Flooring. It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think “redecorating” or “construction.” The importance of good, durable, long-lasting flooring is tantamount when designing or building your home or commercial space. Some might feel comfortable doing the floors themselves, but more and more people are relying on flooring contractors to get the job done well.
As an Architecture and Design Consultant flooring is something I advise my clients to be extra careful about, in both the selection of material and the pricing. Think about it – floors are omnipresent throughout a space, they are used every single day, and they need to be appropriately selected for each room. i.e. You wouldn’t want carpet in your kitchen! Here, I’m offering five tips to ensure that you are getting the best contractor for the job, avoiding any red flags, while getting the best price for the best result.
1. Get Specific
Unlike a general contractor who has lots of knowledge about general home improvement, a flooring contractor is a master of one specific craft. They are “specialists” in the industry, hired especially for installing, replacing, repairing, or removing flooring of all kinds. From carpeting to hardwood, a good flooring contractor will be specialized in their field and have more depth of knowledge when it comes to flooring.
Pro tip: Make sure your flooring contractor is a certified professional by asking for their license or official certification.
2. Be Picky
When it comes to flooring, there are several ways to improve a space. You might choose to repair flooring that is a bit damaged, or you might remove everything and start over. A flooring contractor who doesn’t have your best interests at heart might overcharge for removal and installation, when all you needed was repair. Be picky about your choice of flooring contractor and make sure they explain to you a firm action plan before getting started.
3. Think Local
A good rule of thumb is sourcing flooring material locally. The suitability of local materials will always reciprocate the surrounding weather and climate changes. This will increase the life span of the material and ensure greater durability. Not to mention that sourcing locally is always more sustainable!
4. Ask the Right Questions
It’s important to go into a project with a flooring contractor knowing which questions to ask. Some great examples are:
- What types of flooring do you specialize in?
- What flooring services do you offer?
- Do you move furniture, or does that need to be done before-hand?
- How do you evaluate your prices?
- Do your services include the price of materials?
Getting a recommendation from your local hardware store, or by word-of-mouth is a great way to source a good flooring contractor.
5. Get a Second Opinion
Still not sure? Contact me for a second opinion and together we’ll ensure you’re making the right choice with your flooring! As an Architecture and Design Consultant, I can evaluate and optimize your choice of materials, the design, the overall functionality of the space and more. We will work together with your contractors, general and otherwise, to form a strong team that will create your dream space!