When you’re having work done on your home, whether a significant remodeling project or a smaller job like installing new floors, you want to hire the most qualified professionals for the job. Inexperienced and unreliable contractors not only produce shoddy work but will cost you thousands of dollars more than you budgeted. If you’re planning to hire a crew to handle your home renovation projects, here’s how to choose the best one. 

Look Into the Legal Details

Hiring an unlicensed contractor for renovation is a fast track to trouble. Before you consider any company, check that it has a valid contracting license for the work you need. You don't want to hire someone to install floors, for instance, who holds a license in roofing. To maintain a current license, contractors must have the required insurance coverage, typically worker’s compensation and liability coverage, as well as demonstrate adequate knowledge of industry standards and processes. A licensed contractor will know the permits required for your job, and will generally acquire them for you. Also, by working with a licensed contractor, you will have legal recourse if something goes wrong and you face financial loss due to a contractor’s incompetence or dishonesty. Don’t hesitate to ask for proof of licensure and insurance coverage; most reputable contractors will happily provide that information.

Check Their Work

Checking references is necessary to ensure that your contractor will do the work you need to a high standard. Experienced contractors will happily provide photos of their completed jobs and contact information for previous customers. To guarantee that you get an accurate perception, ask for the names of the contractor’s last five customers. Otherwise, you may only get the names of their biggest fans. Contact the customers the contractor provides and ask questions about the quality of the work, whether they finished the project within budget, and the overall experience with the contractor. Don’t forget to ask about how the contractor and his crew worked throughout the project; for example, did they clean up at the end of every day or track dirt onto your floors? If possible, try to see some of the contractor’s work in-person to judge the quality and craft yourself. Finally, check the contractor’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau and online reviews to uncover any red flags.

Focus on the Details

Confirming the details of your project with a contractor is the best way to manage expectations and avoid disappointment. Therefore, before signing a contract, get the details in writing, including the budget, what the contractor includes in the scope of the work, the supplies required and where they will be purchased, and details about any subcontractors. If your contractor works with subcontractors to install drywall or floors, for instance, ask for their information as well and confirm their experience, licensure, reputation, etc. Again, a reputable contractor will not push back when you request these details.

If you are looking for a reputable, experienced contractor to install your new floors, look no further than Carolina Wood Floors. Serving the Winston-Salem, NC area for over 25 years, their team of flooring experts will help you choose the right hardwood floors for your home or business as well as handle installation and maintenance. To learn more about their services and the products they carry, visit them online, or call (336) 765-0680 to speak to a friendly representative about your flooring needs.