Specialized Flooring Contractors

One of the questions you may need to answer for any home improvement project is how specialized you want your contractor to be. One good example of such a project is floor installations. A general flooring contractor may be a good idea if you don't already have your mind made up on a flooring option. He or she can give you a detailed explanation of the relative advantages and disadvantages of each kind of floor. Other contractors may be competent in any flooring installation but specialize in one particular flooring material. Still other contractors may have a single floor they deal with. These specialized contractors should have their medium mastered and may be able to save you money with deals and more efficient labor costs.

A good way to handle this situation is to match a flooring contractor with your decision-making process. If you aren't sure what floor would work best in a particular room in your house, a more general flooring contractor may be where you want to start. On the other hand, if you've already decided on a flooring material, finding a specialized flooring contractor can sometimes streamline the installation process.

Make a Good Hire
While hiring a general or specialized contractor may have certain benefits, you shouldn't use this detail as the primary factor in your hiring decision. You should still talk to several contractors, get estimates, check references and choose the contractor you feel most comfortable working with. That said, it's not unusual to look at three or four contractors and find more than one of them who match your expectations for professionalism and trustworthiness. The general vs. specialized contractor can make for a reasonable tie-breaker when you simply can't make up your mind.

Wood Flooring Contractor
Specialized wood flooring contractors are great people to look at when you're trying to find a reasonable price for expensive hardwoods. Some wood flooring contractors may do both residential and commercial installations. This can give them a large supply of wood that may be slightly reduced in cost. During a large commercial project, for example, they may have enough spare wood left over to complete a small kitchen or bath flooring installation. You'll want to make sure you're getting what you pay for and that this leftover wood isn't inferior. On the other hand, even discarded wood from a high end commercial project can be more than sufficient for a basic residential floor. You might be able to get a quality product from a wood flooring contractor for an excellent price.

Vinyl Flooring Contractor
Vinyl flooring contractors are often certified to install exact brands of vinyl flooring. Several vinyl flooring product companies have constructed training courses for contractors specifically for their flooring installations. Some homeowners may choose to install their own vinyl floors, but hiring a vinyl flooring contractor will ensure a speedy installation with superior craftsmanship. In some cases, your warranty may be comprehensive if you're willing to pay the extra money to have a vinyl flooring contractor install your floor.

Cork Flooring Contractor
Cork flooring isn't as popular as hardwood or vinyl flooring so you're less likely to find a specialized cork flooring contractor. Still, there's a good chance you'll find flooring contractors with varying amounts of experience with cork flooring. The softer nature of cork requires more precise installation conditions. Subflooring preparation must be handled with care to ensure your floor meets durability standards. More experienced cork flooring contractors will also be able to give you a better idea about different cork products and their relative costs and lifespans. As more and more homeowners learn about the advantages of cork's unique texture, this flooring option should continue to grow in popularity and lead to an increase in the number of specialized cork flooring contractors.