In Alaska, many types of flooring should be installed by someone who understands the climate and the effect it has on a floor. Although certain products are designed for the consumer to install, others will require specialty tools and techniques. For these, a qualified contractor can provide assistance with the amount of product needed, any removal or preparation of the existing flooring, and cleaning up after the installation is finished.
There are many Alaska flooring contractors available for work by both commercial and residential customers. If you need to find a flooring contractor in Alaska use this map to get their address, phone number, and driving directions. Call to find out what their operating hours are and whether or not they deal with hardwood, vinyl, laminate, carpet, tile, concrete, or epoxy. These contractors may provide a variety of flooring services such as installation, refinishing, sanding, cleaning, and repairing.
Every contractor must be registered with the Department of Community and Economic Development in order to work in the state of Alaska. Registration procedures vary, depending on the specific license. The completion of the Alaska Craftsman Home Program (ACHP) or its equivalent or, a postsecondary course in arctic engineering, or its equivalent is mandatory within two years of applying for a Residential license; along with an Endorsement Application and fees.
Alaska residents can verify that a contractor is registered through the Division of Corporations, Business, & Professional Licensing.
Complaints are filed with the Alaska Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit and can be requested by calling 907-465-2133. In addition, the Alaska Consumer Protection Act outlines unfair trade practices and unlawful fraudulent activity in detail.
A contract with blank pages or spaces could be incomplete and should not be signed. Only contracts that clearly list all labor, materials, and costs are considered legitimate. Residents are encouraged to get at least three separate written estimates and compare items to learn more about an installation. Substantially lower bids can indicate an unintentional or intentional omission of details, which might result in added charges later.
It is recommended that homeowners verify a contractor's registration status and request three references before hiring. Generally, an installer that goes door-to-door asking for business is not reputable and should be avoided. Looking at the flooring while the contractor is there will prevent any future disputes over noticeable seams or other concerns.
Because of the climate, some flooring will experience changes over time. Wood floors in particular are known to expand and contract during variances of humidity levels or temperature. Alaska has colder weather and hardwood must be installed with the correct spacing from the wall to allow for movement, especially during extreme weather patterns.
Tile could potentially crack, so keeping extra product is advised. Knowing as much information as possible about a given floor is often the best way to be prepared for any issues that might develop. Each region in Alaska features its own climate that should be taken into consideration with any kind of home improvement or remodeling. Contractors, retail stores, and the manufacturer can inform the consumer of a floor's individual characteristics. A popular option is radiant heating, which is typically installed underneath the flooring. Radiant heating might be more appropriate for a certain floor, situation, or room. Settings can be adjusted to increase or lower the heat as necessary. People living in Alaska will most likely find this feature both convenient and helpful.