What to Look for in a Flooring Contractor: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Choosing the right flooring contractor can be the difference between a home upgrade that brings peace of mind and one filled with stress and surprise costs.
Whether you're remodeling a single room or your entire home, asking the right questions is key to finding a flooring company that respects your budget, timeline, and home.
We wrote this guide to make sure your job is done right without the headaches.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
Most flooring problems don’t come from the materials. They come from poor installation. Asking smart questions up front helps you:
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Avoid hidden fees
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Ensure long-lasting quality
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Protect your home and investment
53% of homeowners who used a contractor went over budget. And 46% experienced significant delays during their renovation projects. Royal Flooring is here to make sure that doesn't happen to you.
Let’s walk through the seven most important questions to ask when hiring a flooring contractor.
1. How Much Experience Do You Have With My Flooring Type?
Not all flooring is the same. Laying luxury vinyl planks (LVP) requires different skills than installing hardwood or carpet. A contractor might be great at one, but not the other.
Ask: "How many projects have you completed with [your flooring type]?"
Tip: Look for detailed examples or photos of past work. A seasoned contractor should be happy to show them off.
2. Are You Licensed and Insured?
If your contractor isn’t licensed or insured, you could be left footing the bill if something goes wrong.
Ask for:
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Proof of insurance
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Business license
Why this matters: A lack of proper coverage is a top red flag — you might be fine, but if something goes wrong, it won't be good.
3. What’s Included in the Quote?
Some contractors quote low to get the job, then add fees later. You don’t want to be surprised by charges for tear-out, trim, or floor leveling.
Ask: “Can you walk me through this quote line by line?”
Key things to look for:
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Removal of old flooring
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Subfloor prep
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Furniture moving
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Cleanup
Bonus tip: Ask for a written estimate to avoid surprises.
4. What’s the Timeline for Completion?
You’ve got a life to live: Kids, pets, routines. Knowing how long the job will take helps you plan.
Ask: “When can you start, and how long will it take?”
Red flags:
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Vague answers
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Overpromising (e.g., "We'll be done in a day!" for a big job)
Example: Most hardwood installs in a mid-sized room take 2–5 days, depending on prep.
5. Do You Offer a Warranty on Labor?
Flooring products often come with manufacturer warranties, but installation errors can void them.
Ask: “Do you guarantee your work? For how long?”
Common warranties:
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1–3 years labor warranty
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Manufacturer warranty on product (varies by brand)
Tip: Make sure this is in writing.
6. Can I Talk to Past Clients or Read Reviews?
Even if everything sounds great, real customer feedback gives you the clearest picture.
Ask for:
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Links to reviews (Google, Facebook)
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References you can call
Bonus: Look for “before and after” photos or videos.
7. Additional Tips and Questions
They're not make-or-break questions, but it's helpful to know the answers to the following:
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Ask what prep work you’ll be responsible for
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Get clarification on who pulls permits (if needed)
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Inquire about how they handle unexpected issues (like subfloor damage)
Additional Helpful Resources
Throughout your research, refer to these Royal Flooring blog posts for more context:
These support the decision-making process and keep visitors engaged on your site.
Conclusion: Make the Smart Choice
Hiring the right flooring contractor shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Just ask the right questions, trust your gut, and make sure the answers line up with your expectations.
If you're still unsure, Royal Flooring is here to help you make a confident choice. With trusted installers, real reviews, and a showroom right here in West Des Moines, we’re happy to walk you through the entire process.
Ready to get started? Contact Royal Flooring today for a free consultation and expert guidance.