September 26, 2022

Looking for an Installer for Your Hardwood Flooring? – Here’s What You Need to Know

So, you invested time and effort into determining which hardwood flooring is best for you. You considered all the various factors before selecting a particular type of wood. You’ve also identified the right colors and patterns to achieve the décor you desire. Now, it’s time to move onto installing your hardwood floors. But where do you start? What key questions should you ask? Finding the right hardwood installer is one of the most important steps to ensure the final product is precisely what you envision. And therefore, there are a few things you need to know when it comes to finding a quality installer. With this in mind, the following represent the key pieces of information to consider when installing your hardwood floors.

Is Your Installer Qualified to Do the Job?

Simply because someone says they’re able to perform hardwood flooring installation doesn’t always mean that it’s true. Therefore, one of the most important things to look for when installing your hardwood floor is someone’s certifications. Certainly, all hardwood installers should be licensed. But highly qualified installers are usually certified by organizations like the National Wood Flooring Association. Likewise, especially for specialty flooring, many hold specific certifications for that specific type of hardwood installation. This goes above and beyond a general contractors license and is something worth looking for. Need wood floor repair austin?

What Level of Experience Does Your Installer Have?

Licenses and certifications are important, but so is the level of experience a hardwood installer has. Thus, when thinking about installing your hardwood floor, inquire about the years of experience someone has. Quality installers tend to have many years’ experience under their belt. This not only means they’ll have plenty of samples of their work to show you. But it also means they’ll know how to handle problems and issues should they arise. Extensive experience in installing hardwood floors is routinely considered a plus when seeking a good installer.

What Do Others Say About Your Installer’s Work?

When it comes to installing your hardwood floors, reputation matters. Seeking out testimonials from others, including customers and other professionals in the flooring business, is very helpful. In this regard, be sure to check out the installer’s website, social media, and other online forums. How does your potential hardwood floor installer handle customer reviews, good and bad? Are there common themes among customer comments? Are their specific hardwood installers recommended by your hardwood flooring dealer? All of these are great sources of insight that helps you select the right hardwood installer. 

What Is Included in the Price of Installation?

One of the most important things when choosing a hardwood flooring installer is the cost of services. But cost alone doesn’t paint the entire picture. For instance, does the price estimate of one hardwood flooring installer provide the same services as another? Variations in services can involve furniture removal and replacement services, dust and debris cleanup, and baseboard removals. The duration of the install can also vary among hardwood flooring installers. With this in mind, be sure you know the details of the estimate when installing your hardwood floors. And as a general rule, obtaining at least 3 estimates of pricing from reputable installers is always a good idea.

What Consumer Protections Does Your Installer Offer?

The last area to consider when selecting a hardwood floor installer relates to any guarantees your installer offers. Installing your hardwood floors should proceed smoothly, but sometimes mishaps occur. At a minimum, installers should be bonded and insured in case something seen or unforeseen occurs. But in addition to this, many installers will guarantee their work with specific warranties. These types of protections should be clearly stated and done so in writing. Having these prior to starting your hardwood flooring installation provides an additional piece of mind that’s worth it

Time and Effort Well Spent

When it comes to installing your hardwood floors, it pays to really do your homework in finding a good installer. Without question, there are many highly qualified and experienced hardwood flooring installers around. But at the same time, there are also a few who are less than ideal. Given the investments already made in selecting a specific hardwood flooring, it only makes sense to choose an installer wisely. By asking the above questions, and getting the right answers, you’ll be better assured your project will go as planned. In the scheme of things, this is time and energy well spent that you’ll appreciate for many years to come.