How to Pick the Right Flooring Contractor
Why Is It Important to Pick the Right Flooring Contractor?
If you’re tired of seeing and trying to cover up those deep scratches or stubborn stain on your floors, you may be starting to consider a replacement. New flooring will definitely liven up your space and make it look good as new, as well as add value to your home. You may think that tearing your old flooring out and putting new ones in is something that you can do yourself—and it doesn’t hurt that you’ll be saving some money on labor, too. However, aside from the danger of hurting yourself, especially if you have neither the expertise nor experience in carrying out flooring work, you may want to drop this idea and hire a flooring contractor. In addition to guaranteeing that the job will be done right, there are other reasons why bringing in the pros is the best route for your flooring project.
A professional flooring contractor will be able to help you with all the decisions that the job entails. With their experience and knowledge, they can guide you every step of the way, from choosing the products that best suit your home, needs, and budget to the actual installation of your new floors. What’s more, they have the right tools and equipment, so you can be sure that they’ll get the installation done with the highest degree of precision. Finally, you won’t have to worry about how to get rid of your old floors, since most if not all flooring contractors nowadays will take care of this matter for you.
What Flooring Certifications Should I Look For?
If you’re convinced that you need a professional for your flooring job, whether it’s an installation, repair, or maintenance, here’s how you can ensure that the flooring contractor you hire is The One. The first sign of a good, reputable flooring contractor is that they’re certified. Look out for certifications from trade associations such as Certified Flooring Installers (CFI), which provides flooring contractors with training in installation of various flooring materials as well as in estimation.
Second, they should be licensed and insured. When you first meet with them, ask to see the contractor’s license to operate and proof of insurance. The latter is extremely important for a flooring contractor to have, so that you’ll be covered in case something happens to you or your property and you won’t be held liable should anything untoward happen to the workers during the course of the job.
What Are the Different Types of Flooring Work that I Should Consider?
After deciding which flooring contractor is best suited to your project comes selecting the right flooring material. There are different types of flooring, and the most common of these are laminate, hardwood, stone, tile, and carpet.
Laminate flooring simulates the look of wood or sometimes stone, but it’s easier to install and maintain than both of these. This means that laminate costs less. However, when it discolors, it’s not possible to rehabilitate or refinish the material. Another downside is that it’s susceptible to water damage, making it unsuitable for use in bathrooms and kitchens, or anywhere else in your home that’s exposed to moisture.
Meanwhile, hardwood flooring is loved for its durability and class look, but it is prone to warping when exposed to moisture. Though caring for and maintaining hardwood floors can be a pain, they can be refinished to restore their shine.
Stone, which includes granite and marble, is a popular choice for flooring, because it can withstand moisture and wear and tear. It is durable and can last longer than most other flooring types. As for its cons, stone flooring isn’t cheap at all, hard to install, retains cold and heat, and can chip, needing constant maintenance.
On the other hand, tile flooring is an easier-to-maintain alternative to stone. It’s also easy to install and replace, as well as durable and moisture-resistant. However, tiles do chip and crack over time, especially if something heavy is placed on or falls on them. Another problem with tiles is that they can be slippery, making them a hazard particularly in the kitchen, bath, and laundry room, where there’s water and other liquids that can be spilled.
Lastly, carpets have long been a mainstay in homes due to their underfoot comfort and soundproofing ability. They also come in plenty of colors, textures, and designs, so you can be sure to find something that will complement your space’s overall motif. However, before buying carpet, make sure that you’ve considered this type of flooring’s susceptibility to dirt, stains, and damage, as well as the fact that it needs more than a little TLC to keep it in good condition for a long time.
Each flooring has its pros and cons, and these are things you need to weigh carefully when picking a flooring material for your home. You should also consider the purpose of the room/s where it will be installed, and what your lifestyle is like. Do you have any kids or pets? Are you constantly on the go? Do you have the time to clean and maintain your floors? These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself when selecting flooring for your space.
How Much Should I Expect to Pay for a Quality Flooring Contractor?
The cost of a flooring project depend on several factors: material, labor, and transportation. According to the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), each material has different installation rates. On average, carpets go for $2 to $15 per square feet, stone for $8 to $50 per square feet, and tile for $4 to $12 per square feet. For each square feet of laminate and wood flooring, be prepared to shell out between $3 and $7 and $6 to $15, respectively. The labor and transportation of the materials is something that you and the contractor will need to negotiate.
For the best idea of what price you can expect to pay, download an app like Contractors.com (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/contractors.com/id1078704337 for iOS or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.contractorsapp for Android devices) to connect with the best flooring contractors near you and get a free quote.
Everything You Need to Know About Flooring Contractors
When installing flooring, always consider the various factors that come into it. Primary of these is that your flooring contractor is certified and has proper training and equipment. With a qualified professional by your side, you’ll be able to get the best possible results and your pick of the highest-quality flooring materials. Furthermore, your flooring pro will help you make the best decisions to ensure that the project stays within deadline and budget.
To find a flooring contractor near you, enter your zip code above to start searching.