What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Flooring Contractor?

Choosing the right flooring contractor is the single most important decision a homeowner makes — more important than the product itself. After decades of inspecting flooring installations across Oklahoma, we have seen every type of installation failure, and most trace back to contractor selection. This guide provides the questions every homeowner should ask before signing a contract.

Why Contractor Selection Matters More Than Product

A premium product installed poorly will fail. A mid-grade product installed correctly can last decades. The installer controls:

  • Moisture testing — whether the subfloor is tested before installation.
  • Floor preparation — whether the subfloor is properly prepared.
  • Acclimation — whether materials are properly acclimated.
  • Installation methods — whether manufacturer instructions are followed.
  • Expansion gaps — whether proper gaps are maintained.
  • Warranty support — whether the installer stands behind their work.

No product warranty covers installation failures.

Licensing

Oklahoma does not require a specific flooring contractor license, but homeowners should verify:

  • Business registration — is the contractor a registered business in Oklahoma?
  • Contractor license — if general remodeling is involved, verify any required licenses.
  • Resale tax permit — confirms the business is legitimate.
  • Bonded — is the contractor bonded?

Ask: 'Are you a registered business in Oklahoma, and can you provide your registration number?'

Insurance

Insurance is non-negotiable. Verify:

  • Liability insurance — covers property damage during installation.
  • Workers' compensation — covers injuries to workers on your property.
  • Coverage amounts — minimum $1 million liability is standard.
  • Proof — request a certificate of insurance directly from the insurance provider.
  • Expiration — verify the policy is current.

Ask: 'Can you provide a certificate of insurance, and what are your coverage limits?'

Certifications

Industry certifications demonstrate commitment to proper installation:

  • NWFA — National Wood Flooring Association certifications for hardwood installers.
  • FCITS — Flooring Contractors Inspection Training Services for inspectors.
  • CTI — Certified Tile Installer (Ceramic Tile Education Foundation).
  • CUFI — Certified Floorcovering Installers for carpet and resilient.
  • Manufacturer certifications — some manufacturers certify preferred installers.

Ask: 'What industry certifications do you and your installation crews hold?'

References

  • Recent references — ask for 3-5 references from the past 6 months.
  • Similar projects — ask for references with similar flooring types.
  • Follow up — actually call the references.
  • Questions — ask about timeliness, communication, cleanup, and issues.
  • Online reviews — check Google, Better Business Bureau, and social media.
  • Portfolio — ask to see photos of completed projects.

Installation Crews vs. Subcontractors

Understanding who will actually install your flooring:

  • In-house crews — employed by the contractor; more consistent quality and accountability.
  • Subcontractors — independent contractors; quality varies; ask about their qualifications.
  • Crew stability — long-term crews are more reliable than rotating subcontractors.
  • Background checks — are background checks performed on installers?
  • Supervision — who supervises the installation?

Ask: 'Do you use in-house crews or subcontractors, and who supervises the installation?'

Warranties

Understand both warranties involved:

  • Manufacturer warranty — covers product defects; does not cover installation.
  • Installation warranty — covers the installer's workmanship; typically 1-5 years.
  • Written warranty — get the installation warranty in writing.
  • Transferability — is the warranty transferable to new homeowners?
  • Resolution process — how are warranty claims handled?

Ask: 'What installation warranty do you provide, and can I see it in writing?'

Moisture Testing

Moisture testing is the single most important step in flooring installation:

  • Concrete subfloors — calcium chloride tests or in-situ probe tests for moisture vapor emission.
  • Wood subfloors — moisture meter readings for wood moisture content.
  • Documentation — results should be documented before installation.
  • Manufacturer thresholds — moisture must be within manufacturer specifications.
  • No testing, no installation — if a contractor does not test, do not hire them.

Ask: 'Do you perform moisture testing on every installation, and can you provide documentation?'

Floor Preparation

  • Subfloor flatness — concrete should be flat to within 1/8 inch in 10 feet.
  • Underlayment — proper underlayment for the flooring type.
  • Repairs — subfloor repair or replacement as needed.
  • Cleaning — subfloor must be clean and free of debris.
  • Self-leveling — for concrete that is not flat.

Ask: 'What floor preparation is included, and how do you handle subfloor issues?'

Timelines

  • Start date — when will installation begin?
  • Duration — how many days will installation take?
  • Acclimation — is acclimation time included in the timeline?
  • Delays — what happens if there are delays?
  • Written schedule — get the timeline in writing.

