For many of the flooring products sold in Utah, the consumer can install them without the assistance of a contractor. However, some floors do require the skills, tools, and technical expertise of a professional in order to ensure that everything is properly installed. Utah residents will find that a qualified contractor helps with estimating product amounts, preparation and/or removal of the existing floor, and clean up after completing the installation process.
There are many Utah flooring contractors available for work by both commercial and residential customers. If you need to find a flooring contractor in Utah 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.
To work in the state of Utah, all contractors have to obtain a license from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. In addition to passing an exam and paying any applicable fees, an installer must provide proof of working in their specific trade for a minimum of two years.
It's a good idea to check to see if a particular contractor is licensed through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing lookup & verification tool.
With flooring installations, problems can definitely occur between homeowners and contractors, such as overcharging, unfinished or unsatisfactory work, and/or miscommunication. Residents are encouraged to first attempt reaching a solution with the installer, and if that is impossible or ineffective, the Utah Division of Consumer Protection will assign an investigator that reviews deceptive business practices. Quality issues with a contractor's work might be handled more efficiently by filing a complaint in court with an attorney.
Most complaints are either filed online or by calling the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing at (801) 530-6630. Complaints can also be filed with the Utah Attorney General and the Utah Dept. of Consumer Protection.
The Utah Division of Consumer Protection recommends acquiring two to three different estimates for a home improvement project. Consumers should compare the bids for accuracy and look for any omitted items that may have been left out intentionally or by mistake. Also, home owners need to speak with previous references about a contractor's reputation.
The Consumer Protection office recommends asking for an installer's licensing verification, liability insurance, and contact information, including mailing address and phone number. The full balance on a job should not be paid until the work has been finished, and every contract needs to be fully read and understood before signing. Never hire a contractor that goes door to door or offers unrealistic discounts because of leftover materials, a false sense of urgency, or misrepresented terms; these are common signs of a scam.
Even though the climate of Utah is considered mild in some ways, certain types of flooring could still expand or contract. Often, seasonal weather causes the humidity levels to change and wood floors will respond by moving accordingly. Since Utah is known for arid conditions, the movement may be reduced slightly, but residents need to have their flooring installed correctly as protection and a guarantee of warranty coverage in case of damage.
Another interesting aspect of Utah's climate is that snowfall typically stays on the higher mountaintops until late in the summer. While this might not directly have an effect on a floor, it is possible for homes located at high altitudes to observe variations during these times. Please consult with the manufacturer of your floor, a retail store, and/or the contractor to learn about the characteristics of your flooring.