Finding and Hiring the Perfect Wallpaper Installation Professional

Wallpaper installation, like most other professional services, can be a hit-or-miss proposition. Some consumers, especially those with direct experience, choose to undertake this process themselves. Many others, however, understand that, unless you’re adept at do-it-yourself endeavors, rookie mistakes can threaten the project’s quality and budget. Wallpaper is rapidly becoming one of the most popular home decorating choices. If you have decided to put your wallcovering project in the hands of an experienced and reputable expert, read on for some helpful tips for locating the perfect installer.

Why an Experienced Paper Hanger is Important

Before thinking about putting up wallpaper, your walls must be prepped, primed and perfect. Otherwise, your finished product will look a little like a youngster’s art project, potentially damaging your walls and leaving a huge mess in its wake. Walls free of defects will hold the wallcovering in place much more effectively, making it easier to remove in the future. Second, already damaged walls will only worsen after the paper is applied. If you make the choice to hire wallcovering professionals, you won’t find yourself halfway through the project with a disaster on your hands.

Locating a Reputable Installer

Thanks to the Internet, hiring an installation pro is much easier than it was in the past. As with any other service professional, look for someone with plenty of testimonials and positive feedback. You may also consider asking friends and coworkers for referrals, an approach that may land you a high-end installer with commendable results. While referrals are helpful, having the opportunity to view the finished work is the best way to determine if the installation was as impressive as the reviews lead you to believe. You can always look for Better Business Bureau accreditation as well, when choosing an installer. Finally, be sure to talk to several installers and solicit multiple bids for your project. That way, you can compare and contrast the reasons certain price quotes may be higher or lower than others. As a general rule, make sure each bid is offering the same services, so you know you’re comparing apples to apples.

What to Include in the Installation Contract

By far, adequate detail is the most important aspect of your installation contract. The installer should provide you with specified costs for each portion of the work, rather than an hourly rate. Likewise, you must provide detailed instructions and set forth your expectations in writing. This includes asking for the contractor’s insurance and license information, to protect yourself against job abandonment or damage to your home or office.

With regard to warranty, be sure that the contract includes provisions for repair or replacement, if flaws in workmanship turn up down the road. Finally, set forth the project schedule and milestones in the contract, along with your remedies, should the installers fail to deliver on their commitment. Consumer protection advocates warn against using any contractors who demand a substantial portion of their payment in advance. Independent installers may request a small percentage up front, but be sure to withhold any final payment until the job is complete and you are satisfied with the results.

Wallpaper installation is possible on a do-it-yourself basis, but a professional installer may save you time, money and heartache. Whichever way you choose to proceed, select your wallpaper from the hundreds of designer-inspired choices available at Wallpaper Warehouse. Their knowledgeable customer service team can help you understand the process, providing you with a significant advantage for overseeing your wallpaper installation.