What to look for in a professional flooring installer
"What to look for in a professional flooring installer," in the Looking For A Flooring Professional or Product forum, begins: "Hi all,
I am having hardwood (oak) floors installed soon. So of course, the big question, now that I've read ..."
What to look for in a professional flooring installer
Hi all,
I am having hardwood (oak) floors installed soon. So of course, the big question, now that I've read a bit here: how to find a qualified person? ... Which questions should I ask? Are there posts or an article you'd recommend?
It would also be great to have a list of basic installation procedures (especially the ones that people cut corners on) to ask about / watch out for.
My specific situation: A semi-retired guy has offered to install my floor, but I'm worried he will skip a few steps. Gotta look at this before finalizing with him.
As an example: I don't think he's planning on checking for moisture content, but I don't know if this is always needed. This is a first floor install above a full basement with HVAC that is partially finished. I'm going to rip out the carpet and tilework on the first floor, leaving plywood with joists supporting. Location: Southern Ohio (Cincinnati).
I'd love to see this become a 'sticky' or article once we're done, to benefit others. The more consumers are informed, the more professional installers get the business they deserve, and consumers get the floors and results they want.
Location: Today....Under the Wainbow , Tomorrow...Who Knows?
Posts: 4,927
Phil, I'm kinda curious, you mention that pro installers could get more business. That is a great idea, yet you reference that you are going with a semi-retired guy. Is he a pro? Does he have the qualifications? Enlighten us a little here, please!!
If you are a customer, it's really hard to know. You can start with looking for someone with certifications. Second, ask other flooring installers who they would have install their floor. Also, experience isn't everything, some people do things wrong their whole careers.
If you are concerned with a moisture test then ask the installer to do so before starting. Also have him acclimate the wood well before the initial install date.
Oh I thought you ask what does a pro installer looks like. ha ha
Some of the things to look for. 1 check the moisture of both the wood and subfloor, make sure the RH is steady, ask installer if he does this. ask him if he has refernces you can talk to.
This is a start.
Let the installer do the talking and take notes. Does he talk about acclimation and moisture testing, site conditions, needed floor prep, installation materials used, care & maintenance of the product afterwards... etc.
Who is going to do the installation, the installer personally or does he have employees or subcontractors?
Does he give you a time frame of completion and a contract?
Does he have any certifications?
Does he have insurance? Liability, Work Comp
Does he warranty his work and what does it actually cover?
References?
Hey guy there are many very good installer and retailers in your area I know most of them let me know the name of the guy and I can do some digging for you or you could just go to a CAWood, JP Flooring McSwain, Buddys, Junkyard of Floors any of these places would be able to recommend an installer and may even know who you are working with. You can also check with the local supply houses in your area and ask around about the guy. But he is going to skip the moisture test I would pass that is a no brainer. He should take the reading and write it on the subfloor under the wood so if a claim dose happen everyone will know what it is less chance for issues from the manufacture.
