While not every flooring job requires a contractor, many involve certain tools and techniques that are best completed by a professional installer. Virginia residents can save time by hiring the right contractor to help them understand more about how much product to purchase, the preparation of the floor, and what to expect in the installation and clean-up procedures.
There are many State of Virginia flooring contractors available for work by both commercial and residential customers. If you need to find a flooring contractor in State of Virginia 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 find a floor contractor in Virginia Beach specifically, use the map below.
Flooring contractor can obtain a contractors license with state of Virginia through the Board of Contractors. A trade license is mandatory for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas fitting, asbestos abatement and lead abatement work. Virginia residents need to be careful when selecting a flooring contractor to make sure the installer is qualified.
For out of state contractors, a license may be mandatory. Each state has its own laws and ordinances. People are warned by the Virginia Attorney General's Office to be suspicious of installers going door to door, or offering a deal on leftover materials from another job, as they are usually signs of a possible scam, especially if they insist on cash payments.
Deceptive business practices and the risk of fraud can be greatly reduced by verifying a contractor's contact information, such as their address and phone number, and requesting references. Often, speaking with previous clients will give the consumer an idea of the kind of work to expect and the installer's reputation.
Virginia home owners can file a complaint or check to see if a particular contractor has had any complaints filed against them with the Board of Contractors, Office of Consumer Affairs, the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, and the Virginia Attorney General.
Although Virginia is known for its relatively mild climate, residents can expect changes in temperatures to have an effect on certain flooring. Hardwood floors can expand or contract during seasonal shifts in the weather because of the humidity levels. If a wood floor has been installed incorrectly, an excessive amount of these changes might be observed. Some woods tend to be more durable than others when faced with varying levels of humidity.
Carpet needs to be stretched properly and secured to eliminate wrinkles or bumps. Tiled floors could experience cracking or breaking over time, which is why an extra supply of the product is normally left at the work site after the job has been completed. Looking for any obvious problems with carpet or vinyl seams while the installer is there can also avoid future disputes.
The Virginia Attorney General's Office recommends written bids from at least three separate contractors. All contracts must be filled in with no blank spaces. Omitted items or substantially lower prices could indicate either a mistake or intent of charging additional costs at a later date.
Legitimate flooring installers will provide a contract with everything clearly represented, including timeframe, labor, subcontractors, costs, and materials. It is never a good idea to sign a contract unless the sections are easy to understand. Payments are typically divided into thirds or in half, no large sums are paid in advance, and the final payment is not made until the job has been finished to the satisfaction of the consumer.