Are you ready to upgrade your floor and flooring? Call JKE today!
Whether you’re remodeling your whole home or simply updating one room, replacing the flooring is often one of the biggest projects you’re going to take on. Many people choose to take on their new floors as a DIY project, but this is often one job best left to the professionals. If you’ve decided to have a professional installer come in to replace the flooring in your home, here are some things you should talk to them about before you sign anything.
Licenses, Certifications, and Insurance
A contractor who conducts their business the right way will be able to provide you with proof of their license, insurance, and certification. Their license will give you peace of mind that they know what they’re doing, and insurance coverage will ensure if something does go wrong they (and you) are covered. If you want one more level of comfort, ask your installer if they’re NWFA certified. This is a certification from the National Wood Flooring Association, and it signifies that they have mastered the installation process and they have committed to ongoing education to stay as up-to-date as possible.
Warranties
Ask about the warranties they offer, and actually read all of the fine print. This is outside of the product warranty provided by the manufacturer – you’re asking about warranties on their installation service. Wood flooring is a significant investment, so any protection you can get is a good idea.
References and Reviews
You likely already know that you should look for and read the online reviews for your installer, but you should also ask them for references. Once you have the references, actually call them and ask about the floor installation process and their happiness with the finished product. Make sure to ask about how closely the installer was able to stick to their timeline and about any unforeseen costs.
Moisture and Acclimation
Proper installation includes measurements of the moisture content of the flooring and the relative humidity of the environment, so ask your installer how they will record this and how you can have access to the information. It is important because most manufacturers will require the information if you try to claim product defect under their coverage. If you are unable to provide it, they may void the product warranty. The installer should also be able to tell you how they will ensure that the wood is acclimated to your home before they install it. This is important because wood that isn’t acclimated will often have significant seasonal gapping and may even buckle and warp.
Ready for a Beautiful Hardwood Floor? Trust John K Eareckson & Co.
When you work with John K Eareckson & Co., Flooring, we will ensure your hardwood floors undergo a stress-free acclimation process and that they sparkle for years to come; from a seamless and beautiful installation to years of maintenance, John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring has the expertise to care for your home’s hardwood floors. For a consultation and more information visit us online or give us a call at 410-788-4200. You can also look for us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.