Whether you are building a new home or remodeling your existing one, hardwood flooring will dramatically improve the look and feel of any space. It also increases the value of your home. You will want to hire reputable professionals when installing your new floor. Knowing the factors that go into hiring a good hardwood floor installation company is important to ensure you get the best results.
Hiring a professional is the best way to get the job done quickly and efficiently if you have decided to install new hardwood floors in your home. There are many benefits to hiring a professional. Still, the main one is that they have a wealth of knowledge about flooring and can complete the installation more timely and efficiently than you might be able to do yourself.
Hardwood floors are available in different styles and sizes, so hiring an experienced professional who can match your particular space with the flooring product is important. They can also help you decide on the best type of hardwood for your space and advise you on maintenance and upkeep.
It’s also a good idea to find out what kind of warranty is offered by the company you plan on using. A good hardwood flooring installation company should offer a labor, material, and service warranty that will protect your investment in the floor.
Another benefit of hiring a professional is that they have the right tools to do the job quickly and efficiently. Installing the floor yourself may take you longer and require you to buy additional tools.
Once you’ve found an installer you like, asking them how long they have been in the business is a good idea. This will help you gauge their expertise and see how reliable they are.
An installer with a good reputation is usually very willing to answer your questions. This is because they have a lot of customer experience and know how to promptly provide accurate information.
For example, if you call an installer for an estimate and they can’t answer the phone within hours or don’t help answer your questions, this is a sign that you should move on to someone else.
A good hardwood flooring installer will also keep your subfloor dry and clean while they are working. This is essential for hardwood since moisture can cause the floor to warp and lose its integrity. It’s also a good idea to look for a contractor who will level the subfloor as needed before they begin work on the hardwood.
Warranties are a key part of the sales process, helping customers know that they will be able to get the flooring they need if something goes wrong. They also help retailers build trust and develop a loyal customer base.
Many types of warranties are available, including structural and finish warranties. It is important to understand these and what they cover so you can decide if you want to go through with the installation.
A structural warranty, which is usually offered on engineered floors, guarantees that the flooring will not warp, buckle or twist under normal household conditions and that the product was properly installed to the manufacturer’s specifications. It is very important to follow these instructions, as failure to do so can void your warranty.
If you’re unsure of what your warranty covers, ask the representative at the store to walk you through it. They’ll be able to determine whether the issue is a product or installation issue, and if you need to file a claim, they’ll give you the information you need to submit it.
In addition to the structural and finish warranties, many hardwood floor products offer other warranty options. They may offer a limited finish warranty, which generally comes with terms like “if installed in compliance with our installation instructions” or “in accordance with normal household conditions.”
These warranties are important because they provide an additional level of confidence to customers who want the peace of mind that their new floors will look great for years to come. If you find that your flooring is damaged, make sure you keep all the documentation from the installation in order to support your claim when it comes time to file a damage claim with your retailer or installer.
The warranty also provides you with the information that you need to report a damage claim. You can call your local flooring retailer to schedule an appointment for a representative to inspect the damage and see if it falls under your warranty.
While it can be tedious to read through the details of your warranty, it will pay off in the long run. You’ll be able to see any limitations and exceptions, as well as the disclaimers that can void your warranty, and it will make you more aware of what you should be looking for in flooring.
If you’re planning to install hardwood floors, it is important to have a smooth and level subfloor. Having a sloppy or uneven subfloor can cause squeaks and crooked boards when the floor is installed.
Hardwood flooring installers have experience preparing subfloors and can help you make sure that your floors are level before they begin installation. Their prep services will reduce the amount of time it takes to complete the installation.
* Check the subfloor for dips and high spots that are greater than 3/16 inch over an 8-foot span. If you do find any, sand them down and fill them with leveling compound. Using leveling compound ensures that the floor is flat and smooth when installing wood planks.
The subfloor should also be free of dirt, dust, and other substances that could interfere with the installation. If any of these substances are present, the job will take longer and more costly to complete.
It is also a good idea to use a long level and tape measure to check the subfloor for any irregularities. These irregularities should be less than 2mm per 1 meter and less than 1 mm for 20cm.
Before the floor is installed, the subfloor should be swept and vacuumed to remove any debris from the surface that could affect the installation. Then, use a trowel and some leveling compound to make sure that the surface is level.
After sweeping the floor, walk it over and listen for any squeaks or rumbling sounds that may indicate a weak spot. If the subfloor has any holes or cracks, repair these before the installation starts.
Lastly, make sure the concrete slab is clean and dry. It should be free of any salts, water beads, or other contaminants that might interfere with the bonding of the thin-set used for the installation.
Before your installation begins, make sure that all furniture and personal belongings are moved to another room or covered with a drop cloth to avoid them being damaged during the process. In addition, prepare a dust containment system to help prevent the spread of dust and other particles to other areas of your home during the installation.
Hardwood flooring is a major investment, and the installation process can be costly. However, the return on your investment is very high, as hardwood floors add value to your home and are highly desirable by potential buyers.
There are several things you can do to save money on your wood flooring project. For example, buying prefinished flooring is cheaper than installing it yourself and can help you save time and energy. It also allows you to choose your own color and wood type.
Another way to cut costs on your hardwood floor project is to hire a professional to remove the existing flooring and prepare the subfloor for installation. Typically, this costs between $4 and $10 per square foot.
The cost of labor and material also play a role in determining the total price of your flooring project. For smaller spaces, labor costs run between $6 and $12 per square foot, but this can increase to $13 or $25 for larger areas.
Materials make up the majority of a wood flooring budget and include the floor itself, underlayment, and any trim or transition pieces. These materials can range in price from $4 to $20/square foot, depending on the type of wood, how it is finished, and any special design options you may want.
You can often find good deals on hardwood floor installation by shopping around and comparing quotes from different companies. You can also find free estimates from licensed experts in your area.
One of the best ways to estimate the cost of a wood floor project is by using a general rule of thumb: take the purchase price of the flooring and materials and add 50 percent for the labor cost.
It is important to note that the amount of labor and prep required for your project can add up quickly, especially if you need to remove old flooring or pour self-leveling concrete to fix low spots in the subfloor.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can still enjoy the look of hardwood flooring by choosing alternative options like vinyl or laminate flooring or porcelain tiles. These products mimic the look of solid wood but are far cheaper to install. These alternatives also don’t detract from the aesthetics of your home.