Find Flooring Installation Quotes Near Me
Good flooring is important to make your home comfortable and beautiful. If your flooring needs to be repaired or replaced, we can help with the financing. Get quotes for flooring installation contractors specializing in carpeting, hardwood, or composite flooring.
Our TGUC home improvement partners are vetted, background checked, and have years of experience. We match the best contractors for your project and budget. Here are some of the benefits of working with our our contractors.
- Years of experience, so you can count on quality work.
- Fair and market competitive pricing, so you can get value for your project.
- Solid, glowing references, and reviews, so you can benefit from their track record.
- Close in proximity to your project, so you will know they understand your market.
- Licensed in their industry, so you will know they are legitimate.
- Insured and bonded, so you can guarantee your project will be protected.
- Can offer TGUC Financial financing services, so you can receive the best rates in the market.
How to Hire a Flooring Contractor
Licensing requirements for contractors vary greatly from state to state. Some states require a contractor’s license and others just a business license.Check your state government’s website for more info. Some states leave this up to the county or municipality in which the contractor is working. There are also certifications for contractors to earn from organizations such as the National Wood Flooring Association.
All flooring companies should carry two types of insurance: general liability insurance to cover any damages to your property and worker’s compensation insurance to cover injuries to employees.
The Two Types of Hardwood Flooring
Solid Hardwood Flooring – the conventional type and style of wooden flooring. Typically, solid hardwood flooring tends to be more expensive than engineered ones. However, it can be refinished and sanded 6 to 12 times depending on how thick it is. Hardwood flooring comes in multiple finishes and grains and blends with any type of decor. Hardwood floor does not dampen sound nor does it retain heat. Areas of high humidity should have a different type of floor since moisture will cause the flooring to expand and contract. Here are the different types of hardwood flooring in increasing resistance to denting:
- Cherry – color varies from red-brown to pink-white.
- Walnut – a dramatic dark brown.
- Oak – color varies from pale wheat to golden brown.
- Maple – color varies from almost white to golden tan.
- Hickory – color ranges from blonde to dark brown.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring – the type of flooring that’s multi-layered with a base, a core layer, and a veneer on top of it. The veneer can be difficult to tell apart from real wood because it’s made out of a slice of real wood. With engineered hardwood flooring, there’s a wide variety to choose from. It is more resistant to moisture than hardwood and can be nailed or glued over any type of subfloor. It is not as durable as hardwood and can’t be sanded and refinished as many times. Care must be taken not to let moisture contact the edges which will cause them to warp or fray.
TGUC Financial can help you with home improvment loans.
How much does a hardwood floor installation cost?
- As indicated by AngiesList, hardwood flooring costs about $1,900 with an average cost ranging from $1,700 to $2,100.
- As per HomeAdvisor, hardwood flooring costs anywhere around $4,500 with an average cost ranging from $2,500 to $6,750 for installation.
- According to HomeWyse, it costs around $1,200 to install hardwood flooring with an average cost of anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 for installation in a 120 square-foot area.
How much does it cost to repair existing wood floors?
Hardwood floors aren’t made to last a lifetime, so if your wood flooring has become worn but is still structurally in good condition, having it repaired is the cheaper option. There are also DIY touch-up kits and pre-mixed wood fillers that some homeowners would rather choose, but hiring a professional contractor in this field will, of course, almost always have much better results.
As indicated by Home Advisor’s True Cost Guide, an average homeowner can expect spending between $430 and $1,350 to have their existing wood floors repaired by a professional. Costs may vary mostly by the size of the damaged area and how damaged it is.
How much does it cost to repair existing laminate flooring?
Just like hardwood floors, laminate flooring does not last forever. Buckled, cracked, and stained laminate floors that lasted for years can typically be repaired in just a matter of hours. This is because laminate flooring was specifically designed to have easily and quickly replaceable damaged floorboards. Your hired professional contractor can focus on the more damaged portion of your floor and leave the rest as it is.
As indicated by Home Advisor’s True Cost Guide, laminate wood flooring repairs cost an average of $740, but the majority of homeowners pay between $320 and $1,160. Costs may vary by the size of the area that needs repair and the type of laminate that will be used.
How much does a new wood flooring installation cost?
Most homeowners choose genuine or engineered wood flooring to replace their carpeted, tiled, or damaged wood flooring. Engineered wood flooring is cheaper than solid wood flooring. This is because solid wood flooring outlasts composite wood in terms of durability and lasts longer with proper maintenance which also tends to make it more expensive.
However, engineered wood flooring is still more suitable for homeowners with pets or small children who tend to spill things. It may be sensitive to moisture and varying temperatures, but still outlasts solid wood flooring in terms of these factors.
