Now that you’ve selected your dream wood flooring, you want to ensure your flooring is installed professionally to ensure the best result is achieved.

Using a professional who actually has some formal training as well as references cannot be stressed enough. Time after time I hear of stories of someone choosing a lower bid without investigating references or insisting on them. There’s a reason why the installer you called is available to start your project immediately. Well respected tradespeople, including flooring installers develop a fierce referral base of clients.

Here are some PRO tips to discuss with installers you're considering for your project.

1. Insurance

   Make sure you protect yourself and your property, a reputable flooring installer will be licensed and have adequate insurance. A general contractor’s license doesn’t mean they hold a license for flooring. If the contractor doesn’t have insurance or flooring expertise, you’re putting yourself at risk.

2. Experience

   Have they ever actually done the type of installation you’re requesting? This is especially true when you’re installing a patterned floor like herringbone or chevron. These aren’t floors for “OJT” installation. If the installer hasn’t done this, I’d move on to the next installer. A small error can create an enormous and expensive mess. Experience is essential in all flooring installations.

3. Installation Cost

   Be sure to ask and receive in writing before any work begins what is and isn’t included in the installers bid. This sounds obvious, but is often not followed. It’s important to fully understand all costs being quoted and why each is important to having a successful install if questions arise. It’s also important to have clearly agreed payment terms in place before work begins. If you’re confident in your chosen installer, it is common to pay 50% upfront to cover some of their costs, but certainly do not agree to pay 100% in advance.

4. What to Expect

   Make sure to have your installer review with you what, if anything, will be required from you. A common example, would be having to move or store furniture during the work. An installer may be willing and able to offer this service at a cost.

   Confirm your project contact and estimated time to complete your specific work. Also, make sure to ask if they will be responsible for cleanup when the job is finished.

5. Installation Warranty

   Flooring manufacturers offer product warranties regarding manufacturing, but these don’t cover installation. Get a clear answer in writing what, if any, work warranty your installer may offer and what it covers.

As always, I’m happy to help you anyway I can. Remember, advice is always free and unbiased based on several decades of extensive worldwide experience.