Several flooring products can be installed by Arkansas residents without the help of a contractor. However, there are certain types of floors that require specialized tools, techniques, and training. In these cases, a professional installer will usually assist with deciding how much product is needed, the preparation and/or removal of existing floors, and the clean-up of the workspace following the installation.
There are many Arkansas flooring contractors available for work by both commercial and residential customers. If you need to find a flooring contractor in Arkansas 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.
A contractor's license is only mandatory in the state of Arkansas for projects that are estimated to cost $20,000 or more. Since most flooring installations will be priced under $20,000, residents must be careful when selecting a contractor. Verifying an installer's contact information, such as address and phone number, is highly recommended.
Homeowners should ask for at least three references and speak with a contractor's previous clients to learn more about their work and reputation before hiring them. Installers who go door-to-door requesting business are usually scams and not reputable. The registration status of a particular installer can be obtained through the Arkansas Contractor's Licensing Board.
Filing a complaint against a contractor, or checking to see if a complaint has been filed, is done by calling the Arkansas Attorney General's Office at 501-682-2341. Suggestions for resolving complaints are also located in the Consumer Protection Division, which acts as both an advocate and mediator. Besides fraud, the division investigates unfair business practices and violations of consumer protection laws.
Many legal issues involve contracts. Residents must understand every part of an agreement before signing it. Any blank pages or spaces could indicate a mistake by the contractor. Omissions might be done intentionally, to make it easier to add extra charges and fees at a later date.
It is a good idea to have three separate estimates in writing and compare them for similarities, as well as variations. When one bid is significantly lower than another, check for any discrepancies or missing items. Consumers can prevent a lot of disputes by knowing more about the installation process, time frame, and materials, all typically provided by the contractor.
Arkansas homeowners should inspect work areas while the installer is there if possible to address any questions or concerns. One of the things to look for on a newly installed floor is the visibility of seams for carpet or vinyl. Seams that are very noticeable or obvious could eventually wear, causing rips or tears.
Humidity levels in Arkansas vary from region to region, and the overall climate is temperate with somewhat dry, cold winters and hot summers. Warmer, humid weather is more common in the southern lowlands than the mountainous areas. Because of the moisture and temperature changes, hardwood floors are known to expand and contract. Each floor should be installed correctly in order to reduce the movement as much as possible. Also, consumers could observe a change in the finish of a wood floor over time as a result of fading or natural characteristics.