Ask: 'What is the expected timeline, and is it provided in writing?'

Communication

  • Point of contact — who is your main point of contact?
  • Updates — how often will you receive updates?
  • Accessibility — can you reach someone if issues arise?
  • Change orders — how are changes to the scope handled?
  • Responsiveness — how quickly are calls and emails returned?

Ask: 'Who is my point of contact, and how will communication be handled?'

Cleanup

  • Debris removal — will tear-out debris be removed?
  • Dust control — what dust control measures are used?
  • Furniture moving — is furniture moving included?
  • Final cleanup — will the installer clean up after installation?
  • Disposal — where will debris be disposed?

Ask: 'Is cleanup and debris removal included in the price?'

Printable Homeowner Interview Checklist

  • ☐ Are you a registered business in Oklahoma?
  • ☐ Can you provide a certificate of insurance?
  • ☐ What industry certifications do you hold?
  • ☐ Can you provide 3-5 recent references?
  • ☐ Do you use in-house crews or subcontractors?
  • ☐ What installation warranty do you provide in writing?
  • ☐ Do you perform moisture testing on every installation?
  • ☐ What floor preparation is included?
  • ☐ What is the expected timeline, in writing?
  • ☐ Who is my point of contact?
  • ☐ Is cleanup and debris removal included?
  • ☐ How are change orders handled?

Oklahoma Considerations

  • No licensing requirement — Oklahoma does not require flooring contractor licensing, making due diligence even more critical.
  • Expansive clay soils — Oklahoma's clay soils affect foundations and subfloors; ask about experience with these conditions.
  • Humidity swings — ask about humidity testing and acclimation procedures.
  • Storm damage — ask about experience with homes that have had water or storm damage.

Key Takeaways

  • Contractor selection matters more than product selection.
  • Verify licensing, insurance, and certifications.
  • Request and check recent references.
  • Confirm moisture testing and floor preparation are included.
  • Get timelines, warranties, and cleanup in writing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Hiring the cheapest contractor without verifying qualifications.
  • Not checking references.
  • Not verifying insurance coverage.
  • Not getting the installation warranty in writing.
  • Skipping questions about moisture testing and floor prep.

Expert Tips

  • The cheapest quote is rarely the best value — a failed installation costs far more than the price difference.
  • Ask for documentation, not just verbal assurances.
  • Trust your instincts — if a contractor is evasive, look elsewhere.
  • Visit the showroom — a professional operation has a physical presence.

Questions to Ask Before Making a Decision

  • Is this contractor qualified to install the specific product I have chosen?
  • Does this contractor perform moisture testing and floor preparation?
  • Does this contractor provide a written installation warranty?
  • Can I verify insurance, certifications, and references?
  • Does this contractor communicate clearly and professionally?

When to Consult a Flooring Professional

Consult a flooring professional before signing any contract. A reputable showroom can recommend qualified contractors, explain what to expect, and help you evaluate quotes. If you are unsure about a contractor's qualifications, an independent flooring inspector can evaluate installation quality after the fact — but prevention is far less expensive.

Bottom Line

Contractor selection matters more than product selection. Verify licensing, insurance, and certifications. Check recent references. Confirm moisture testing and floor preparation are included. Get timelines, warranties, and cleanup in writing. Use the homeowner interview checklist to evaluate every contractor.

Related Articles

  • What Should Every Homeowner Know Before Buying New Flooring?
  • How Do You Compare Flooring Quotes Like a Professional?
  • What Are the Biggest Flooring Buying Mistakes Homeowners Make?
  • What Makes a Great Flooring Installation Last for Decades?

Still have questions? Visit your nearest Premier Carpet & Tile showroom to speak with an experienced flooring professional who can help you make the right decision for your home, lifestyle, and budget.

Key considerations

  • Contractor selection matters more than product selection
  • Verify licensing, insurance, and certifications
  • Request and check recent references
  • Confirm moisture testing and floor preparation are included
  • Get timelines, warranties, and cleanup in writing

A common misconception

Many homeowners assume all flooring contractors are the same and that the lowest price represents the same quality of work. In reality, contractor qualifications, installation methods, floor preparation, and warranty support vary enormously — and the cheapest quote often results in the most expensive long-term outcome.

Ask an Expert