What Should You Look for in a Flooring Installer

Do you know what to look for when hiring a flooring contractor? Obviously, you want an installer who can deliver high-quality results that will last, even with sustained use. But how do you select the right person for the job? Do you know the right questions to ask when getting new flooring?

Here are 6 key factors to consider before making your decision:

1. Get samples of the installer’s work

At the outset, you’ll want to ask to see a representative sample of the installer’s previous work. Can the flooring company or installer refer you to previous customers? Take the opportunity to talk to at least one or two previous customers to ask how happy they were with the work that was done. This can confirm the outcome you can expect for your project.

If you’ve been referred to a customer who’s local, then ask if you can visit the job site and see, first-hand, the installer’s work. If there are no local customers, you can request to see photos. Nothing beats a real-life visual of what to expect.

2. Look for customer testimonials

Do your research! You’d be surprised at how much you can learn online about a particular flooring installer if you’re willing to do a little homework. You might just uncover a wealth of information about the installer you are considering. Look for Google, Facebook, or Yelp reviews. Check for Better Business Bureau reports or complaints. What can you learn about them on LinkedIn?

While you aren’t necessarily guaranteed to learn a lot this way, it is possible that you may run across a critical piece of information that would affect your final decision.

3. Find out about their experience

It probably goes without saying that hiring someone with years of experience vastly increases the odds of a job well done. This doesn’t necessarily mean just anyone with a ton of flooring experience. You’re looking for someone with experience installing the specific TYPE of flooring products you want. It does no good to hire someone who’s installed a lot of vinyl flooring if your heart is set on sprucing up your space with a hardwood floor.

Also, remember to ask how long they’ve been in business. If it’s been for many years, that speaks to a lot of satisfied customers over those years, which means you’re likely to find a goldmine of online reviews. Plus, they should certainly be able to provide several great references.

4. Learn about their warranty

New flooring is a big investment. You’ll want to read the fine print. What’s the length of the flooring manufacturer warranty? What’s included? What might void the warranty?

Beyond that, you should also inquire about the steps they’ll take upfront to help prevent problems in the first place. If you’re getting a wood floor, for example, ask them about crucial steps, such as acclimation of the wood, the use of moisture meters, etc. If the installation will be over a concrete subfloor, what kind of testing do they do to evaluate the moisture condition of the concrete prior to the installation? And in the unlikely case that an issue does arise down the road after the installation, what’s their approach to dealing with problems and ensuring that you remain a happy customer?

5. Ask about certifications and licenses

If the installer has specific certifications related to the type of flooring job you’re hiring them for, this is a good indication of their knowledge and skill level. So, be sure to ask about this. You might also want to ask about their memberships in industry associations, such as the National Wood Flooring Association or others.

In addition, all professional flooring contractors will have a contractor’s license and carry liability insurance. But don’t just assume. Inquire about these things so you don’t risk any surprises. Make sure the general contractor is licensed and insured. Ask the installer how much insurance they’re carrying. You might even ask to see a copy of the policy.

6. Consider their communication skills

If you do your homework and ask the installer a lot of questions related to the job, such as, “where do you source your flooring materials,” or “do you use ‘green-certified’ products,” you’ll get a very good sense of your installer’s communication skills.

Bonus: Asks about additional costs.

This is not just an academic exercise.

If you and your flooring installer communicate easily with one another, this assures you that the job will be performed to your specifications. It also means that if questions, problems, or issues arise at any time during the installation process or even afterward, you and your installer will be able to talk things through and arrive at a reasonable resolution.

And of course, if the flooring contractor you are considering can answer each of your questions clearly and thoughtfully, you can know that they are is truly knowledgeable about their trade. Ultimately, all of this helps build trust that you’ll receive a job well done.

Building Confidence for Your Decision

There you have it: 6 factors that you’ll want to pay close attention to when making your decision about which flooring installer to hire.

Sometimes a decision may boil down to a certain “chemistry” or gut instinct that you feel about a specific individual or flooring business. But if you’ve also done your research and the installer you’re considering scores well on all 6 factors, you can be confident that you’re making a great hiring decision for your flooring project.

For more information about achieving successful outcomes for flooring projects, including moisture measurement of wood and concrete, visit www.WagnerMeters.com.

Previously published in The Commercial Flooring Report

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Last updated on September 21st, 2022