Finding the Right Flooring Contractor Can Be Difficult Without These Tips
Whether you’re looking for luxurious hardwood, practical laminate, or artisanal tile, finding the right flooring contractor can be difficult without these tips.
Look for a flooring contractor that’s insured, licensed, and/or certified. This shows that they’ve committed to higher standards and accountability, giving you peace of mind if something goes wrong.
Ask for Referrals
Checking references and reviews is a smart move for any homeowner considering a flooring contractor. You may be able to find some on their website, but it is always important to ask the contractor for references from clients that you can contact directly. This allows you to get a more honest idea of the contractor’s work quality and customer service skills.
Online review sites such as Yelp and Google are also good resources for researching contractors. Pay special attention to comments about punctuality and the overall quality of the work.
While you might think asking for referrals is a bit pushy, the truth is that people are actually happy to provide them when asked. The best time to ask for a referral is after a job is completed and the client is in a positive mood. Other times to ask are after a public event (like a speaking engagement) or during an informational interview with someone who works in your industry.
Look at Their Portfolio
Having a portfolio of past flooring work can be a great way to see what kind of work the contractor does and how they approach each project. This will help you determine whether their style fits your needs. Most contractors will have online photos of their projects, but you can also ask to speak with a few of their previous customers to get an idea of what it was like working with them on a project similar to yours.
Additionally, you can request to see proof of insurance and their business license. This will give you the peace of mind that they are prepared for any unexpected situations that may occur during your flooring renovation and installation project. Having these documents can also give you a clearer idea of how much the project will cost and what materials are included in the price. A well-prepared contractor will have no problem providing you with these documents.
Seek Out Testimonials
Flooring is a huge investment, and homeowners want to be sure they’re working with a contractor who does quality work. Look for a contractor who has photos of past projects as well as testimonials from satisfied customers. They should also be able to provide a written warranty that covers both the materials and workmanship.
Additionally, ask about the contractor’s environmental policies. Many flooring companies have formal statements about how they reduce waste, work with sustainable growers, or use reclaimed wood, among other things.
Finally, find out if they’re members of organizations such as the NWFA and NARI. This will help ensure that they’re experienced and use established processes. It will also help you know that they’re held to higher standards and accountability. If a flooring company is reluctant to give you any additional information in writing, it may be best to move on. This includes estimates with start and completion dates, detailed lists of materials and work to be completed, how waste will be managed, who is responsible for equipment rentals and how your property will be protected during the project.
Get a Quote
Getting quotes and estimates from multiple concrete coating contractors is an important part of the selection process. You should carefully evaluate each one to determine whether the contractor is offering what you need at a fair price. In addition to rates, you should also look at the line items on each quote or estimate to make sure that they are covering all aspects of the job.
The cost of labor is an important consideration when evaluating flooring quotes. Some contractors use a flat rate, while others charge on an hourly basis. A fixed rate can be risky if a project runs over, but an hourly rate is more flexible and accurate.
Choosing the right contractor can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. You can ask for references, review portfolios, and check out testimonials to help you find the best flooring contractor. When you do, you will know that your new floors are installed properly and beautifully.