Not all flooring jobs are created equal - and neither are flooring contractors. Illinois consumers may want to hire a contractor who has installation, repair, and finishing expertise with the specific flooring material being used.
There are many Illinois flooring contractors available for work by both commercial and residential customers. If you need to find a flooring contractor in Illinois 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.
You can also use the map below to find a contractor located specifically in the Chicago area.
Flooring contractors are not required to have a license in the State of Illinois. The Attorney General Consumer Fraud Bureau recommends getting more than one estimate in writing and doing some background research on companies. It's recommended that consumers locate each contractor's place of business and contact them directly by phone to at least see how long the company has been in business.
Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act protects consumers from businesses using false or misleading statements to sell a product or service. The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) advises consumers to file any complaints with the Better Business Bureau or the Illinois Attorney General's Consumer Fraud Bureau.
Depending on the circumstances, consumers may want to hire a lawyer to file a lawsuit. According to the ISBA, "In a typical lawsuit, the plaintiff (who is the person bringing the case before the court) can recover not only his or her actual losses, but also double or triple the punitive (or actual) damages, plus attorney fees".
Consumers have three business days to cancel any contract if the sale is made and signed at your home. This three-day period gives the consumer more time to consider their decision. Even if the contractor starts the job within the first three days, a consumer still has the right to cancel the contract.
Consumer Fraud Bureau advises consumers to get lien wavers upon payment. If a general contractor does not pay his subcontractors, workers, or material suppliers, lien wavers will protect the homeowner from become responsible to fulfill those payments.
The Attorney General's office also suggests reading the contract thoroughly before signing. Make sure it includes: the business's full contact information, a description of the job, starting and estimated completion dates, total cost for the work, and scheduled payment methods. The consumer division of the Attorney General's office provides valuable information related to dealing with contractors.
The Baker Hotel in St. Charles, IL unveiled a unique tourist attraction in 1928. The hotel's ballroom, the Rainbow Room, was a two-story oval ballroom completely surrounded by a balcony. The floor consisted of 300 glass blocks with 2,620 red, green, yellow, and blue lights flashing beneath. At the time, it was one of only three lighted glass floors like it in the world
The floor could be programmed to synchronize with the music playing, or make shapes such as a heart, stars, or flag. But due to permanent flood damage in 1955, the lights can now only be turned on and off.