Floors come in several unique designs and finishes, helping set the tone of a room. They also provide a sturdy surface to walk on. But, over time, they get damaged and worn out, needing replacement. While many homeowners are inclined towards DIY floor installation, it can be risky because mistakes can considerably increase repair and maintenance costs. So, it’s best to find a proficient, experienced floor installation company for this project.
Look for local installation companies
While large commercial flooring companies may be more well-known and have a massive workforce, they may charge more. So, it’s advisable to look for local contractors nearby. Many local professionals are equally good at their jobs and charge less. That said, when looking for local tile installers in the area, one should be particular about their reputation.
Verify credentials and experience
Firms that have been in the flooring business for many years usually know the challenges associated with the job and how to work around them. That’s why the contractor one chooses should have adequate experience. But experience alone is not enough; one should assess the contractor’s track record—the number of projects they have worked on and their overall success rate. One should also check whether the business has a proper license. A C-15 license is usually mandatory for floor installation contractors performing any work costing over $500 in materials and labor.
Ask for recommendations
Finding floor installation professionals through known sources, such as family members, friends, and neighbors, is always a good idea. They might have previously worked with a reliable contractor whose services they can recommend. Such businesses will likely be more dependable and provide better results.
Check out online reviews and ratings
Another way to find a reliable floor installation company is to read online reviews. Many people post reviews about the businesses they have worked with, describing their experience, challenges, and outcomes. Such online ratings and reviews are available on different platforms. They give customers an insight into different flooring companies, helping them make an informed decision.
Gauge communication skills
Although it may not seem like an essential criterion, effective communication is a crucial skill the contractor should have. They should be able to clearly convey work progress, any challenges they face, suggestions to enhance flooring quality, and other details. So, it’s a good idea to speak with the floor installation professionals before hiring them, explaining the nature of the work and closely gauging their communication skills.
Look for companies with top-notch customer service
Companies offering good customer service will likely provide immediate assistance when one faces challenges or has queries about the floor installation process. That’s why, before hiring a floor or tile installation company, one should ensure it offers multiple customer service channels, including a toll-free number, email, chat assistance, etc.
Ask the company for references
The tile installer or commercial flooring company should provide references or contacts of clients they have previously worked with. This can help one connect with them to confirm the company’s reliability and competence. The more satisfied customers are with the professional’s work, the more confident one will be about hiring them.
Compare the prices and services of different companies
The price a floor installation company quotes should be commensurate with its services. A great way to determine whether a company is quoting a fair price is to compare the services of different floor installation companies nearby vis-a-vis their quoted prices. This way, one can know the average market price of floor installation. If a business quotes an amount higher than the average market price without offering additional or special services, it’s best to consider another option.
Check whether repair and maintenance are included
Installation is only a part of the flooring cost. Once installed, individuals need to maintain the floors and repair them when damaged. For this reason, one should check with the commercial flooring company whether it offers repair and maintenance services as well.
Know the type of flooring the company specializes in
Floors are of different types, such as hardwood, laminate, engineered wood, and vinyl. When choosing an option, one should consider various factors, such as location, budget, and style. After that, individuals should check whether the flooring company specializes in the type of flooring selected. If confused, one can ask the professional to guide them with this decision.
Look for contractors with a liability insurance policy
Liability insurance covers any damages or injuries caused during the project. The commercial flooring contractor one chooses should have this policy so that one is financially compensated for any flooring damages or repair work needed because of the professional’s negligence.
Sign an official contract
Once the flooring company is finalized, one should sign an official contract that includes all the discussed clauses. The contract should incorporate details like the estimated project timeline, total cost, liability insurance coverage, the type of flooring decided, etc. It’s always better to have these terms and conditions in writing so that one is legally covered in case of unexpected disputes.
The installation cost differs based on the type of flooring, but on average, it ranges between $5 and $25 per square foot. The exact cost can also vary depending on other factors, such as labor charges and the need for any repair work. Before starting the project, one should speak with the flooring company about such costs and calculate the total estimate.
