It's easy to underestimate the time, manpower, and cost a flooring project will take. Consumers may want to consider hiring a contractor with experience and expertise to make their home improvement projects go as smoothly as possible The State of Pennsylvania has laws in place to help consumers find honest contractors and protect them from fraudulent activities.
There are many Pennsylvania flooring contractors available for work by both commercial and residential customers. If you need to find a flooring contractor in Pennsylvania 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 inside Philadelphia.
The State of Pennsylvania does not require contractors to be licensed, but they must register with the state and display their registration number on all advertising and contracts. As of July 1, 2009 any contractor who works on existing residential properties on a job worth more than $500 must comply with the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA).
In order to obtain a registration, contractors must provide their complete background information, including: criminal offence record, prior bankruptcies, civil judgments related to home improvement, and proof of liability insurance.
To determine if a contractor is registered, consumers can call the Office of Attorney General, Home Improvement Consumer Information Helpline at 1-888-520-6680 or use their contractor search tool online.
If a contractor uses a non-HICPA compliant contract, it is seen as an "unfair or deceptive act or practice" under Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law and entitles consumers to triple damages from the contractor.
Consumers can file complaints involving home improvement fraud at the Home Improvement Consumer Information division of the Office of the Attorney General.
HICPA is designed to protect consumers from deceptive business practices and ensure that private homeowners get a fair deal from contractors. But before signing any contract, the AG's office suggests checking with local accredited agencies, such as the Better Business Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Bureau of Consumer Protection for any reports filed against the contractor.
Consumers should also look out for suspicious sales attempts and should avoid contractors who apply pressure to signa contract quickly, who offer special discounts or bargains, or who are unknown in the area.
Forests cover a vast amount of land in Pennsylvania and contribute significantly to the state's economy. Pennsylvania's forests contain approximately 86 billion board feet of lumber - producing $5.5 billion forest products. The lumber industry supports nearly 10,000 jobs in the state.
With over 100 tree species, the forests provides raw materials for furniture, hardwood flooring, cabinets, paper, and more. Pennsylvania hardwoods such as black cherry, red oak, and sugar maple are in demand worldwide.