A guide to hiring flooring contractors

Getting a new floor installed into your home is a major home improvement and one that you want to be completed well and look good once finished. A competent DIY enthusiast may be able to complete a floor covering of vinyl laminate or wood tiles, however, some surfaces need a flooring contractor. Read the guide below for information on hiring flooring contractors.

How to hire and understanding what is involved

Hiring a contractor
When using flooring installers, you will need someone who is prepared and will give you a good deal. They should be competent in working with the materials and know what they are doing. Using a specialist
It may be beneficial to use a specialist in the type of floor that you want to install. If it is a concrete floor that is to be laid, then choose the flooring companies which specialise in that type of work. Specialists may cost more, but you have to offset that against the quality of work involved.
Understanding what is being offered Some contractors or flooring services will provide the materials, the labour and everything that is required to complete the work for one price. Others may offer a cheaper option of labour and equipment only, while you have to provide the materials.

Recommendations and quotes

Which is the best deal It is important to have an itemised bill or you have the contract which clearly states what is included and what needs to be provided by you. Research the cost of materials yourself to check if you are being offered a good deal. Remember that, contractors should be able to buy the materials wholesale, making them much cheaper than you can buy them at market value. Ask around Speak to your neighbours, friends and family about any flooring contractors whom they may have used and get their opinions, be it good or bad about the work that they had completed. Go and see the standard of the work which they have previously completed. The best advertisement for a contractor is word of mouth, so happy customers bring them more trade. Get more than one quote Talk to several flooring contractors and make a list of your preferred companies, at least three, more if possible. Have these companies come out and measure up for the job and give you a quote. Let them know that you are asking their competitors for bids and this may reduce the price. Get the best contractor whom you can afford for the best price.