Hiring a professional to install your hardwood floors may be the best choice when you’re going to install them yourself. As with any service you hire, having your floor installed professionally means you need to conduct a little more research into your hardwood choices, like asking about their experience in installing other floors or their recommendations of other services, and then making an informed decision.
Hardwood floors are beautiful and can last for a very long time, however, you can always choose to replace your floors in the future. This is why it’s important that you choose a good contractor when hiring a service to install your hardwood floors. Most homeowners know enough to shop around for quality and competitive prices, but are you armed with good questions to ask prospective contractors about hardwood floors installation? You may want to consider the following:
What type of warranty does the contractor offer? You want to make sure your hardwood floors are protected by at least a year of warranty against any defects or damages. Having a warranty protects you against accidental damage, which can happen during installation, as well as damage due to water, dust, or pests.
Is the contractor experienced and qualified? Ask for references and look at photos to see how their hardwood floors compare to what you’ve seen in home improvement magazines. You may also want to call your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged against a particular contractor.
It’s worth also asking about the types of tools and equipment they use. Some contractors prefer to work with a specific tool set because their customers are usually using them in their carpentry tasks, and you may need to have your new floors installed by someone with the proper tools.
If you feel you don’t need all of this information, you can always hire a contractor vs. hardwood floor installation service without asking these questions. But if you really want to find someone who specializes in hardwood installation, there are a number of companies in your area that will gladly provide you with expert advice and recommendations on installing your floors.
Floor installation companies usually have websites with photos and detailed information about their hardwood flooring installation services. The website should be easy to navigate and list all services and prices, along with a telephone number so you can speak with a customer representative if you have any concerns or questions. Once you call, you can ask the representative any questions you may have about their floor installation services, as well as the best way to complete each job.
Make sure you ask the floor installation company how long it usually takes them to finish installing your floors and to give you a price estimate. You can get this estimate from their website and by calling their toll free number, so you can speak to someone right away.
By asking the right questions, you’ll be able to find a reputable hardwood installation contractor who will provide you with a durable and beautiful floor. At an affordable price that you can be happy with.