As indicated by Home Advisor’s True Cost Guide, an average homeowner can expect spending between $2,500 and $6,740 for a new wood flooring installation. Costs may vary mostly by the size of the area, as well as what type (solid or composite), grade, and cut of the wood that will be used.
How much does a new laminate flooring installation cost?
Most homeowners go for laminate flooring since it is more budget-friendly and needs less maintenance to make it look more like genuine wood flooring. Typically, it outlasts solid or manufactured wood in terms of durability as it is very resistant to scratching and dents.
As indicated by Home Advisor’s True Cost Guide, laminate wood flooring installation costs an average of $2,810, but the majority of homeowners pay between $1,400 and $4,230. Costs may vary mostly by the laminate’s finish, abrasion rating, and other additional materials the contractor might recommend. Laminate comes in lots of patterns and color options. It can even look like stone or ceramic tile or wood. It is easy to replace if it becomes damaged and is stain-resistant and easy to clean.
Carpeting
Carpeting comes in every color and texture imaginable. It only requires regular vacuuming to keep it looking like new. It is warm and soft to walk on and dampens sound. It will trap allergens and pet dander easier than hard flooring. Stains may be difficult to remove and high traffic areas will wear faster. Carpet costs $2-12 and $1-2 to install per square foot with padding. Carpeting is made of these different types of fiber:
- Acrylic – a synthetic fiber that is resistant to mildew and insects, it also resists wear.
- Nylon – another synthetic fiber that is strong and resists wear.
- Polyester – a synthetic fiber that is resistant to moisture but stains easily.
- Polypropylene olefin – an indoor/outdoor carpeting fiber that resists stains, mildew, and moisture damage.
- Wool – a natural fiber that resists stains and moisture and is naturally durable.
Linoleum and Flooring Installation Contractors Near Me
Linoleum flooring is one of the most eco-friendly options since it is biodegradable. It comes in lots of patterns and color choices. It must be refinished every other year. It is easy to clean but spills must be cleaned up right away because stains often can’t be removed. Linoleum is also a hard floor. It costs $2-5 and $7-12 to install per square foot.
Bamboo and Flooring Installation Contractors Near Me
Bamboo is very eco-friendly since it actually is a type of grass. Bamboo is easy to clean and will stand up as well as hardwood. It can face in sunlight and is not resistant to water. Bamboo is not suitable for rooms where the floor might get wet such as bathrooms. It costs $3-8 and $7-12 per square foot to install.
Cork and Flooring Installation Contractors Near Me
Cork is comfortable to walk on and an attractive floor. It is eco-friendly but it doesn need to be resanded every couple of years to retain its water resistance and durability. Cork is not recommended in a place where low-maintenance floors are needed. It costs $2-6 and $3-5 per square foot to install.
Ceramic and Flooring Installation Contractors Near Me
Ceramic tile is great for bathrooms and kitchens because it can be sanitized. It is very durable, the tile itself resists staining but the grout can stain more easily. Ceramic tile is also available in many patterns and colors. Ceramic tile is a very hard floor. Care must be taken in kitchens as breakable items will shatter when dropped on a ceramic tile floor. It costs $1-100 and $4-12 to install plus extra for trim pieces and mosaics.
Stone and Flooring Installation Contractors Near Me
Stone makes a beautiful, classic floor. It is very durable and often looks better as time goes on. It is moisture and stain resistant as long as it is resealed every 4-5 years. Stone is difficult to install. It is also slippery when it gets wet. It costs $2-100 and $5-10 to install per square foot.
Vinyl and Flooring Installation Contractors Near Me
Vinyl is probably the least expensive flooring material to have installed. It also feels soft as you walk on it. It is durable, resists scratches and stains, and requires little maintenance. The better grades of vinyl come with 15-year warranties. It is difficult to repair and sharp objects can actually put holes in it. It is not an eco-friendly material. Vinyl costs $1-5 and $1-2 to install per square foot.
Questions to Ask Flooring Installation Contractors Near Me Before Hiring
1. Are you licensed for this type of work?
Ask your contractor for a copy of their license or certification and contact its issuing authority to confirm whether it is in good standing or not.
2. Which types of insurance do you carry?
There are a few specific answers you would prefer to hear in response to this question. First, the contractor must have general liability insurance that will come in handy in case of an accident during the project or construction. An example scenario would be where they accidentally hit a water line which flooded your house. You want to know that they’ll be the one to take responsibility for the costs of the damage. Second, the contractor should also carry workers’ compensation insurance. This will protect you from liability if someone got hurt while working on your property.
3. How many permits have you obtained in my area over the last two years?
Make sure your general contractor is familiar with your local building code requirements and the permitting process in your community. It’s important to find a contractor who is credible and has recently worked within your area.
Confirm that your contractor is familiar with the permitting process in your community and local building code requirements. It’s best to find a contractor that has worked before in your area.
Basically you wouldn’t want to hire a contractor who is new and unfamiliar with the regulations of your town.
