Now that you know the many pitfalls and myriad of problems that can and will occur with any flooring project, it’s time we show you how flooring installation is done right!

Strategic planning

Step 1:

There are several ways you can compile your starter list: Ask your homeowner friends for recommendations, especially those who have recently had renovations. Search online for the type of service you need in your area. Check out online reviews. Use social media to ask friends or followers for local recommendations.

RED FLAGS

Successful Flooring Installation contractors will make it easy for you to get in touch with them and see examples of their work. Be cautious of flooring contractors who lack necessary information, such as a website,directory

Step 2:

Ask your potential flooring contractors, for a portfolio of their projects from at least the last year or look to their website for some final project as well as before & after pictures.

RED FLAGS

Look out for a portfolio with too few projects, no photos before the remodel or grainy, hard-to-see images of the final product. Also, keep in mind that home improvement contractors only include their best work in their portfolios. If any project is not up to your standards, their average work is likely even worse. Take that person’s name off your list.

Step 3:

At this point, your list should have around 2 to 5 names. One easy way to narrow it further is to ask for contractors’ licensing and certification.

RED FLAGS

Cross any contractors off your list who don’t have the right credentials. It is also recommended you mark off the names of anyone who is hesitant or takes too long to get this information to you.

Step 4:

Now it’s time to call a few references. If the list is very long, select a few recent projects and a few older projects. Keep detailed notes during your phone call; you’ll need to ask some references if you can visit their home to see the project in person. Some questions to ask include: Did the contractor stay on schedule? Was the job site kept neat? Were problems addressed promptly? Was the contractor punctual for appointments and workdays? How has the work held up? Was the cost reasonable and clear?

RED FLAGS

If a client had a good experience overall, they’d be positive and upbeat about the contractor even if there were some small problems.

Step 5:

After you’ve called your contractors’ references, cross out any contractors who received poor reviews. Then decide which of the remaining recommendations to visit in person to see their contractor’s completed project.

RED FLAGS

Depending on the type of project, there are a few red flags to look for:

Bathroom remodels: Dark stains on the walls or ceiling, slanted floors, cheap materials etc.

Tile work: Crooked tiles or lines, tile or grout cracking, excess grout or caulking along edges (meant to disguise poorly cut tiles), inconsistent grout lines, uneven surfaces, visible transitions between surfaces.