Q: I need the inside of my home painted. I filled out the information on your website all the way up to agreeing to have someone call on me.

I'm doing the research on the project, then I will present my findings to my husband. The project is a low priority to him, but top priority to me. So I have to convince him that we can get it done and there won't be much time when the house is totally messy. If you get professionals, they can come in and out in a couple of days. My husband can't stand to have everything all disorderly.

A: Thanks for your response. The best way to find out how much a project will cost is to get about three service professionals to bid on it for you. I recommend you return to our site and submit a service request, but under "Estimated Job Size" check "Don't Know" when it asks about the price range. Then when you talk to the Service Professionals who respond, you can discuss a ballpark price range over the phone and get an idea how long it will take to complete your particular project. Of course, you are under no obligation to hire anyone, but that is the most efficient way to gather the information you need to make your decision.

When filling out this service request, I also recommend you check "NO" when it asks if you will provide materials. Contrary to popular belief, there is usually little or no advantage for consumers to provide the supplies. Professionals can usually get materials at as good a price, if not better, as you. They usually have preferences about what brands they like to work with, and they generally will not guarantee results with products they do not provide. In the case of paint, of course you can choose the color, but they have a lot more experience buying and working with paint than you do and can probably can make some helpful suggestions about types, qualities, etc. If there are any problems with the paint, the way the color looks when dry on the wall, etc., it will be up to them to make it right.

To collect bids, simply return to our site at: http:///www.servicemagic.com, and let us match you with the ideal service professional in your area.

Good luck with your project!

Kathy Maynard!