How to Hire a Paperhanger

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 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.

EPA Lead Ruling Takes Effect in 2010

Everyone can be affected by the hazards of lead-based paint. However, children under the age of six (6) have a significantly higher risk. On April 22, 2010, the US Environment Protection Agency's (EPA) new Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule became fully effective and enforceable. This new Federal regulation is intended to protect children and adults alike during renovation, repair and painting projects in pre-1978 housing and in pre-1978 child-occupied facilities, such as daycare centers, where lead-based paint will be disturbed by the work. Children exposed to lead at an early age are likely to suffer from a variety of permanent conditions, including brain, liver and kidney damage; slowed development; learning disabilities; behavior problems; lowered intellect; hearing loss; and restlessness. (http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/chancefactsheet.pdf)

What is NGPP doing in response to the new EPA Rule?

NGPP member companies are encouraged to take the required EPA Certified Renovator training courses as a result of a cooperative effort and partnership between NGPP Headquarters and EPA-accredited trainers offering courses throughout the United States. These partnerships will assure that NGPP members have access to the required training in order to comply with the new Federal requirements. Additionally, NGPP is working to promote the importance of lead-safe work practices during wallcovering, decorating, remodeling, renovation and maintenance projects in pre-1978 housing to members and the general public through various marketing resources, including NGPP's website, direct mail and other avenues.

How does this ruling affect consumers

Consumers need to know if renovation, repair or painting work in their home or apartment will trigger the requirements in the EPA Rule. Besides pre-1978 target housing, the regulation applies to pre-1978 "child-occupied facilities," which are defined as "building, or a portion of a building, constructed prior to 1978, visited regularly by the same child, under 6 years of age, on at least 2 different days within any week (Sunday through Saturday period), provided that each day's visit lasts at least 3 hours and the combined weekly visits last at least 6 hours, and the combined annual visits last at least 60 hours. Child-occupied facilities may be located in public or commercial buildings or in target housing." (www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-TOX/2008/April/Day-22/t8141.htm)

Consumers also need to know how find a qualified professional for these services. Wallcovering and painting contractors who perform work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities may need to apply to EPA to become "Certified Renovation Firms." However jobs which come under the EPA rule of “minor repairs”, i.e. those jobs involving less than 6 square feet of disturbed paint per room are not affected by the law. If less than 6 square feet of paint per room is disturbed the installer is not required by the EPA to use lead-safe practices, is not required to be EPA certified, and is not required to give out the EPA’s “Renovate Right” booklet at the time of the job estimate.

Additionally, contractors and their workers will need to take training from EPA-accredited training providers to become "Certified Renovators." Member companies of NGPP should be the consumer's first choice. Find a NGPP member company near you online via NGPP’s Find-A-Professional.

Where can consumers find more information?

The EPA's website is the best source of information for consumers about the new Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule requirements. Visit www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm to get complete details about the regulation and valuable resources, including several PDF pamphlets on lead, lead-based paint, lead poisoning and steps to perform renovations in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities.

The National Lead Information Center (NLIC) can also be a valuable resource about lead. They can be reached at 1(800) 424-LEAD (5323) Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm. Consumers may also submit an inquiry online to NLIC at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/nlic.htm.

Consumers can find a NGPP member company in their area with Find a Professional directory. Learn more about NGPP by calling (800) 254-NGPP or emailing us at ngpp@ngpp.org.