALLPAPER3M Laminated Vinyl and KOROGRAPHICS® TYPE II WALLPAPER that are more tricky to install. In this case you may feel more comfortable letting a professional take care of your installation.

Please note, there is a difference between wallpaper and peel and stick materials, so please be sure to let the installer know which material it is that they will be installing. There are wallpaper hangers (specialized in pasted wallpaper) and signage installers (specialized in peel and stick applications).

Also, installers may charge you by project or per square footage. Prices vary greatly depnding on the difficulty of the project and the region (installers in large cities tend to charge more).

Here are a few websites listing certified professional installers that you can find in your area.

Peel and Stick Installers
Browse PDAA installers >
Pasted Wallpaper Installers
Browse WIA installers >

Before you hire a professional installer

Want to know how to hire a wallcovering installer? First, you'll want to hire an installer with a reputation for excellent work. There are a number of ways to check for this information:

Use recommendations from friends or neighbors - get references and check them. If possible, go look at finished work. Check the Better Business Bureau ratings for wallcovering installers in your area. Look for a member of the Wallcovering Installers Association. Members of this association must be craftsmen and women who professionally install wallcoverings.

Second, solicit two or three bids for the work you need. Do not blindly accept the lowest bid. Ask why a bid is as low or 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. In comparing prices, be sure you are comparing the same services to be provided.

What Needs to Be in Writing

A professional paperhanger will carefully prepare a comprehensive plan that estimates projects costs based on material, labor and experience specifications. 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. Specify daily cleanup or cleanup requirements upon completion of the project.

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 as well as a cancellation penalty (if there is one) should be clear to both parties.Any warranties should be in writing. Alos, identify warranty as either "Full" or "Limited." A Full Warranty indicates that all faulty products will be repaired or replaced or otherwise your money will be refunded. A Limited Warranty indicates that the repair or replacement of damaged goods is limited in some way.Identify the name and address of the person or company offering the warranty. Time frames for all warranties should be clearly specified.

Make sure all changes to the original contract are in writing. Also, make sure all amendments are agreed upon by both parties, before work begins or is continued.If the contract upon which you and the installer agree is not complete to your exact specifications, do not sign it. Make sure you understand fully all terms as well as conditions. Affirm that you are getting exactly what you want, that you know the cost of each item/service and that you’re paying a fair price.

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 insured for the kind of work they do. This request is easily met.

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