• Use recommendations from friends or neighbors; get references and check them. If possible, go look at finished work.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau in your area for any complaints against the paperhanger.
• Look for a member of the National Guild of Professional Paperhangers. Members of this association must be craftsmen and women who install wallcovering for their living.

Second, solicit two or three bids for the work you need done. 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, estimating 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 as well as daily clean-up or clean-up 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 and a cancellation penalty (if there is one) should be clear to both parties.

Any warranties should be in writing. Make sure warranties offered are written into the contract. A warranty must be identified as either "Full" or "Limited."

A Full Warranty indicates that all faulty products will be repaired or replaced or your money will be refunded. A Limited Warranty indicates that the repair or replacement of damaged goods is limited in some way.

The name and address of the person or company offering the warranty must be identified. Time frames for all warranties should be clearly specified.

All changes to the original contract must be made in writing. Any amendments should be agreed upon by both parties before work is begun or continued.

If the contract upon which you and the installer agree is not complete in every meaningful area, do not sign it. Make sure you understand fully all terms and conditions. Affirm that you are getting exactly what you want, that you know the cost of each item and each service, and that you're paying a fair price.

Know all the facts before you sign the contract, and before you spend your hard-earned money.

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 are insured for the kind of work they do. This request should be easily met.

Members of the Guild are recognized as quality wallcoverings installers. Many are considered artisans and craftsman and women. For a referral to a Guild member in your area, you may search via our Find a Paperhanger Feature.