One of the best parts of building or renovating a home is selecting the floor. It’s fun to choose the best flooring material, but once that fun part is over, it’s time for some serious consideration. After deciding the flooring material, color scheme, and budget, the next crucial task is finding the best flooring company.
This is an important step because even if you’ve picked the best flooring, the wrong installation can ruin everything. Installing new floors or refinishing your current hardwood floors requires specialized skills. Unlike other home improvement projects that homeowners can successfully take on themselves, floor installation needs an expert hand.
Just like you researched picking the best flooring material, in the same way, you need to carry out extensive research for choosing the right floor installer. Only a professional floor installation company can protect your investment by installing your floors in the right way. Floor installation is a complex process that requires skills and experience. Some homeowners make the mistake of hiring a general contractor who may not have expertise in floor installation.
Different techniques are used for laying different flooring materials. Only flooring contractors who specialize in this field have the right tools and knowledge to install your flooring correctly. So, to choose the right installer, here are a few key things to look for in a good floor installation company.
Licensed and Insured Installer
When looking for a contractor, if you find out that they are not fully licensed or insured, it’s time to move on to a different company. To check that the contractor has valid documents, ask them to email or fax you a copy of the current license and insurance. If a company doesn’t carry worker’s compensation and liability insurance, you could be held liable if something happens on your property.
Years of Experience
The contractor you hire should have experience in installing the same flooring material that you’ve chosen. Check how many years of experience the contractor has in installing, repairing, and refinishing floors. If the professional has spent several years in the industry and completed hundreds of projects, then you’re good to go. Experience ensures that the contractor can correctly install the floors and address potential issues without a long delay in the timeline. It also means that the contractor has installed different types of flooring.
Price Estimate
The shortlisted candidates should be contacted to get price estimates. When you get multiple quotes, it becomes easier to make a better choice. However, often people make the mistake of choosing the lowest bid. This can be a mistake because not all flooring contractors have the same skill level. Price estimates should only be used to narrow down the options. The reliable flooring installers typically visit your home to measure your floors and give you an accurate estimate for the job. Once you make a final hiring decision, don’t forget to get a written and signed contract.
Check Portfolio and Reputation
You should look at the contractor’s portfolio to know what type of projects they have completed in the past. If you need a hardwood floor installation, the company should have completed similar projects. Next, check online reviews and testimonials to make sure you’re hiring a reputed and trustworthy company. Also, ask the potential contractor for references.
