Questions to Ask Your Contractor Before Starting Your Floor

The process of getting the best flooring contractor right from the time of evaluation to the time of starting the flooring project may turn hectic. Moreover, after settling on your project contractor, you still need to know more about how the project will be carried out according to the schedule. Asking your contractors several questions creates a standard expectation. Therefore, you need to hold a brief discussion with your contractor to know more about how the work will go on in their absence and the staff who will be responsible for various duties. Ask your contractor the following flooring questions to ensure you are reading on the same page.

1. What’s your schedule for the project?

Asking this question will help you know a series of activities that will take place during the flooring project as well as the time set for each event. A schedule details much information more than just the starting and finishing time of the project. Due to diversity from one contractor to another, you should never assume that you know how the work will go on site. Also, most contractors always give other specialists a sub-contract.

 The flooring contractor may not be present at the site throughout the project, but they may communicate through the sub-contractor. Therefore, it is crucial to find out from your contractor on the days they will be available, and the days they will be off the site. 

2. Who will be present each day of work?

The answers to these flooring questions may vary according to the size of your flooring project as well as the structure and size of the company that you hire.  Ask your contractor about the people who will be present on site. Moreover, ask about who will be responsible for opening and closing of daily work. The person will also be in charge of discharging the materials needed by other technicians from the store.

Ensure your contractor tells who will be supervising the sub-contractors and the contact person in case of any question. Find out the number of times your contractor will be available on-site and whether the contractor will do some actual work. However, most contractors always do only supervisory work.

3. How will we communicate with you during the project?

This is one of the most essential flooring questions to help you know when to communicate with the contractor during the project in case you have any query. Find out the times that the contractor is available on phone.  Find out about the hours that you can find the contractor in their office if your projects are near the office.

 Since communication is key in any project, you should find out how your information will flow between you and your contractor. Also, agree on the method and formats that you will use so that you don’t find yourself in a remodeling limbo. If possible, find out how you can reach your contractor after office hours in case of any project emergency.

4. How will you ensure the safety of my property and pets?

The question is very critical as it will help you get a rough idea on what to expect. If you don’t address this question in advance, you may come back home after work and find surprising scenes. To avoid that, square it out with your contractor before the project commences.

The question may save you from several uncertainties that may befall you should you fail to seek clarification in advance. Moreover, your contractor should be able to explain to you how your construction site will be secluded from the rest of the non-construction area.

Pets are part of the family, and their welfare should be taken seriously even during the home remodeling process. Your contractor should ensure that your pets are not left to move out through the open gates and doors.

5. How will you handle any change in the course of work?

No plan is immune to changes that may occur at any given point of work. One of the good qualities of a good contractor is the ability to handle urgent changes in the course of the contract. The right contractor will always indicate the changes in their work schedule. Ensure you document the unexpected changes in the plan.

6. What will be the impact of the project on my neighborhood?

You should find out about the possible negative impacts of your project to the neighboring people. Give your contractor adequate information about your neighbors and their characteristics to help the contractor plan on the ways of handling them during the project period. Furthermore, you should ensure that your project does not pose any risk to the neighborhood.

When the contract ends successfully, it is now time to make releases and had-overs as you had agreed in writing. Starting your flooring project with all this information and flooring questions answered by your contractor will make your work easier to track the progress and gain more insight into the project. Consider the areas pointed out in your next project.