Hello there. My name is Scott Popa And this is My web Page. I am a Independand Contractor and would like to give you and idea of my background in flooring. 

CHOOSING  FLOORING CONTRACTORS

Steps involved in the process of choosing your flooring contractors:

1. Decide what it is that you want done and write it down.
EXAMPLES

-carpet and pad removed, disposed
-sub-floor installed, refastened
-new carpet and pad supplied and installed
-old floor leveled or repaired
-rental turn over
 

2. Before you reach for the Yellow Pages, ask your friends, family and neighbors about professionals that worked for them in the past,  asked if they could refer you to a contractor or ask the contractor for referrals.  Many times a reputable and reliable contractor is in such demand, that they do not take on new projects unless they have a recommendation from a previous client. If you approach a contractor with a recommendation from such client, you may qualify for a  discount. This is our way to encourage our new clients to recommend us to others,

3. GET RID OF MIDDLE MAN PRICINGS

Call local flooring businesses and ask for installation prices.
Keep in mind that:
- prices remain the same, or very similar through out an area,
 

- Even though you see a "bargin price" for installation at some retailers, you may just end up with disapointment.

-most companies  as well as the big warehouses hire sub-contractors for actual installation. This means that you may compare offers or quotes from three different stores, but the contractors coming to your home to install your flooring may be working for all three.

-many  flooring store owners, have never installed  floorcoverings. They rely on an army of flooring subcontractors and their practical knowledge to run their business.
 

-A small flooring business may offer the same products, same warranties, and usually much better prices on installation. you may end up with them working on your floor anyway, even if you did hire a bigger company to do the job. So contact them directly, you will be nicely surprised with the quotes we provide.
 

4. Questions to ask potential contractors:
 

-Seam lay-out

-Seam appearence

(based on carpet style and color)

-How much overage are they calculating

-Transition (if any)

-Do they use a power stretcher ?

-Time frame of the project
 

 -Who is to deliver the product(s)

-Is there acclamation period
 

-Warranties offered
 

-Project stages
 

-Noise levels

-Clean up procedures
 

-Product use and care
 

-Professional experience in years
 

-References from recent jobs
 

-Liability insurance
 

-Payment options and or terms
 

-Deposits required if any
 

5. Your final choice should be someone establishes and someone with good references that you can check. Those two elements will secure the trust factor. The price offered should be reasonable, but not necessary the lowest of all provided estimates.
 

If, for example, you choose a lower price quote that offers a certain type of padding, over the more expensive type, be sure to ask about the characteristics and longjevity of both paddings. The more expensive may last 4 times as long as the less expensive one. It means, that you will need to go through the hassle of moving your furniture and leaving the house for a day or so a lot sooner then if you were to chose the more expensive pad in the first place. Just something to consider...
 

Be sure that you know who is coming in to actually do the work. Remember, some store owners, have no practical experience, and yet they will be the ones coming to your home to provide an estimate, it's all fine, but if you also expect them to show up to do the job; this may not be the case. Ask first, so you know what and who to expect.
 

6. Execute a contract with your chosen contractor, specifying the work to be done, price and payment schedule, start date and estimated completion date.
Keep in mind that:
 

-when projects involves installation of your own goods, the contractor may ask you for a small booking deposit. This is to secure a date for your project. That deposit should not exceed 10% of the total cost of the project. This deposit is usually not refundable if you cancel the job or want to reschedule at the last minute.
 

-when a product order is required, you may be asked to provide the amount to cover the cost of the product(s) entirely, prior to the order placement. This is because many manufacturers do not accept returns of carpet, and there is always a substantial restocking charge, if returns are even allowed.

If The contractor is placing an order on your behalf and for your job specifically and If you change your mind after order placement, there is not much that the Installer can do  be done with the purchase for your project.

It does happen, unfortunately. Contractors need a little protection as well... especial in times when  prices are substantial. No one wants to get stuck with $1,000.00 worth of flooring. If you are not convinced, you may choose to purchase the flooring yourself directly from the supplier, however, the price may be higher then is offered by your contractor. If such deposit is required, and if you agree to it, you should receive a receipt for the amount of deposit. No other deposits should be required, and contractor should not ask for any other payments until entire project is finished. You may feel uneasy with this type of arrangement, it is understandable, this is when you should consider a contractor that was specifically recommended to you. You will have an easier time trusting such person.
 

Please remember, that when you are working with recommended individual, or reputable company, well established,  your risk  virtually does not exist. Why? Because the risk of not satisfying your needs and expectations of our clients (you) is not worth taking.
 

" It is always in the best interest of the business to keep their clients happy, otherwise we would not be in business... It's as simple as that."
 

So take your time, go through the process of choosing your  flooring contractor and make an educated decision. If you do, you will be happy with the progress of the project as well as the final results. Hasty decisions, on the other hand may cost you a lot of time, money, grief and disapointment.