You've found a great Porch Swing and you know exactly where you want to put it, and it's not on the Porch. If you're a Do-it-Yourselfer, no problem. All you have to do now is build a Porch Swing support on your chosen spot and hang the swing. But what if you don't have the first idea how to build a Porch Swing support or couldn't build one if you did. Then you'll need to hire a Porch Swing contractor.

Finding a contractor to build a Porch Swing support and install your Porch Swing is not as easy at it appears. It's not as if you can go to the yellow pages and look up "Porch Swing contractors". Instead, you'll have to find a carpenter or general handiman who works by the hour and who is willing and able to do the job.

Finding a carpenter can be easy enough. But how do you find one who has the required knowledge and experience? The yellow pages is a good place to start. Look for carpenters who specialize in small jobs. Narrow down your list to approximately five. And start calling.

When you call, ask the potential Porch Swing contractor about his knowledge and experience in building Porch Swing supports from scratch and whether he's ever installed a Porch Swing. Hiring a person with specialized "know how" is crucial.

Porch Swings are a functional Patio Furniture peice. As such, the Porch Swing support must be fixed in place. The Porch Swing contractor must know how to properly fix the support foundation to minimize shifting that can occur with the change of seasons as the ground freezes and thaws. Attaching the Porch Swing to the support can also be tricky. An experienced contractor will know how to do it properly to ensure that your Porch Swing is firmly and safely attached.

By knowing where to look and what questions to ask, you'll find a Porch Swing contractor who can do the job right the first time. And you'll be enjoying your Porch Swing for years to come!

Kevin Snook is the Owner and Operator of Cedar Patio Furniture retailer http://www.GoCedar.com. Porch Swing that's shipped free to homes and cottages throughout the Continental USA and Canada.