Choosing a flooring contractor requires thorough research. Start by reading reviews and testimonials. Look for a contractor that has experience installing your preferred type of floor.
Ask each potential flooring contractor to provide a list of satisfied customers. Also, be wary of contractors who offer bids that are significantly lower than others.
Ask for Referrals
When you’re looking for a flooring contractor, ask your friends and family who they’ve used in the past. If they’re happy with the work, you’ll likely be too.
It’s also a good idea to check out online reviews of flooring contractors before you hire them. You’ll be able to get an idea of what kind of customer service and quality of workmanship you can expect from a flooring contractor by reading online reviews. If you see a lot of red flags in the online reviews, it’s probably best to avoid that contractor.
You can also ask the flooring contractor to provide you with testimonials or references from previous customers, which is a great way to gauge how happy they’ve been with the work they’ve had done in the past. Most flooring companies will have these on their websites, so it’s easy to find them.
When looking for a flooring contractor, make sure they have liability insurance. This will protect you in case they accidentally damage your home while working on a project, or if someone is injured by their equipment. Liability insurance is typically required by law in most municipalities, so you should always verify that the flooring contractor has this before hiring them.
Finally, you should ask the flooring contractor to give you a quote for your project in writing. This will ensure that both you and the flooring contractor have a clear understanding of what will be included in the work, including materials, start and completion dates, a detailed list of all labor performed, waste management details, and how the flooring contractor will safeguard your property while the project is underway.
In addition to the above, you should also make sure the flooring contractor has a business license and a declaration (“dec”) page from their insurance policy, which will show you that they’re insured and licensed to do business in your municipality or state. It’s also important to choose a flooring contractor who has experience with the type of flooring you want, as some types of floors are more complicated than others and require specific installation methods.
Check Online Reviews
Getting referrals from family members and friends is a great way to find a flooring contractor, but it’s important to also do some online research before making any decisions. Look at the contractors’ websites, read reviews on Google and Facebook and check out any testimonials they have online. This will give you a good idea of what to expect when working with them. For example, if you see several complaints about how slow or unresponsive a particular contractor was, this may be an indication that they are not the best choice for your project.
When looking at online reviews, be sure to read more than just the positive ones. It’s common for businesses to have a few negative reviews, but if you see a pattern of red flags, this may be an indication that the company is not reliable or trustworthy. Likewise, if you see several reviews from customers who were very satisfied with their work, this is another good sign that the company is worth considering.
It’s also a good idea to check that a flooring contractor is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case something goes wrong during the job, or if any injuries occur on the worksite. Many flooring contractors will have this information listed on their website, but if not, you can ask them to provide proof of their insurance coverage before agreeing to any services.
You should also ask a flooring contractor to provide a detailed estimate for your project. This should include a cost breakdown of all materials, start and finish dates, details on how waste will be handled and who is responsible for equipment rentals and any other necessary expenses. In addition, make sure to get any warranties or guarantees in writing before beginning the work.
Finally, it’s a good idea to ask potential flooring contractors for examples of previous projects. This will help you see their level of expertise and whether they can handle the type of flooring that you want to install in your home. For example, if you’re thinking about having wood floors installed, it would be best to hire a flooring contractor that specializes in this material.
Look at Portfolios
When you’re deciding on the flooring company you want to work with, make sure to ask them about their portfolio. Many flooring contractors will have a photo gallery on their website showcasing some of their past work, and this is a great way to get an idea for the quality of their work. Some of them may even have a testimonial page where their previous clients have left feedback about their experience working with them.
A good portfolio will include photos of the work they’ve completed in a variety of spaces in their epoxy floor map listing. This will help you get a sense for their style and design aesthetic. It will also give you an opportunity to see how they have tackled various challenges during the project. For example, if you are looking to install hardwood floors, you will want to find a contractor with extensive experience installing this type of flooring. This will ensure that they understand the nuances of this particular flooring and can handle any issues that might arise during the installation process.
It’s also important to find out how long the flooring company has been in business. Not all companies stay in business for very long, and you’ll want to be sure that the one you hire has a solid track record of providing high-quality service. A longer history will also mean that they’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of customers and can draw on this experience when creating a contract for your project.
In addition, you should always make sure the flooring company is licensed and insured. This will provide you with peace of mind that they adhere to industry standards and can be held accountable in the event of any accidents or damages during the project.
Finding the perfect flooring contractor for your project can be a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By focusing on research, assessing expertise and experience, weighing cost against value, ensuring open communication, checking for licensing and insurance, and understanding timelines, you can ensure that the contractor you choose will be able to deliver the results you expect from your project.
Get Quotes
It’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple flooring contractors. This will give you a better understanding of what the average project price is in your area and allow you to compare pricing. Beware of contractors who require large cash deposits or the entire project cost upfront. These may be scams designed to bilk homeowners from their money. A general rule of thumb is to request quotes from three or four flooring contractors.
Generally, the biggest factor in a flooring job quote is labor costs. A flooring contractor has to pay his or her crew for their work hours, and the amount of time it takes them to complete a job can have a major impact on the final cost of the project. Similarly, the type of flooring being installed and its square footage can also have an effect on the material costs.
Another important thing to consider when comparing flooring contractor quotes is whether they include all necessary materials in the price. Some materials, such as underlayment or vapor barrier, are typically required for every flooring installation job. Others, such as wood flooring or tile, may not be. You can typically find this information in the contractor’s online quote or by calling them directly.
When evaluating a potential flooring contractor, ask for a list of customer references. These will help you gauge the quality of their work and professionalism. Any reputable contractor will be more than happy to provide you with references from satisfied customers.
In addition to asking for references, it’s a good idea to verify the flooring contractor’s licensing and insurance coverage. This will protect you from a rogue contractor who may not have proper insurance or credentials. Check with local authorities to see if your municipality requires licensing for flooring installers. Similarly, you should check with your state’s department of consumer affairs to see if any licensing requirements exist in your area.
In addition to ensuring that your prospective flooring contractor is properly licensed and insured, you should also make sure they have adequate worker’s compensation and general liability insurance. This will cover your property if an employee is injured on the job and helps pay for medical bills and lost wages until the employee returns to work. Finally, most flooring contractors will use a vehicle to transport materials to and from job sites. You should also ensure the contractor has commercial auto insurance in case one of their employees is in a car accident while driving for business purposes.
