There is a lot that you need to know before requesting for a flooring estimate, and the only way to receive all of that information is to ask the contractor. But what questions do you ask? This information is necessary to protect you and your family from injuries, damages, legal issues and unforeseen costs. Keep reading for a checklist that will protect both parties, and rest easy knowing that your flooring installation runs smooth and safe.
Does the Company Charge for an Estimate?
On the initial phone call or email, be sure to ask this question first. You should know whether you’re going to receive a bill before they come to your home. If a contractor fails to tell you that they charge for the estimate before they get there, that’s a major red flag. All costs must be discussed up front, before they are incurred. A contractor charging for an estimate isn’t a bad thing. Charging for the estimate is a way to make sure that someone is serious about getting the work done, and not just inviting someone to the house because they’re bored.
Do You Have References and a Portfolio?
Most contractors have their work displayed on their website and social media, but many of us still carry a portfolio and are happy to show off our work. You need to know that the contractor does quality work at a fair price before requesting a flooring estimate. The way to do this is through references. The contractor will provide you with contact information of previous customers to verify their pricing and quality of work. In addition to asking about the pricing and the work, ask if there were any incidents and how they were handled. The measure of every company is how they handle it when something goes wrong. A reputable contractor handles unforeseen problems quickly and professionally.
Are You Licensed, Insured, and Do You Carry Liability and Worker’s Comp Insurance?
You may save money by hiring a friend of a friend to install your new flooring, but you run the risk of paying for it in the long run. The even bigger risk is being liable for damages or injuries. Your contractor must also have workers compensation insurance. The only thing worse than paying for damages incurred by the contractor is being sued by the contractor because they injured themselves on your property.
Does the Flooring Come With a Warranty?
Most contractors guarantee their work for at least a year after completion. FM Pro Remodeling guarantees our work for 5 years, and all manufacturer warranties are carried over to the homeowner. You shouldn’t have to pay for a contractor to come back and fix something that was not installed correctly.
If you have any questions, call FM Pro Remodeling at (812) 944-6383 today for a free consultations or to schedule a free estimate.
