Here’s What To Look For in a Flooring Contractor

When it comes to choosing a contractor and getting started with new floors, there are a handful of considerations to be aware of before you begin. Flooring projects require a significant investment and a certain degree of trust. The more information you have at your fingertips beforehand, the better equipped you’ll be when it’s time to start vetting contractors and evaluating their work.

Here are the essential areas you should be aware of when getting information from potential flooring installers and contractors:

Licensing & Insurance

Is your contractor licensed and insured? Do they have worker’s compensation? Many contractors have general contractor’s licenses, but you’ll need to check to see if they hold a license specifically for flooring. Ask to see their declaration page from their insurance policy as well, as this shows who to contact to make a claim, what their policy covers and other essential information about the policy. If the contractor uses subcontractors, you should also ask for their declaration pages from their policies as well.

References & Reviews

What do previous customers have to say about the contractor and their work? Ask to speak to two to three references—a mix of old and recent customers—to evaluate the quality of the craftsmanship, the process, and, if possible, photos of the finished product. Do an online search for reviews about the contractor to see if there are any red flags from past experiences.

Experience

Before you pull the trigger on a flooring contractor, you should check their experience level. A contractor who’s been in the industry for many years will have an advanced skill set that allows them to respond to challenges and draw on prior knowledge. You’ll want someone who can offer advice about a wide range of potential flooring issues that could arise over the course of your project.

Estimates

Obviously, cost plays a critical role in selecting a flooring contractor. However, you want to make sure that you’re comparing apples to apples when collecting estimates. Ask all of your potential contractors—at least three candidates—to itemize the steps they will be taking throughout the life of the project. This way, you can clearly see the cost of each phase, and determine if there are unnecessary costs.

Process & Expectations

For any project involving a significant investment, it is wise to get everything in writing. Be sure to have a contract in place that stipulates which products are being used, installation methods, scope of the job itself, timeline, and any other specifics before any material is removed or added. Even though it may seem clear in the estimate or over a conversation, a clear, thorough contract protects you from stalled, mishandled projects and unethical contractors.

Another element to consider is payment, specifically. Make sure both parties are aware of the payment terms and schedule — Are you paying a deposit upfront? Are there contingencies? Hidden fees for overages or unaccounted for materials? Double check that you have a way to hold your contractor accountable before jumping into work.

Selecting the right contractor for your next flooring project can be a job in itself. However, it’s a crucial component and should be taken seriously. Although getting multiple estimates, reviewing insurance policies and vetting work quality can be time consuming, you would much rather err on the side of caution than deal with the aftermath of a project gone awry. If you take these steps slowly and make these considerations carefully, your floors and your wallet will thank you!