How to: Find a reliable pro for 10 common household jobs

PAINTER

How to find one
- Word of mouth
- Yellow Pages for well-established companies
- Home-builders' associations
- Paint stores
- Community newspapers
- Through your contractor

What to ask
- Are they bonded, insured and covered by workers' compensation insurance?
- Can they provide references?
- Can they bring photos of their work? (Look for professional results: Examine trim and where the walls meet the ceiling for clean, neat lines.)

Money matters
- Going rate: $40 per hour or $325 per day; average interior room takes one to 1 1/2 days

Comments
- Written estimate should indicate work to be done, type of paint, number of coats
- If you don't want to pay painters to clear rooms, personally move furniture to the centre of the room; remove valuables and pictures.
- Check room for existing paint splatters before the painter begins.

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

How to find one
- Word of mouth-ask friends or neighbours with a garden design you admire
- Large garden centres
- Yellow Pages or Internet for provincial landscape designers' associations

What to ask
- What services does the design plan fee include?
- Is this fee refundable if the designer installs the garden?
- Do they have references and photographs of similar jobs?
- What is the length and scope of their guarantee?

Money matters
- Going rates: approximately $120 for consultation; $300 to $400 for design plan for average city property with front and backyard, but can be much higher for larger properties and for full installation.

Comments
- A design plan is worthwhile even if you install plants yourself over several years, since you then have an overall vision to work toward.
- Landscapers should check with utility companies for underground lines before digging.