When hiring a hardwood floor contractor, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure you receive high-quality service and craftsmanship. Below are key questions to consider, along with answers from 5280 Floors.
1.) Does the contractor have liability insurance and workman’s compensation?
While many smaller contractors / handymen may be more cost effective than hiring a larger company, there is serious financial and legal risk to bringing an underinsured party in to work on your home. If a worker gets injured on your property without proper insurance, you could be held responsible for medical bills, lost wages, or even legal fees.
Uninsured contractors can also accidentally damage your home, leaving you responsible for covering the cost of repairs or legal fees of pursuing them.
5280 Floors carries a $2 million general liability policy, and we maintain an active workers’ compensation policy, a copy of our insurance information is available upon request!
2.) Is the contractor a member of the NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association), and do they follow NWFA guidelines?
Hiring a flooring contractor who is not a member of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) can expose you to several risks, including poor workmanship, lack of industry knowledge, and potential financial or safety concerns. Many flooring manufacturers require NWFA-certified contractors for their warranties to remain valid. If an unqualified contractor installs your floor improperly, you could lose warranty protection and must pay for repairs or replacements yourself.
5280 Floors is a proud NWFA member. We strictly adhere to and guarantee to meet and exceed all NWFA guidelines. We have a full time Quality Manager who oversees every single job from start to finish, ensuring that we are following NWFA guidelines every step of the way.
3.)What industry training and accreditation does the contractor have?
Hiring a contractor without industry training and accreditations can lead to serious issues, including poor-quality work, safety hazards, and unexpected costs.
Our ownership and project leads are Certified Craftsmen through the Bona Certified Craftsman Program. We receive annual training at industry conventions and technical workshops and complete a two-year NWFA apprenticeship program combining hands-on and online education.
4.) What kind of warranty does the contractor offer?
Hiring a contractor who doesn’t warranty their work can come with several risks. Contractors who don’t offer a warranty may use low quality materials that may be cheaper but will wear out more quickly. They also may skip steps such as proper subfloor preparation which can void manufacturer warranties (if any).
5280 Floors ensures that all our workmanship meets or exceeds NWFA standards and is backed by our workmanship warranty. We exclusively use high-quality materials that come with their own warranties, mostly ranging from 25 years to a lifetime for residential properties. Additionally, we provide a complimentary annual floor inspection to identify potential issues and review proper maintenance procedures.
5.) Where does the contractor source materials, and how is acclimation handled?
Many contractors, especially those working in multiple states, may not fully understand the unique challenges posed by Colorado’s climate without proper NWFA training. In this environment, correct acclimation and moisture monitoring are essential. Installing flooring that hasn’t been properly acclimated can lead to issues such as movement, buckling, and gaps in the floors.
5280 Floors ONLY sources materials from reputable mills and manufacturers that follow NWFA standards for kiln drying and storage. Moisture content and acclimation are monitored to ensure compatibility with Colorado’s climate.
6.) What dust mitigation process is used?
Dust mitigation is critical when having your hardwood floors installed or refinished. Airborne dust can be harmful when inhaled, and can damage your home and take months to properly clean. Furthermore, the dust in the air can settle into the finish, affecting the quality and longevity of your floors.
At 5280 Floors, we use advanced BONA PDC Dust Containment systems, reducing airborne dust by 99.8% compared to traditional methods. Additionally, we take extra care to securely cover furniture, artwork, doorways, and other areas to ensure your home remains protected from dust.
7.) How much experience do the contractor and assigned technicians have?
Many contractors who claim to specialize in flooring also work in other trades, such as roofing, window installation, and renovations. While it can be beneficial to hire a “jack of all trades,” they may not have the specialized experience needed for optimal flooring installation. Without staying current on the latest flooring methods, the quality of your flooring could suffer as a result.
At 5280 Floors, flooring is our sole focus. With decades of experience, our project leads and apprentices continuously participate in training to stay up to date and maintain our status as experts in hardwood installation and refinishing. This dedication guarantees the best possible results, providing you with a floor that will last a lifetime.
8.) Is the contractor’s process safe for children and pets?
Many contractors may choose to use lower-cost materials to keep project expenses down, but these materials can sometimes come with hidden risks. They may contain higher levels of chemicals or VOCs, which can negatively impact indoor air quality and pose potential health hazards to your family and pets.
At 5280 Floors, we prioritize sustainability and safety above all else. We utilize Bona Dust Containment Systems and low-VOC Bona Waterborne Finishes, both GREENGUARD-certified for indoor air quality, ensuring a healthier environment for your family and pets. Additionally, we only work with the highest-quality materials, all of which come with guarantees regarding their safety and low VOC content.