Questions To Ask Before Refinishing Hardwood Floors

If your hardwood floor has begun to show signs of aging or if you have moved into a charming old home with flooring that’s looking battered and scratched, you would need to hire professionals for refinishing hardwood floors.

Like any service you opt for, you would have to conduct some research and compare companies. It’s a good idea to start by looking for a credible operator. Check with relatives and friends or even search online for a company that has a professional and reputable presence. You must contact multiple contractors that offer hardwood floor refinishing services before you make your choice.

Questions to Ask

Here are some questions you should be asking before hiring a contractor for refinishing hardwood floors:

1. How much experience do you have?

Only an experienced contractor would be skilled and able to maximize the beauty of your hardwood floor.

2. Who will be handling the job?

Many contractors are mostly small businesses. Either the owner will handle the refinishing hardwood floors job himself or will have employees that do the actual work. You must determine how competent the technicians that will be handling the job are.

3. Do you have liability insurance, and are your employees bonded?

Liability insurance helps to protect you if some damage occurs to your home when the job is in progress. If the employees are bonded that will ensure you have protection from theft for the duration of the project.

4. What kind of sandpapers will you be using for refinishing hardwood floors?

A superior refinishing job depends on how knowledgeable the contractor is about the products and techniques used in the sanding process. If poor quality sandpaper is used, it can come apart from the backing and embed itself in the wood. This will create a ‘pebble’ look on the final finish, which is something you don’t want.

5. Would you be able to show us your previous work?

A credible contractor who is proud of their work will be more than happy to provide you with multiple references. They will also encourage you to visit a commercial establishment site to see their workmanship. Sometimes, they may also make arrangements with a previous client for you to visit their home to look at the floors. If a contractor is hesitant to so, that should be a red flag for you.

6. Do You Offer Different Colors?

Not all contractors are equal. Some offer just three to four stain colors, while the more reputable ones will provide a more extensive choice. Sometimes these custom colors also come with a higher price tag, and this is something you need to consider while making that decision. Darker color stains are typically more expensive because the refinishing costs are higher.

7. What type of finish will you apply?

Contractors generally prefer one type of finish over another, so you need to ask them which finish they would be using to make sure that your flooring has adequate protection from the level of wear it will be experiencing.

Refinishing hardwood floors- Other Things to Know

In addition to these things, find out how they will protect your home from the fine dust particles that are generated during the sanding. Ask them whether they will move the heavy appliances and attached fixtures and if that is included in the quote they provide.

Make sure you get an upfront quote with a contract that mentions all inclusions and exclusions. Being systematic and asking these and any other questions that occur to you are the best way to ensure you don’t have to deal with any surprises when the refinishing hardwood floors’ project is in progress.