Find an experienced flooring contractor because price isn't everything. Flooring done right takes time and skill. Low price often means a job done in haste so that the contactor can move onto the next job quickly. Like anything you buy, you get what you pay for - so price should reflect skill level as well as credibility. Hiring a contractor isn't like buying a car... you don't get the same thing for a cheaper price. It takes years to accumulate knowledge of what works and what doesn't, so it’s an art learned through application, trial and – more often than not – error. Don’t let your floor be the test subject for a contractor’s inexperience.

Flooring materials are expensive. And since a bad installation may not show signs of failure for several months, it’s important to have an insured contractor because, by law, they are obligated to warrant their work and address problems concerning installation. Installation errors will also void manufacturer warranties - liability for expenses related to fixing those issues falls on an insured contractor. An uninsured contractor is not bound to care or repair.

A contractor should provide contact information to his or her insurance agent to prove their insured status. Homeowners are liable for any injuries incurred by uninsured persons on their property. That's why Cummings Hardwood Floors Ltd is fully insured for all flooring work.

Subfloor prep is one of the most critical aspects of installation, so at a minimum, it should be adequately cleaned before installation. Depending on the type of installation, flooring can fail if the subfloor isn’t prepped correctly. This includes catastrophic glue failure and moisture problems that can swell the wood.