A Guide for Flooring Contractors Toronto When Hiring Installers

By hiring an efficient flooring installer, you can transform your floors into a work of art. But, choosing the right service provider can be challenging, especially when you have so many options to consider. However, by following a few tips, you can relax knowing that your flooring work is in the right hands.

So, let’s dig deeper into the 7 things flooring contractors Toronto should consider before hiring an installer for stunning and durable results. We have also included a checklist that a contractor must follow to comply with the city’s bylaws.

Things to Consider Before You Hire a Flooring Installer

1.    Check Out the Offered Flooring Types

There are different types of floorings, with major ones including:

• Wood and parquet
• Laminate
• Linoleum
• Vinyl
• Stone and tile
• Textile
• Timble

The floor types offered by each installer can vary according to their expertise. Hence, you must first inquire whether your chosen service provider covers your desired flooring and how much experience they have in that particular area.

Moreover, asking for pictures of some of the previous installations of that specific floor type is also an excellent approach to evaluate the installer’s experience.

2.    Get a Quote

Before finalizing an agreement with an installer, you should request a quote, including the upfront cost of all the services included in the package. Moreover, you should ask a few additional things, as it can help to keep the pricing as transparent as possible, including:

• Payment schedule
• Amount to be deposited initially
• Potential unexpected situations that might lead to the added cost

Additionally, asking for quotes from multiple flooring installers will help you compare their rates and get the best possible deal.

3.    Check Customer Reviews

You can contact flooring installers who have worked with your family and friends earlier. Asking for recommendations from your colleagues is also a good idea. However, you should do some research by yourself as well.

Moreover, you should also visit the service provider’s website and check what customers say about their work to make an informed decision. It will give you a bigger picture of the installer’s experience in the industry.

4.    Make a Contractual Agreement

Once you are satisfied with the offered services and quotes from the flooring installer, the next step is to sign a contract. Besides mentioning the benefits and agreed price, the paperwork must include the products the installer will use while flooring.

Moreover, you can also add a penalty clause with consequences that the flooring service provider may face if they fail to complete the project in time.

5.    Inquire About Post-Installation Services & Warranty

You should look for installers that offer some value-added services in their package. One of the key factors to consider here is whether they handle post-installation tasks like furniture placement, follow-up inspections, and site clean-up services.

The flooring service providers are responsible for collecting and disposing of all the waste material daily. If not daily, they should at least clean the mess regularly, as its accumulation may pose safety hazards for homeowners, neighbors, and even the workers themselves.

Moreover, as a contractor, you must also ensure that the installers offer warranties to cover any mishap resulting from their negligence. The warranties can differ in their types, including those which cover:

• Floor manufacturing
• Floor installation
• Products used in the project

You must also be aware of the fact that the duration of the warranty may differ according to the flooring type. For example, hardwood flooring has a longer warranty period as compared to other options, like carpet or vinyl. However, irrespective of whatever services you are availing of, do not forget to include the warranty in the contract.

6.    Check For the License

When it comes to flooring installation and repair, flooring contractors Toronto must entrust the task to an installer who has a license to work in Toronto. Moreover, the government also offers insurance coverage to these service providers, which can cover some of your finances in case of any unfortunate incident.

The contractor should also be aware of the state’s license requirements for flooring installers. For example, a Building Renovator License is compulsory for any service provider that repairs or renovates building structures, which also includes flooring. Moreover, if the installers’ permanent residence is outside Toronto, they must possess the Metro License.

7.    Validate the Liability Insurance

The city bylaws majorly focus on ensuring the safety of the neighborhood and passersby throughout the flooring installation project. However, despite the vigilance of workers, unpredictable incidents can occur.

To avoid such situations, you should choose an installer that offers liability insurance. It will provide you with financial coverage in case of any accidents on the work site. Moreover, it is equally important to verify the authenticity and validity of the insurance certificate for adequate protection.

Checklist For Flooring Contractors Toronto

Toronto bylaws like Property Standard and Property Maintenance include specific guidelines that all flooring installers must follow. Failing to comply with these rules can lead to severe consequences. The state may charge you with huge fines or even order the complete termination of the project in a worst-case scenario.

Here is a brief overview of the checklist that flooring contractors Toronto should ensure is being followed by the installer:

• According to Toronto’s Noise Bylaw, renovation work is only permitted during some specific hours. On Monday to Friday, the workers can use the equipment from 7 am to 7 pm, while on Saturdays, the time limit is 9 am to 7 pm.
• However, no construction noise is allowed on Sundays or state holidays. Even when the work is allowed, noise levels should be minimized as much as possible out of consideration for people in the surrounding area.
• All the workers must wear proper safety gear like goggles, face shields, hard hats, protective boots, etc.
• To prevent potential electrical hazards, the installer must contact Toronto Hydro to arrange for the power lines to be de-energized, relocated, or covered. This applies explicitly when the floor installation project demands working close to overhead power lines.

Summing Up

Whether you want to get the flooring repaired or install it from scratch, selecting a suitable installer is essential. It ensures that you get the best possible outcomes at reasonable rates.

By following the above-mentioned guidelines, flooring contractors Toronto can relax, knowing that the chosen flooring installer will provide satisfactory services.