4. Can you provide a list of references?
Talk to former clients who have hired the general contractor you’re considering. Ask them about the process, as well as the final product. Discuss budgeting, timeliness, and professionalism.
Contact some former clients who have hired the general contractor you’re considering. Ask them about the process, budgeting, timeliness, professionalism, and of course, the final product.
Finally, ask them “would you hire this contractor again?”.
5. What is an expected timeline for this project?
It is essential for you to know when the contractor will begin and end the project, especially if you have an ideal deadline. Ask about any circumstances that may push back your deadline. Ask how many projects they’re currently handling. Also, make sure the timeline is realistic.
6. Will you hire sub-contractors for the job?
General contractors often need to subcontract work out. Check references for every person they will hire, know their names and what type of work they do. Verify their credentials and make sure that they also have the necessary insurance requirements. Also establish how communications will work with you. Will everything go through the general contractor or will they be coming to you? Subcontractors should also be insured. All subcontractors should be carrying a minimum of a $500,000 insurance policy.
7. What kind of written warranty do you have?
All credible contractors will guarantee their work and will have a written warranty agreement. This should clearly disclose what is covered in the build, what is not, and for how long. A one-year warranty is good, but two years would be better. The electrician may only guarantee materials if he or she buys them from their accounts. A separate warranty will come from the manufacturer of appliances and equipment that they install.
8. What’s your typical payment schedule?
Don’t pay the entire price upfront, even if they offer a discount for doing so. Discuss the budget and payment terms before the work begins. It should include payment amounts, due dates, and key deliverables.
9. Will you obtain all of the required building permits?
Permits and inspection requirements vary depending on the location. This may include a county, city, or even HOA approvals. A reputable general contractor should know the required permits which they should handle directly for your project.
10. Will you provide a written lien waiver at the end of the project?
A lien waiver is a legal document that confirms you have paid the general contractor and all sub-contractors for all the work that was done in the project. It waives the signer’s right to file a lien on your property. Basically, it is the construction industry’s version of a receipt.
11. What is the total cost?
Make sure you have three bids for this one. That way you can see if one of your contractors is overbidding or underbidding. You don’t want unpleasant surprises like the use of inferior materials or shortcuts taken. You also don’t want to overpay. Also, check if there are other things not covered in the cost such as clean up and other incidental work.
12. What should be in the contract?
- Final Cost – this should include a breakdown of materials and labor costs. Also ask them to itemize any part of the project that is optional (you might want to eliminate it during your review of the bids). Breaking the whole project down into separate costs helps when comparing the bids.
- Permits – the cost of permits should be included in your contract.
- Sketches – don’t depend on the vision in your mind being the same as the vision in your contractor’s mind. Get it all drawn out including locations of all components.
- Timeline – the contract should include estimating starting time and estimated duration. You don’t want to have a floor you can’t walk on yet when you are expecting houseguests!
13. Will this project be fixed price or am I paying hourly?
For an hourly rate project, make sure you get a range of how long the job will take.
14. How long have you been in business?
A minimum of four or five years is a good answer to this question. Be wary of new companies. Let other people try them out first.
15. Do you clean up the area afterwards?
By asking this upfront, there is a better chance that it will get done.
16. How will I care and maintain my new floor?
Find out how long it will be between installation completion and when you can walk on the floor. You might need to stay somewhere else until this is done.
You also want to know how to maintain the floor in order to protect this investment.
How to Choose Flooring Installation Contractors Near Me
- If you are planning on being your own general contractor, it is really important to choose each contractor carefully.
- Get referrals. Contractors who have already worked in your area will not only know the local code but will have an established reputation.
- Check for manufacturer certifications. Some material companies will certify contractors who have been properly trained to use their materials.
- Check them out ahead of time. They must be insured and licensed and able to produce the paperwork proving it. Also check out their Better Business Bureau rating. Also look at the ratings on Yelp and Google. Read the one and two star reviews (some of them are not really legitimate complaints – look for the ones with real issues) and look at the overall rating.
- Don’t just pick the lowest bid. You won’t be planning to redo this remodel while you own the home. Your guarantee will only extend to materials that have been properly installed so you want quality workmanship. Find out what kind of warranty is on your materials. There should be a workmanship warranty as well as material warranties from the manufacturers.
- Good communication is necessary. Choose a contractor that will return calls and talk with you about issues before and during the process.
- Get it in writing. Your written bid should have a clear scope of work and a tight price range. Read the small print and ask about the process for out of scope costs and price overruns.
- Don’t put up with a high pressure sales pitch. Professional contractors should give you the opportunity to look at their bid, compare it with others, and do your own research. Be wary of anyone who offers a “today only” special or requires that your spouse be present for the sales pitch (they don’t want you to be able to say, “I have to discuss this with…”).