Thinking about getting your floors refinished? Whether it's your garage, basement, or even a business spot, picking the right contractor is a big deal. You really don't want to throw good money after bad, especially up here in Duluth where our weather really puts everything through its paces. I've seen plenty of good jobs and, frankly, some pretty bad ones over the years, and I want to help you make sure you land a good one.
Questions to Ask Every Contractor
When you're chatting with someone about refinishing your floors, don't hold back. You're hiring them for a pretty significant investment in your home, after all. Here are some key questions you really ought to be asking:
- How long have you actually been doing this kind of work? Experience counts for a lot. Someone who's been around for a while probably knows the ins and outs and has a track record to prove it.
- Are you licensed and insured here in Minnesota? This isn't something you can skip. If they're not, just walk away. Seriously. You need that protection if something goes sideways.
- Can you give me some references from recent clients? A good contractor will be happy to share contacts. Make sure you call those references and ask about their experience.
- What's your process, from start to finish? They should be able to clearly walk you through each step, from how they prep the surface to the final coat and how long it needs to cure.
- What kind of warranty do you offer on your work and the materials? A solid warranty shows they stand behind what they do. Understand what it covers and for how long, okay?
- What specific products do you use, and why do you pick those? They should be able to explain the benefits of their chosen materials, whether it's polyurea, epoxy, or something else entirely.
- How do you handle all the dust and debris? Floor prep can get pretty messy. You'll want to know they'll take steps to protect your home and keep things tidy.
- What's the typical timeline for a project like mine? Get a realistic idea for when they'll start, when they'll finish, and when you can actually use the floor again.
What to Look For in a Quote
Don't just look at the final price tag. A good quote is detailed and easy to understand. Here's what you should expect to see:
- Detailed Scope of Work: It should clearly list everything they're planning to do. Surface preparation (like grinding, crack repair, patching), how many coats, the type of materials, clear coat, flake application – every last bit of it.
- Material Specifications: What brand are they using? How thick will the coating be? Don't just accept ---