Are you planning a custom glass or mirror project? Do you still need to hire a professional to turn your vision into a reality? Whether this is your first experience decorating with glass and mirrors or you’ve always bought stock products, take a look at the questions to ask before you choose a contractor who can design, cut, and install custom creations.
What Project Do You Need Help With?
As the name implies, custom glass contractors create custom glass projects. But this doesn’t mean that every professional has the same skill level necessary to create each type of glass item or mirror. Before you choose one professional, ask your would-be future contractor about:
- Services. Does the contractor offer the services you need? If you want to design a new shower enclosure, but the pro only makes mirrors, continue your search. Along with the types of glass or mirror designs the contractor will or can create, ask the professional about installation options.
- Residential projects. Commercial and residential projects often require two different types of skill sets. Your contractor of choice should create residential glass and mirror products for home decor use.
- Past projects. Does the contractor design and create the type of glass or mirror you need? But do they have the skills to give you the top-notch product you expect? Ask the contractor for photos of past projects or references from customers.
- Extras, add-ons, and options. Do you have a simple, straightforward project — or do you need additional options? These could include frosting, etching, gridded glass, or a frame for your mirror.
Now that you know more about what types of projects or services the company provides, take the next step and learn more about the contractor’s experience.
How Much Experience Does Your Project Require?
Any glass or mirror professional you choose should have at least several years of experience in the business. While no magic number of years guarantees the contractor’s experience will equal top-notch service, you need to make sure:
- The contractor has training in this specific area. Again, not all glass contractors have the same skill level in each area of the industry. A contractor with years of experience installing residential windows may not have the experience necessary to create a custom mirrored tabletop.
- The contractor has professional-level training. A novice glass contractor who doesn’t have industry-level experience isn’t the best option for a custom project. Verify your contractor of choice has the right type of training. If you’re not sure what to look for, research qualifications from professional organizations and associations.
- The contractor hasn’t moved around an excessive amount. A company that continuously opens and closes in different cities or locations is a red flag to watch out for. A quality contractor should have continuity in their experience.
How do you know if the contractor’s self-proclaimed experience is authentic? If you’re not sure whether you should believe the pro or not, ask for references. A contractor with only very recent references from the past few weeks or months may not have the experience your project requires.
What Is Your Vision?
Do you dream of a very specific frameless glass shower enclosure, a contemporary tabletop design, or a mirror that perfectly pairs with your existing home decor style? If you have a vision for your custom project, the contractor you choose should have the ability to understand and incorporate this vision into their creation.
Is your next glass or mirror project ready to go from a daydream to real life? Do you need help with everything from the design process and materials choice to custom cutting and installation? Contact Martin Glass Co. for more information.