As of 2022, there are 122,307 Flooring Installers companies in the United States, increasing by 3% from 2021. So, the many options for hardwood floor installation make choosing the best services difficult.
You need to ensure that your hardwood flooring is installed correctly to achieve great results.
But, before starting the search for a hardwood floors installer in your area, you need to know the tips that will help you find the best flooring contractor. Here are 5 tips to get you started.
1. Ask for Licensing and Insurance
It would help to determine whether the potential hardwood floor installer is licensed and insured.
Additionally, ask whether contractors hold a general or flooring licensing.
Working with licensed contractors has some advantages. For instance, a licensed contractor is more likely to meet the industry standards. Furthermore, licensed flooring professionals know all the ins and outs of every flooring installation method and technique.
Thus, you are assured that little or no mistakes will occur when installing new flooring when you hire a licensed contractor.
When a licensed contractor fails to meet or violate industry standards, you can hold them accountable. If the contractor is found guilty of violations, their license may be revoked.
Licensed flooring contractors are more likely to provide quality work to avoid penalties or license revocation.
Flooring contractors must also have liability insurance; many things can go wrong during flooring installation. Licensed contractors are also likely to be insured.
If you hire an uninsured contractor, you will be liable for any damages or injuries that may happen during flooring work. Thus, if you want everything to go well with your flooring project, you should consider hiring a licensed and insured professional flooring service.
2. Consider Their Experience
Today, it is possible to get instant feedback even before hiring flooring companies.
Most flooring companies have online platforms where you can read reviews. If the company has more than 50 positive reviews, it might be a solid indication of quality work.
If a contractor’s website has few or no reviews, this might be the first red flag of inexperience. However, you can consider directly asking the contractor about their experience. For instance, ask them about:
- The number of years of experience they have in the industry
- The number of projects they have completed
- The flooring materials they install, among others
An experienced contractor is likely to have a list of previous clients you can reach out for testimonies. You can visit a few past clients’ homes and see the completed project or ask them to send photos of their hardwood flooring.
You can also consider asking them whether they were satisfied with the quality of work.
Family members or friends can also offer you recommendations on the company they use. They will provide you with unbiased opinions. Hiring experienced flooring technicians means your flooring will be installed correctly and efficiently.
3. Accurately Compare Estimates
Different flooring companies have varying methods of deriving estimates. If you want to get the best estimate, you should ask at least three potential contractors to provide you with an estimate that includes all that is needed to complete the job.
By having different estimates, you will be able to identify a contractor who is seemingly leaving information or adding steps.
Additionally, for a contractor to give an accurate quote, they must visit your home. Only then will they have a clear idea of how much work is involved. However, the cost of installing hardwood flooring should be determined by:
- The space in the square foot that needs flooring
- The cost of labor per square foot
- Cost of the underlayment and other materials
- Cost of removal and disposal of existing flooring
Compare different quotes and choose a contractor who matches your budget and has all the right qualities.
4. Consider the Services Offered
Before installing a new hardwood flooring, the old and ragged flooring must be removed.
Thus, find a contractor who will offer you flooring removal and installation services.
You probably won’t like to hire two different companies for the job at hand. However, if you want to save money, you can do some research and remove the old flooring yourself.
Additionally, you need to choose a flooring company that will remove and dispose of the existing flooring materials.
Ask the contractor how much they will charge for hardwood floor cleaning.
Sometimes later, you will need to refresh your hardwood flooring. Thus, be sure the company you are hiring offers both replacement and repair services.
5. Ask About Processes and Warranty
Before signing a contract, get every detail you expect from the flooring installer. For instance, you may want to know how a contractor will handle the moving and storing of furniture.
You will need to know:
- Who will be in charge of the project
- How long it will take to complete the project, and
- Whether they will handle cleanup upon completing the project
Warranties are also essential when undertaking flooring projects. Thus, ask your contractor about the warranties they offer. Since hardwood flooring manufacturers often provide their warranty, ask a contractor whether they offer a separate warrant for the installation.
If you are satisfied with the details provided, you can consider hiring the contractor.
Hire the Right Hardwood Floor Installation Contractor
Hiring the right hardwood floor installation company can be a complex process. However, if you know what to look for, you can find a flooring contractor for your needs.
Focus on finding a hardwood installer who is knowledgeable, experienced, licensed, and insured. Additionally, consider the services and warranty offered. If a contractor has all the right qualities, you can expect the best results after the installation.
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