If you are considering hiring a flooring contractor for your project, there are many things to keep in mind. These tips include requesting a warranty and requesting a contractor’s license number. You should also communicate with your contractor effectively to avoid scams.
Asking for a warranty
When you hire a flooring contractor to do a project, ask for a warranty. The warranty will cover the materials used in the installation. It will also protect you in case some materials fail. For instance, you may not be able to determine if a certain faucet installed by the contractor is defective or not. It is important to get this warranty in writing to avoid confusion later.
While you should always ask for a warranty from your flooring contractor, it is also important to ensure you understand what you’re getting. Most warranties will cover your flooring, but there are some exceptions. In some cases, your flooring contractor may be able to fix a defect in the materials or workmanship.
Communicating effectively with a contractor
When you’re considering hiring a flooring contractor, communication is an important aspect. Good communication will promote teamwork and help the project go smoothly, while poor communication can lead to misunderstandings and delays. You and the flooring contractor should have clear, frequent communication to avoid these situations. Effective communication will also help to keep the project on schedule.
Whether you’re hiring a flooring contractor for your new floor or renovating an existing one, effective communication is key. A contractor should provide a written estimate, listing all costs and an estimated payment schedule. Knowing whether or not they accept payment plans and whether they will charge you more than you expect is essential. You also need to know if they charge by the hour or if you’ll need to pay in full in advance.
Avoiding scams
When choosing a flooring contractor, it is important to avoid the standard tricks of the trade. Some scams involve securing a low bid and then charging the customer more once the project has started. This type of scam typically increases the overall price of the floor installation well beyond its market value. Avoid falling for this trap by taking your time to research prices and find the best deal.
When you hire a flooring contractor, you should ask them to sign a contract and provide you with a paper trail. Some contractors may ask for a deposit upfront, usually in the form of cash. While these reasons may be legitimate, they could be simply excuses for scams that will lead to your money being stolen.
Getting a quote from multiple contractors
Getting a quote from several flooring contractors before hiring one is a good way to find the best flooring company for your needs. When considering the cost of a new floor, getting a quote from several contractors will allow you to compare prices and customer service. Some flooring contractors offer free estimates; make sure to ask.
It’s also a good idea to get at least three bids from different contractors so that you can compare them. Make sure to get each quote broken down by material and labor costs. Also, ensure a final quote with a breakdown of optional work and incidental costs.
