Flooring professionals create quality assurance plans to ensure a job well done. When a contractor has a solid plan, it shows that they take their work seriously and care about providing clients with excellent results.
Moisture can be a major issue during flooring installation, so ask your contractor how they’ll handle it. Seasoned installers will often call out common moisture issues that can lead to long-term problems.
1. Check the License or Certification
When looking for flooring installation companies, you want to ensure that the company is licensed and certified. This is to protect yourself as a homeowner and to ensure that the company follows standards and practices that can help reduce risks of problems occurring during the project.
The best way to determine the level of experience that a flooring contractor has is by asking them about their previous projects. They should be able to provide you with references from past clients as well as photos of those projects. This can give you an idea of their work quality, handiwork, and professionalism. It is also a good idea to ask them about what type of flooring they specialize in and how many installations they have completed.
If the flooring company is licensed, they will likely be able to provide you with a warranty for their work. The warranty will cover any issues that may arise during the installation process. The warranty will typically cover the materials as well as the labor, so it is a great way to ensure that you are getting the quality of work that you deserve.
Additionally, if the flooring installer is INSTALL certified, this can be another indicator of their level of experience. This is because INSTALL certification indicates that the flooring installer has mastered the necessary installation skill-sets to deliver high-quality installations.
In addition, if the flooring installer is INSTALL Certified, they will have access to exclusive promotions and discounts that can save you money on your next flooring project. So, be sure to check out their website for additional details on how you can save on your next flooring project.
2. Ask for a Warranty
A quality flooring installation should be backed by a warranty to protect your investment. Ask your retailer what kind of warranties they offer and be sure to get them in writing. This will help you avoid any confusion about disclaimers, limitations and exceptions.
Seasoned installers know the common problems associated with each type of material, and they understand how to address them. During your consultation, you can ask questions like, “What are some of the most common issues that can occur with this product?” This will give you an idea of their level of experience and whether they can handle any challenges that might arise during your project.
In addition to the standard product warranties, a good flooring contractor should also offer their own warranty on their workmanship. This can cover any damage that may be caused by the contractor and their subcontractors during the installation process or even afterward if the work isn’t up to your standards.
The best way to determine if a flooring company offers a good warranty is by checking their online reviews and asking them for references. A reputable company will be proud of their work and will be happy to provide you with references from previous clients.
While no flooring lasts forever, a good installation will give you years of worry-free use. A warranty will protect your new floors from damages and defects for a certain amount of time, so be sure to read the fine print and find out what’s covered. Warranties typically have varying durations and vary by manufacturer. You can also ask about additional installation or labor warranties to further protect your investment. For example, some manufacturers require that their hard surface flooring is installed by a certified installer or the warranty will be voided.
3. Ask for References
The best way to assess a flooring contractor’s quality of work is to ask for references from previous clients. This can be a bit intimidating, but it’s an important part of the selection process. A reputable contractor will be more than happy to provide you with a list of references that can speak to their work and professionalism.
It’s also important to ensure that the flooring contractor has a proper contractor’s license and liability insurance in place. This will protect you in case anything goes wrong during the project, such as an accidental cut into a live electrical wire or flooding of your home.
When requesting a quote, it’s important to make sure that the flooring contractor provides you with a detailed estimate that includes start and end dates for installation, a breakdown of all materials and services needed, and a clear outline of how waste will be handled. This will allow you to compare estimates from different contractors and make a more informed decision.
Ask the references if they would rehire the flooring contractor for future projects and what their overall experience was like. If they wouldn’t, it may be a sign that the contractor is not the right fit for your project.
Also, ask the references if they had any issues that required a fix. These can be common occurrences during any construction project, but they can be costly if they aren’t addressed. A reputable flooring contractor will be willing to address any post-installation problems without additional charges. This will help build trust and keep the project on budget. This is often called the “Neighborly Done Right Promise”.
4. Check Online Reviews
There are a number of ways to research flooring installation contractors, and online reviews are one of the best. Look for positive and negative reviews, and pay special attention to any that mention common issues or repeated red flags.
Asking for references is another way to get a good idea of the quality of an installer’s work. A reputable installer should be able to provide you with several references from happy customers who can attest to the quality of their installation. If you can, try to talk to these previous customers directly to see how they feel about the contractor and the installation process.
You should also take a few minutes to read through the online reviews for the installer you’re considering. It’s a great way to get a firsthand look at what others have experienced and learn from their mistakes.
Make sure you pay attention to the details, like whether there were any problems with a particular aspect of the installation, such as noises or moisture levels afterward. A reputable contractor will promptly and professionally address these concerns, and they may even offer advice on minor matters, such as Simple Ways to Repair Epoxy Floor Damage, helping customers save money.
While there are many traits to consider when choosing a flooring installation contractor, responsiveness is always top of mind. A contractor who fails to respond to questions and concerns in a timely manner may leave you frustrated and confused throughout the process. At worst, major details could go overlooked and you might be hit with unexpected fees at the end.
5. Ask for Photos
Ideally, you should get a sample of the work that your contractor has completed in the past. Most reputable flooring contractors keep a portfolio of photos that they carry with them and can share on request. This allows you to see for yourself the quality of their workmanship and is an excellent way to gauge whether or not they can provide you with the results that you’re looking for.
Whether you’re choosing a new hardwood floor, ceramic tile, or carpet, each type of flooring has its own installation process. Ask your flooring contractor to explain the best methods for each material and the supplies needed to complete the job correctly.
Checking for these details can ensure that you’re getting a quality installation that will last as long as possible.
Another way to verify the quality of your flooring is to inspect it for signs of damage or poor installation. Luckily, most common problems can be fixed relatively easily. For example, squeaking sounds can indicate that wood planks are not properly secured. This can be caused by improper nailing or fasteners, moisture issues, or other construction-related problems. Other problems that you should look for include gaps, cupping, crowning, and uneven wear.
Often, these issues are caused by an incorrect subfloor or inadequate floor preparation. Ask your flooring contractor about the materials that they use and their level of experience with different types of flooring to prevent these problems from occurring.
