There are many well known contractors available in the market, but it’s very important you ask some specific questions in the beginning to select the right flooring contractor. Once you have fixed with your specific floor type, and then ask your contractor.
Do You Offer Warranty on your Service?
Majority of the contractors offer at least a one-year warranty on their materials and labour. Some of the contractors may offer extensive warranties more than one-year.
You advised to understand thoroughly the differences between the warranty provided by the flooring contractor and warranty provided by the flooring manufacturer. If there are any issues arise in the long run, then you must to know whom to contact for rectifying the problem.
Can You Handle Sub floor Issues?
An important part of a complete flooring installation is a properly prepared subfloor. Your selected flooring contractor should have the skills and experience to inspect the current condition of your subfloor. If your subfloor is damaged then it needs to be repaired and levelled before the installation of your new flooring.
Do your make ADA-Compliant Floors?
When installing new floor, it’s very important to focus on the transition between dissimilar flooring materials. This is especially important to accommodate disabled customers or employees.
According to the Americans with Disabilities or ADA act you should to maintain the ratio of 1” to 1’ maximum transition slope between flooring height variations over 0.5”. If your contractor is a reputed one, then they will surely make the installation ADA compliant.
What Types of Flooring Do You Offer?
You might have a general idea and target about your new floor, but it’s better to get additional guidance and information from your assigned contractor. They should have a wide range of flooring materials to offer. This will ensure the contractor can provide flooring that caters to the needs of your space.
Do You Charge for Flooring Estimates?
An accurate estimate is an important step in selecting a commercial flooring contractor. Your contractor should provide you with a free estimate, but some may charge a fee. If the contractor does charge a fee, ask if it will be applied toward the cost of the total purchase. Ask ahead of time so you can know what to expect and aren’t caught off guard.
Are You Insured and Certified?
You don’t want anything to go wrong with your commercial flooring installation, but planning for the unexpected is essential. Ensure your contractor has the proper contractor insurance and certifications.
Work performed by an uncertified flooring company could void any warranties and lead to major issues down the road.
Request the copies of their insurance policy and certifications. Make sure the installer will carry the liability for any unrelated damage they may cause.
Do you have contractor’s license?
It’s very important to know if something goes wrong, how that they are covered. Sometimes unexpected things happen, not even directly related to the floor like- what if somehow someone by accident bursts a pipe and you have a flood? Or, what if the equipment catches fire?
Do you want to be liable for that, or do you want the contractor to take responsibility? In many states contractors are required to include their license #’s on their business cards. You can look up this # online or call your local consumer protection agency. Oh, and make sure the license is current. These days not everyone can afford to renew this, so that’s another watch out.
What’s Your Track Record?
Take time to do your own research, as well. Look at online sites like Yelp to see what past clients are saying. Knowing other companies have had a positive experience with the flooring contractor, could be the difference between a smooth experience and a complete disaster.
An experienced flooring contractor will have multiple projects and be a trusted business in the community.
How will you clean up after job?
Hiring a flooring contractor there are many ways to contain the dust and mess, and it’s best to ask up front and plan ahead. Make sure that your flooring contractor will add plastic around the areas not being done and protect drapery, chandeliers and appliances. Make sure they will clean up afterwards. From past experience I also know that not all contractors do this.
How long will you get the job done?
Not only will this help you understand the downtime for your place, but it’s likely to elicit some of those things that could go wrong as well as preparations you may need to make on your end.
Also ask the contractor about their availability to start. Also make sure you understand how the project will progress – will they be there each day, or will they have skip days (note: some days may be needed for drying time and many contractors don’t work on Sundays).