Knowledge Base

What to Look for in a Flooring Contractor

‍As an experienced home remodeler, you understand the importance of hiring the right contractor when it comes to flooring. The wrong choice can lead to serious issues down the road and cost you a lot of money in repairs or remodeling.

Taking time to find the right flooring contractor will pay off in the long run. When looking for a flooring contractor, several things set apart someone who is trustworthy and reliable versus someone who will give you problems down the road. A good flooring contractor:

Is Licensed and Insured

When it comes to any type of construction or remodeling project, you want to be sure that the contractor you hire is licensed and insured. This protects you in case anything happens on the job site and someone gets hurt. Licensing requirements vary by state, but most flooring contractors should already have their licenses.

It might be a sign they aren’t committed to doing the right thing if they don’t. Make sure they have the right insurance coverage for your project, including liability, workers’ compensation, and auto insurance. Ask to see proof of coverage. If they are not licensed or insured, they should not be working on your home.

Provides References

When you talk to references from past clients, look for red flags. Did they have a good experience or a bad one? It would also be good to get references from people who hired this contractor for a flooring project like yours. Ask for the names of other people this contractor has worked with.

It’s a good idea to talk with references from a few different contractors to make sure you are getting the best possible references. If the contractor refuses to provide references or you just get a bad feeling about the job, you should move on to another contractor.

References can be a great way to get more information about a contractor, but they aren’t foolproof. A bad review may be due to something unrelated to the actual contractor. Or the person could be maliciously trying to damage their reputation.

Is Familiar with Your Type of Flooring

Be sure the contractor is experienced with your type of flooring. For example, if you are installing tile, you want the contractor to be familiar with the type of equipment and process used for tile installation.

The same is true for other types of flooring, such as carpet, hardwood, and vinyl. A contractor should be able to provide you with tips and tricks for installation based on their experience.

They should also be able to tell you about potential problems that can occur with your type of flooring. A contractor who has experience with your type of flooring will be able to do the job right the first time and save you money in the long run.

Will Provide a Written Estimate

You should expect to receive a written estimate from your flooring contractor after they have come to your home to do the job. This estimate should include a detailed list of the materials that will be used. Also don’t forget the amount of labor and the cost.

This will allow you to compare costs from several different contractors and make sure you are getting the best deal. If the contractor refuses to provide a written estimate or is unwilling to explain what the job costs, you should move on. You should also be wary if the contractor tries to pressure you into making a quick decision or tries to lowball you on the price.

Should Have the Right Equipment for the Job

Your flooring contractor should have all or most of the equipment needed for your project. If you are having them install tile, for example, skilled flooring installers should have the correct tools for creating a straight and even layout for tile.

They should also have the right tile saws and blades to make sure they cut pieces of tile correctly. A good flooring contractor should also be able to show you what they will use on the job.

You should be able to see the saw they plan to use and other equipment they plan to use on the job. If they come to your home with a pickup truck that is full of tools and equipment, you should be wary. It’s a good sign if they have high-quality equipment.

Expect to Pay Only After the Job is Complete

It’s a good idea to expect to pay the contractor only after the job is complete. You should be wary of contractors who want to be paid before the job is done. It’s a good sign if they are willing to give you a lien-free payment guarantee with the contract.

This means that if any problems occur on the job, you won’t be responsible for paying for the entire job. When you hire a contractor for a flooring job, you want to make sure you have someone who is professional and can get the job done right. You also want to make sure you have someone who is reliable and will stand behind their work and their word.

Conclusion

Finding the right contractor to install your new flooring can be difficult. The flooring contractor you choose will be involved in your home improvement project from start to finish.

This includes selecting the right materials and designing a layout that meets your needs. It also includes the installation of your new flooring. When you are hiring a contractor, look for someone who is licensed, insured, familiar with your type of flooring, willing to provide a written estimate, and has the right equipment for the job. You should also expect to pay the contractor only after the job is complete.