So, you’ve finally decided to upgrade your flooring. Good thinking! New floors can completely transform the look and feel of your home. Plus, you can get a decent return on your investment if you decide to sell.
But before you start browsing colors and materials, it’s important to find the right flooring installer who can turn your vision into reality without causing you stress or blowing your budget.
While it would be nice to pick the first name off of Google, hiring a flooring contractor takes thought and careful consideration. Flooring is a major investment and you want someone who will do justice to every dollar you spend.
Wondering how you’ll ever find this ideal contractor?
Don’t worry, the OMG Kitchen & Bath team is here to share everything you need to consider when choosing a flooring professional.
Let’s go!
Determine Your Flooring Needs
First off, pick the type of flooring you want, whether it’s wood, carpet, tile, or anything else. Different contractors might specialize in different flooring types, so deciding on a material will help streamline your search.
Also, think about the scope of your project. Do you want to redo the floors in your entire home, or just focus on high-traffic areas like the kitchen and living room? Doing this will help estimate costs and schedule work.
Speaking of costs, give your budget a good, hard look. Be realistic about what you can afford. Account for installation fees and cost of materials to set a budget that reflects both your financial limits and project needs. The last thing you’d want is to run out of funds in the middle of a remodel.
Research and Gather Recommendations
Once you start your search, tap into your network. Ask friends, family, and neighbors who they’ve used for similar projects. Personal recommendations often lead to trustworthy and reliable contractors.
Widen your search by diving into online resources. Use search engines, check out local business directories, and skim through professional listings. Read reviews and check ratings on platforms like Google and Yelp to get a sense of the contractor’s reputation and reliability.
Another tip is to visit home improvement forums and social media groups. Communities like these can be gold mines for advice. Consider the insights you find there to make a more informed decision.
Verify Credentials and Experience
It’s important to verify the flooring contractor’s experience and credentials. Make sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured. Not only does this protect you in case of a mishap, but also indicates the contractor meets professional standards.
Next, check for industry credentials. For example, if you’re installing hardwood floors, look for certifications from organizations like the National Wood Flooring Association to show that the contractor has specialized training and expertise.
Ask to see a portfolio to check the quality of their work and get ideas for your installation. A good flooring contractor should be proud to show off their previous projects.
Finally, reach out to previous clients to get their feedback on the contractor’s performance, reliability, and professionalism. These simple steps can help you feel more confident in your choice.
Interview Potential Contractors
When you’ve narrowed your list of potential contractors for flooring, it’s time to interview them. Prepare a list of questions to make sure you cover all the bases.
Here are a few samples:
- How many years have you been in the business?
- Do you have experience with the type of flooring I want?
- Can you provide a detailed written estimate?
- What is your timeline for completion?
During the interview, pay close attention to their communication style. Are they responsive, clear, and respectful? Remember, good communication is key to a smooth project.
Compare Estimates and Services
Some say price is everything. And while we don’t completely agree with that sentiment, we do understand it plays a significant role in any home improvement decision.
For this, we’d recommend getting at least three quotes from different contractors. Lay your options side by side to compare them effectively.
Carefully review the scope of work detailed in each estimate. Make sure it captures everything, from the initial prep work to the final clean-up. Also, take a close look at the materials proposed. Higher-quality materials might cost more upfront, but they’re usually more durable and look nicer in the long run.
Next, consider labor costs and timelines. Notice any significant differences in pricing or how long each contractor expects the job to take. This should give you some insight into their efficiency and reliability.
Quick note: be cautious of bids that are much lower than others. Although the thought of saving money might be exciting, a low bid can sometimes mean lower-quality work or hidden costs that pop up later.
Review Contracts Thoroughly
Before you sign the dotted line, make sure to review the contract thoroughly. A solid contract should clearly outline every detail of the work to be done. Look for a detailed description of the tasks, so you know exactly what to expect.
Check the breakdown of costs. The contract should list the expenses for materials, labor, and any additional fees. Having this helps you understand where your money is going and prevents any surprises down the road.
Get your flooring contractor to include a section on warranty information and terms. You should know what’s covered and for how long. Complete transparency is non-negotiable.
Our advice? Never sign a contract that seems incomplete or has vague terms. If something isn’t clear, feel free to ask for clarification immediately. It’s better to sort out these issues before the work begins.
Check for Red Flags
Flooring contractors come in all shapes and sizes, and unfortunately, not all are as honest as you’d hope. You need to weed out the bad seeds to avoid getting scammed or cheated. Here are a few red flags to watch out for.
Large Upfront Payments: Be wary of contractors who demand significant payments upfront. It’s standard to pay a deposit, but if they’re asking for a hefty sum before starting any work, you should steer clear of them.
No Written Contract: A contractor who hesitates or refuses to provide a written contract should be a major concern. A contract protects both parties, and without one, you have little recourse if things go wrong.
Poor Online Presence: Contractors with poor or no reviews might lack experience or have a history of dissatisfied customers. Reliable contractors should have a solid online presence with positive feedback.
Lack of Transparency: If a contractor is not clear and open in their communications, especially about costs, timelines, and the specifics of the job, it’s a potential red flag.
Monitoring Progress and Providing Feedback
Sure, you’ll want to give the contractor enough breathing room to do their thing, but don’t exit the picture entirely. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss progress and any potential issues. It’s a great way to keep everyone on the same page and catch small problems before they become big ones.
More so, your involvement shows the contractor that you care about the quality of the work, and it can motivate them to stay focused and diligent. Plus, being hands-on means you’re more likely to get exactly what you envisioned for your new floors.
Post-Completion Follow-Up
After your flooring project wraps up, take the time to inspect the contractor’s work thoroughly. Walk through each area and check that everything meets your expectations and matches the terms outlined in your contract. Pay attention to the details, such as the evenness of the floor, the quality of the finish, and the cleanliness of the job site.
If any areas need corrections or adjustments, don’t hesitate to point them out. A reputable flooring contractor will be willing to make any necessary changes to meet your satisfaction.
Once everything is good to go and you’re happy with the results, take a few minutes to leave a review online. Your feedback can help other homeowners make informed decisions and give the contractor valuable input.
The Bottom Line
There you have it: your very own guide to finding the right contractor for your flooring project. Ultimately, your choice of flooring contractor will come down to your individual preferences and comfort levels. Your home deserves the best, and so do you.
Ready to transform your home with stunning new flooring? Contact OMG Kitchen & Bath today for a free consultation and let our expert team bring your vision to life. Reach out to get started and take the first step toward your dream home.