When it comes to your flooring, you want the very best. You deserve that and more. And while there are many factors to consider when hiring a contractor, these eight will help you get started on finding the perfect fit for both your space and budget.

1. Quality of Work

The foundation of any successful work relationship is a solid performance record. Before you even begin to interview flooring contractors, ask for referrals from friends and family members who have had flooring work done in the past. You'll likely find that many people can refer at least one contractor they have worked with before. From there, take a look online. Flooring companies often have portfolio pages on their websites so you can get an idea of what kind of work they do and how well they do it.

2. Attention to Detail

The flooring contractor you ultimately pick should pay attention to all of the details. Flooring that isn't properly installed only leads to headaches. Ask potential flooring installation contractors about their installation practices and find out how much oversight they provide during installations. A good contractor will supervise every aspect of your project, ensure that materials are measured correctly and cut precisely, keep installers on schedule, and ensure everything is cleaned up when the job is complete.

3. Communication Skills

When it comes to flooring work, communication is key. A contractor who knows how to communicate effectively can answer your questions, address your concerns, and get the job done right. If you have a specific vision for your project, be sure to discuss it with potential contractors so they can get a clear understanding of what you want. Remember, a reliable company will have primary contacts who are reachable for consultation during office hours.

4. Provides Estimates in Writing

You should always receive a written estimate and never accept an oral one. The estimate should list all supply and labor charges as well as any other fees associated with the project. Also, be sure you understand the contractor's payment schedule. Finally, find out what forms of payment the contractor accepts.

5. Fair Pricing Structure

You want to hire someone who doesn't charge more than is necessary for materials and labor. A great way to determine the contractor's price range is to ask for a breakdown of costs. However, it's not advisable to pick a company solely based on low price. At the end of the day, you want a high-quality product that lasts.

6. Availability of Different Flooring Materials

Today, there are many different flooring materials to choose from, including engineered hardwood flooring, ceramic and porcelain tiles, carpet tiles, resilient tiles, sheet vinyl, among others. According to Flooring Clarity, they found that 50% of their readers use vinyl, LVT, or LVP to replace their damaged floors. A good contractor should be well-versed in all of these materials. It's critical that the contractor you choose has a thorough understanding of the products they recommend for your project and can answer any questions you may have about them.

7. Is Licensed and Insured

A licensed, bonded, and insured contractor is a safer bet than one who isn't. Qualified licenses indicate that the contractor has met basic minimum requirements set by their state's construction board or licensing authority. Along with being licensed, reputable companies are also insured-and not just against property damage. They should also carry workers' compensation coverage to protect you and the employer's workers in case of an on-the-job injury.

8. Reputation and Reviews

No matter how skilled and experienced a flooring contractor is, they won't retain customers or get new ones without a solid track record of quality work and service. One way to determine if a company has this kind of reputation is word of mouth; ask family members who have had flooring done in the past for recommendations or search online for customer reviews. Once you've found some good candidates, check them out with the Better Business Bureau as well as with your state's licensing board to see if any complaints have been filed against them.

Taking the time to find the right flooring contractor for your home improvement project ensures that you get great results, along with a satisfying experience.