Updating your floor comes with more choices than just color and brand; you will also have to choose who you are going to allow into your home to lay that floor down. It's up to you to find someone who takes their job seriously, who doesn't cut corners, and who is, at the very least, bearable to be around for the few days that you'll spend in their presence. This can be nerve wracking due to the fact that a new floor is a big investment and you want it to be done right the first time. So, to ease that burden from you a bit, here are five things to look for when deciding on a flooring contractor.
You'll want to start by checking out some of their previous work. The internet makes this super easy nowadays. In fact, go ahead and give yourself permission to Facebook stalk the company you're researching! There is also a more direct way to get an idea of what you're buying. You can simply ask for samples from the contractors themselves. A trustworthy worker won't have anything to hide (if they do, walk away). Even if they are the most confident flooring expert around, however, there is a possibility that they are still not the best person for the job. We all have our strengths, including professionals in this field. One flooring company may just be better with tiling than another, or carpet, or any other type of floor. You owe it to yourself to find the best person for the job.
While surfing the web for pictures, you can also be looking for references. Do their customers seem genuinely satisfied with their work? The tricky thing with this part of the process is finding quality reviews. Not only are some people painfully vague while describing the integrity of a hired worker, but they can be biased. Some people nit-pick while others seem like they'd still be pleased if their contractor accidentally replaced their carpet of choice with cotton candy. Not to say that previous customers can't be reliable resources, but it's good to exercise caution in these situations. Look for professional reviews if you can, but if none are available don't rule that company out. Just resort to looking for the general trend in the customer comments you read.
Next on the list is credentials. Be sure that the flooring company you hire is insured and has a license in their field. Without these two things, any damage that is done - to your property or anyone working on it - in the process of replacing your floor could come at your expense. Be sure to ask over the phone or in person about this. You might even want to request a copy of the documents. There is no such thing as over-preparedness here. Ask for the same certificates from all subcontractors working with the flooring company as well.
If their credentials are in order, you can take the next step and ask the supervisor about his or her plan. That's right, an organized, structured plan. You don't have to understand all of it, but you want to make sure that they have one. There's no point in paying a "professional" who hasn't given your home enough attention to come up with an idea for operation execution.
Lastly, and perhaps most obviously, you should meet the people who will be working with you. Shake hands, get to know a little bit about them, and take their contact info. You may not become besties by the end of the day, but at least it won't feel like you're inviting a stranger into your house. Also, be sure to remember that the project supervisor probably won't be on-site for most of the job, so get his or her phone number ahead of time.
By paying attention to these all-important details, you can hire confidently. The new floor will look incredible in your home and you will be able to enjoy it all the more knowing that it was installed with great care and craftsmanship. Enjoy it, friend. Enjoy.