Painting is one of the most popular home improvement projects you can undertake, but it can be more difficult than you might think. Whether you're planning an interior or exterior painting project, hiring a painting contractor will save a lot of time and energy in the long run.

Before you hire a painting contractor, there are some things you should take into consideration:

• How long has the contractor been in business? There can be a high turnover rate in the painting industry. Be sure to hire someone who has been operating for at least two to three years.

• Are employees experienced painters? Make sure the company hires skilled workers. Ask what training or qualifications they have.

• Does the contractor have insurance? It is absolutely critical that they have the necessary insurance. A reputable, licensed painting contractor will have coverage. Remember, it protects him and any workers he may have on site, as well as you.

• What kind of preparation work does the painting contractor do? A cheaper job will skimp on the prep work to cut corners. A good contractor will take the time to do everything the way it should be done. The workmanship will show in the end, good or bad.

• Can they provide a list of references? Once you have the references in hand, call them.

• Can the painting contractor make recommendations on what materials will work best for your project? A professional keeps up-to-date on the latest products and techniques, makes suggestions for colors and finishes, and is knowledgeable about the latest trends. Experience counts.

• Make sure they put everything in writing. A professional provides customers with written contracts and specifications.

• Will they offer a maintenance program? Some will, it's worth asking.

• How much do they charge? Getting the lowest price should not be your first consideration. You want to get someone with skill, experience, insurance, awareness of safety issues and good workers. That will not likely be the guy with the lowest bid. It doesn't need to be the highest bid either. Just be sure not to hire on price alone. Look at the whole picture. Painters operate on very tight profit margins. Some homeowners hire college students and are happy with the work. If the price seems too good to be true, however, it probably is.

Now that you know how to look for a good contractor, where can you go to find one? At RenovationExperts.com you can get free estimates from contractors in your area who are prescreened for experience, licenses and insurance.

Renovation Experts is a premium network of over 3,000 remodeling contractors, who carry out remodeling projects for any part of the house, from attic to basement.

Locate and hire a contractor, get an estimate for your project and do it with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're using professionals.

Log on to www.renovationexperts.com, describe your project and sign in. They will send you at least four possible contractors for the project within 48 hours. You decide who you want to use. There is no obligation -- just competitive prices for you to get the job done right.

Looking at the gorgeous, landscaped yards in magazines can be inspiring, but also overwhelming. The weather gets warm, you plant a few pansies, then you step back and realize that your outdoor space isn't exactly worthy of a photo shoot. Now is the time to call in professional help to expand on your vision and create the landscape look you see in magazines.

The garden gurus at RenovationExperts.com offer tips on how to hire a landscape contractor to add value to your home and make your yard the envy of the neighborhood.

• Define Your Landscaping Needs

Why are you landscaping? Would you like to increase your property value or enhance the enjoyment of your outdoor spaces? Perhaps your goal is to create and a delicate rose garden or entertain friends, family, children and pets. Clearly identify the purposes you need your landscape to serve.

In addition to deciding what your yard needs to do for you, map out a "dream garden". Gather photos of outdoor spaces you love from magazines and brochures and determine if you favor a particular style or theme and would enjoy features such as statuary and waterfalls.

• Set Your Budget

Determine a realistic budget based on the size of the area to be landscaped, features and materials you'd like to use and the condition of your current grounds.

• Work Towards a Designer Dream

A designer landscape first and foremost needs a designer. Landscape contractors offer various services to help design, plan and create your dream yard.

• Find and Select a Landscape Contractor

visit RenovationExperts.com and fill out one simple form with what you're looking for and get up to four free estimates from local, pre-qualified contractors within 24 hours. There's no obligation and you can choose who you'd like to work with.

While you may not think your outdoor project is complicated, a properly finished job using quality, lasting materials requires the professional knowledge and skill of a landscape contractor. Partnering with a pro will have you glowing with pride over your magazine-quality landscape in no time.

For more information and to get up to four free estimates from contractors, visit RenovationExperts.com

Now that spring has arrived, a lot of people are itching to get started on their home improvement projects. Maybe you want to do a kitchen remodel, you need a new roof or want to improve your home's curb appeal with some new paint and landscaping.

These are all projects you'd likely have a contractor do for you, but where do you find  a good one? Instead of making dozens of calls, then waiting hours or days for someone to call you back with a quote, speed things up with the help of the professionals at RenovationExperts.com 

All you have to do is log on to the site, fill out a quick online form describing the work you need done, and up to four contractors who do business in your community will get back to you with quotes, usually within 24 hours.  Best of all the service is totally free.

Karen and Craig Anderson of Shorewood, Minn., turned to the site for help after their attempts to find a contractor for their kitchen remodel project through conventional means failed. "We were amazed," says Karen. "I had sent in the request just before dinner. While we were eating we received a phone call from a contractor, and after dinner I checked my e-mail and found quotes from 3 more. We called all four and decided to hire JPA Construction."

The company's owner, James Arnold, did the majority of the work the couple needed done himself. He removed an old floor and replaced it with a new sub-floor and porcelin tile, and raised the counters up and installed a new granite countertop and tiled backsplash. "We liked his work so much we asked Mr. Arnold to leave a few business cards when he was done," says Karen.

In addition to serving as a way for contractors and potential clients to connect, the site  also features online calculators homeowners can use to get an idea of how much their projects will cost, and a collection of articles containing useful how-to information.

(All Articles — Source: www.liveinformed.com)