Friday 17 January 2014

Hiring a Hardwood Flooring Contractor in LA : Read This Now

A flooring contractor does several flooring repair and installation services like installing tile, laminate and various wood or stone  floors, install underlayment and so on.

If you are looking to either install a new floor or do repairs to your existing floor,  here are some very important tips you will want to read about.

Prepare a very detailed, written contract
Before you even start looking for a contractor, it is vitally important that you have a very detailed written document that addresses the following :

* Work start and completion duration with dates.

* Payment criteria which ties payment to actual, verifiable results.

* Details of all the work that is required to be completed, materials to be used and quality of materials and work.

* Material placement plans.

* Layout specification.

* Disposal of waste.

* If rental equipment will be needed for the work, specify who will be paying for them and who is responsible for any damages caused during work.

* If the work specifications need to be changed midway, how will all of the costs and responsibilities handled.

* Ensure you specify the workmanship should have a warranty.

* Insurance details

* Clearly specify your existing pieces of furniture, work related inventory and home should be protected from damages that might be caused during work.

* Make a detailed list of each component to be used in the project. Ensure you include brand, size and model related details. This is critical if you want quality work.

Creating this document is an essential first step. Folks who work without detailed contracts may end up spending a lot more time and money on the project than they initially planned.

Once you have the contract ready, the next step is to prepare a list of licensed contractors in your area.

How to go about this? You could ask your neighbors or trusted real estate agents in your locality for referrals. Or simply search the internet. .

Permits

You would want to contact your local building department with details of the work you need to be completed and ask for the permits required. And then get the permits.


Get bids

Once you have a list of contractors in your area and the required permits, contact the contractors and get bids from them.

It is essential that you hire only licensed contractors. Check with your state's license board before you hire a contractor.


License and Insurance

This is perhaps the most important aspect of hiring a contractor.

Once you have the bids from licensed contractors, check whether they are insured. It's essential they have insurance to cover any work related damages. They must be insured for job related injuries that may occur as well.

Do not hire someone who is not insured.

If a bid seems too low, it might be a sign that the contractor is not licensed or insured. Licensed contractors are required to pay a fee. Unlicensed ones do not.

Licensed contractors have to play by the rules. Not the unlicensed ones.

And hiring an unlicensed contractor can cost you a lot if someone gets injured during work on your property. That's something you will not have to worry about when you are working with a licensed contractor who has insurance.


Bonds

If the contractor does low quality work, does not pay his employees or suppliers, then a bond is what can protect you.

You would want to ensure that your flooring contractor has a valid bond that will cover all the costs is the work needs to be dome all over again.

License, insurance and bonds are safeguards that are essential before you do the hiring. Do not ever make the mistake of hiring someone who isn't licensed or isn't able to provide a bond of adequate value.

Here is a video from the Better Business Bureau with very helpful tips about hiring a contractor. A must watch for just about any homeowner who is about to start a remodeling project.