August 2009

How to Select a Ceiling Contractor

It’s no secret that everyone’s labor costs are about the same in our industry.  Also, it’s no secret that materials are generally available to all contractors for fairly similar prices.

So what makes the difference when choosing a Ceiling or Drywall Contractor?  Most will agree that the difference is in the company itself.  A major factor is the company’s people.  How easy are they to work with?   What about the skills of the installers?  Is there an effective safety program?  Does the company executive staff, and do the employees, take safety-on-the-job seriously?  Is the company prompt with its services and call-backs?  Does the company have an ability to be “on time”,  and to do what they say it will do?  Is the company responsive to each project’s problems?  What level of safety training do their employees receive?

Getting a Bid from us is EASY!  You may use our special “Invitation to Bid” form right now.  Click on the following link to open the form, print it out, fill it out, and FAX it to us!  Just click on Houston Acoustics & Drywall “Invitation to Bid”.

Additionally, you will want to :  

• Get some References on the company, and call them
• Ask for Projects you can go examine
• Determine that the company is financially Stable
• Find out from customers and other professionals if the company provides service after the project is completed
• Inquire about the company’s safety record and conditon of its equipment
• What kind of litigation has the company experienced in the past, or currently
• Get a feel for the expertise of the company’s installers
• Can the company offer you or the site owner constulative services to give project “advice” to help cut costs

There are many companies to select from.  Your project will benefit from your careful scrutiny before selecting a contractor– and so will your owner– and so will you!

Tips on Preparing a Bid for Your Customer

It’s no secret that construction costs have been on the rise over the past few years; however, now is the time to get back into the pool, as competition has pushed us all to higher standards of excellence.  This is an example of an Article page, you could edit this to put information about yourself or anything about your site.  This is an example of an Article page, you could edit this to put information about yourself or anything about your site. 

 WANT US TO GIVE YOU A QUOTE?  GET OUR BID FORM NOW.

• The most important thing about your bid is laying the ground-work with the customer and the relationship you develop.  Get with your customer, and ask lots of questions about the job.
• Put your ego to the side and don’t be afraid to ask a dumb question.  The best professionals are those who are confident in their need to know.  Most drawings are incomplete, so get over the fear of asking the question.  Customers are just like you, they are struggling each day to find business and to learn what they don’t know. 
• Walk the customer’s job site and get very familiar with the existing buildings and how they are being used.  See how the people are making use of the buildings and why the new building is being planned.
• Respect the customer’s time.  Just like you, they need to get on with other things.  Organize your questions and present them clearly and concisely, and let the customer know that you want to move efficiently through your session, in respect of their time.