A flooring contractor is a business or person who installs, repairs, and maintains floor surfaces in homes and businesses. Contractors can range from a single person to a large corporation with hundreds of employees. Each flooring contractor may specialize in a particular type of floor covering or provide services for a wide range of materials. Others may concentrate on a similar set of materials, such as vinyl and linoleum, as well as hardwood, laminate, and other wood products.
Hardwood, laminate, carpet, tile, stone, and resilient products like vinyl or linoleum are just a few examples of floor coverings. Homeowners and building managers can hire a flooring contractor to prepare the subfloor for these floor coverings, as well as to refinish and repair existing floors. A flooring contractor may also be hired to restore a historically significant flooring material, such as hardwood or certain types of tile and stone. Floor installation is one of the most common projects for these contractors, which can save homeowners the time and effort of trying to install floor coverings themselves.
In the residential market, homeowners will typically contact several contractors to obtain project pricing. Before providing an estimate, the contractor may visit the home or simply provide pricing based on the homeowner’s description of the project. After the homeowner has agreed on a price, the contractor will schedule an appointment to install the flooring. He might also clean up and dispose of old flooring materials.
The flooring contractor will typically produce an estimate based on drawings and other written instructions in the commercial market. The job is frequently awarded to the lowest bidder, who will be subjected to far more stringent scheduling requirements than residential contractors. He must be willing to work with other tradespeople and may be given a contract to perform routine maintenance once the flooring is installed.
If someone wants to work as a flooring contractor, they should learn about the different materials and products that are currently available in their area. It’s a good idea to get some installation experience or read up on installation techniques if possible. To learn more about flooring and the construction industry, consider taking classes at a community college or trade school. Work as an assistant installer or for a flooring distribution company is recommended. If you have a lot of experience with floor coverings, you might want to consider starting a flooring installation business for local residents or businesses.