There is a big difference in flooring companies. A good flooring company for you may not be a good one for someone else. After all, some flooring companies are expert tile installers while other specialize in hardwood, laminate or another flooring material. Before you hire a flooring installer, you should ask these questions.
Are You Insured?
Most flooring companies carry liability insurance. Some also carry workman’s compensation. Both serve difference purposes. Don’t be afraid to ask to see their insurance certificate, any good contractor will gladly share it and their agent’s information with you.
Will You Acclimate My Wood?
If your installing real hardwood, engineered wood or even laminate flooring, it should be acclimated in your home for at least a day before installation begins. That means leaving it in your home before your scheduled installation. No good flooring company will claim that your wood-based product doesn’t need acclimation in your home. Neither vinyl nor tile need to acclimate.
What is Your Warranty?
Most flooring manufacturers offer a warranty; however, their warranty is only against materials defects. Although that warranty is important, the installation warranty is perhaps more so. You want a good installation warranty that covers your floor’s installation for at least six months.
Will You Test My Subfloor Moisture Prior to Installation?
One of the biggest reasons for any type of wood flooring installation failure is too much moisture in the slab or subfloor. Your flooring company should test yours and install the proper barrier to keep the moisture away from the wood. And, if you’re installing new floors on second levels, make sure they can fix any subfloor issues prior to installation.
Is New Molding and Trim Included in my Estimate?
Some flooring companies always include new trim and molding, others don’t. Whether you want new molding and trim is a matter of personal preference. You may want to consider replacing yours if it is old and dented as it won’t look great with your new flooring. Just make sure you have the same expectations for the job as was proposed before starting so everyone is happy with the final product. Different flooring companies use different brands and have different processes, however, at a minimum you should only hire an insured company who offers an installation warranty and does the job right. It’s also a good idea to only choose a flooring company who is experienced in the type of flooring you want and the brand you prefer. Authentic Hardwood Flooring specializes in hardwood and laminate flooring. We offer many brands and styles and would love to discuss your flooring needs with you. Call us at (727) 786-6330 to schedule your free
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