We’ve all heard the horror stories about cowboy flooring fitters who promise to fit your floor for an unbelievably low price, but end up leaving you with (at best) disappointing results. Having researched and found the best deal on your new wood flooring, whether it’s wood, laminate or carpets, the last thing you want to do is to spoil your effort by choosing an unqualified fitter. In this guide we will point out what to look for in a fitter and how to avoid disappointment.
How To Choose Wood Flooring Fitter?
There are several ways you can go about finding a fitter, but here are what we believe to be the two best:
1. Contact the store where you bought the floor – Most sellers of quality wood flooring products work with a group of highly qualified fitters or even offer fitting services. The odds are that the store you bought your floor from has a group of qualified fitters they’ve been working with for some time (and it is in their best interests to ensure high quality fitting).
2. Ask for recommendations from family and friends – What could be better than getting a personal recommendation? There is a good chance that someone you know has recently had a floor installed. Pick up the phone and start making some calls. Consider asking your neighbours or colleagues, because recommendations go a long way to ensuring satisfaction.
Check the fitter’s credentials
3. Ask about their experience – Ask how long they have been in business and whether they have a shop or workshop you can visit. A well-established business is more likely to complete the work to your satisfaction. In some cases the fitter might have an online shop, which isn’t as convincing as a physical shop, but it’s a start.
4. Ask for references – An established business is likely to have a few customers who will gladly give them a reference.
5. Ask if you can view any similar work they may have done in your area – this will give you a good idea of their capabilities.
Define and agree the work in detail
6. Ask for a quote. Make sure you ask for a written quote, which includes basic drawings of each room. If your flooring job has special needs, such as taking into account underfloor hearing, home cinema cables etc make sure everything is included in the quote. Aim to get at least three quotes so you can compare prices and negotiate the best deal for yourself.
7. Ask about insurance and work guarantees – An established business should have a type of insurance that covers your home as well as the home of any immediate neighbours. Ask whether their work is guaranteed and whether their guarantee is insurance-backed. An insurance-backed guarantee means that if the fitter goes out of business, your flooring work will still be covered.