Do Your Research and Ask the Right Questions When Interviewing Flooring Contractors

So you’ve decided it’s finally time to upgrade those tired floors in your home. Great decision – new floors can completely transform the look and feel of your space. But choosing a flooring contractor is almost as important as picking the flooring itself. You want someone who will get the job done on time, on budget, and with quality results that will last for years. How do you find that perfect pro for your flooring project? Here are some tips to help you select some reputable flooring contractors to ensure you end up with floors you’ll love for years to come.

Check References and Reviews of Potential Flooring Contractors

Do Your Research and Ask the Right Questions When Interviewing Flooring Contractors

Finding a qualified flooring contractor is key to getting the job done right. Do some digging online and check sites like HomeAdvisor or Angie’s List to read reviews from real customers in your area. Look for contractors with a solid reputation and lots of experience installing the type of flooring you want.  

Once you have a shortlist, schedule in-home consultations. Come prepared with specific questions about their experience, credentials, timeline, and cost. For example, ask how many similar installations they’ve done, if they’re licensed and insured, how long your job will take, and if they charge by the square foot or provide free estimates. 

Pay attention to how they communicate and if they listen well and address all your concerns. Ask for local references and actually call them. Meet with at least three contractors to compare.

When you get bids, make sure they’re based on the same scope of work so you can evaluate apples to apples. The cheapest bid isn’t always the best — you want a fair price for premium workmanship and service.

Negotiate the details before signing a contract, including start/end dates, total cost, payment schedule, and what’s included. For example, will they remove the existing flooring? Move and replace furniture? Install trim or underlayment? The contract should spell out every step to avoid surprises or extra fees later on. 

With the right contractor, you’ll get high-quality flooring installed hassle-free so you can enjoy it for years to come.  Doing your part upfront will ensure you don’t get in over your head with a project you’ll regret.

Make Sure the Flooring Contractor Is Licensed, Insured, and Specializes in Your Type of Flooring Project

When hiring a flooring contractor, checking their references and reviews is a must. See what their previous customers have to say about them.  

Call up a few of the references they provide and ask some questions. How was their experience working with the contractor? Were they on time and budget? Did they find the crew professional and courteous? Would they hire them again for another project?

Check Online Reviews

Search for the company on sites like Yelp, HomeAdvisor, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for contractors with an overall positive rating and lots of recent reviews mentioning floor installation specifically. See how they respond to any negative reviews – a thoughtful, constructive response is a good sign.

Some other things to consider:

–   How long have they been in business? More experience is usually better.

–   Are they licensed and insured? Make sure they have the proper credentials to do the job. 

–   Do they provide an estimate or bid in writing? Get at least three to compare.

–   Will they move and replace furniture? The finishing touches matter. 

–   Do they offer a warranty on labor and materials? Warranties provide reassurance.

Checking references and reading reviews will give you a good sense of which flooring contractor is the right choice for your project. Go with a contractor that has a proven track record of quality workmanship, professionalism, and customer satisfaction. Your new floors will be gorgeous, and the installation experience will be a positive one.