A Homeowner's Guide to Hiring Residential Flooring Contractors

Hiring residential flooring contractors is the single most important decision for your home flooring project. A professional flooring installation does not begin with the floor itself, but with a critical assessment of your home, starting with subfloor preparation.

From helping you choose between hardwood flooring and luxury vinyl plank to ensuring a perfect installation, a good contractor is your most important asset. This guide covers the flooring options, costs, and what to ask before you hire.

Popular Flooring Options: A Comparison

Your contractor will help you choose the right material for your lifestyle, especially for high-traffic areas.

Hardwood Floor

This includes natural wood (solid hardwood) and engineered wood. Solid wood can be refinished multiple times, offering a very long lifespan. Engineered flooring has a real wood top layer but a plywood core, making it more stable against humidity changes and suitable for installation over concrete floors.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

The fastest-growing category. Luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tiles are 100% waterproof, durable, and can look remarkably like natural wood or stone. This is a top choice for basements, kitchens, and homes with pets.

Laminate Flooring

This is the budget-friendly way to get the look of wood. Modern laminate installation is quick, and the material is very scratch-resistant. However, it is not waterproof, making it a poor choice for bathrooms.

2026 Flooring Installation Cost Guide

The flooring project’s estimated cost will include materials, labor, and potential subfloor repairs. Prices are based on national averages for a full-service flooring installation.

Why Subfloor Preparation is Non-Negotiable

A professional independent installer spends most of their time on what you don't see. Subfloor preparation is the critical first step.

• It Must Be Level: The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has strict standards for subfloors. A pro will check that your subfloor is level (often within 1/4 inch over a 10-foot span). An uneven subfloor is why new floors can feel spongy, squeak, or buckle.

• It Must Be Dry: This is the most important check. For concrete floors, your contractor must perform a moisture test. Installing flooring over a damp slab can lead to catastrophic failure, mold, and warping.

• Moisture Barriers: If a pro is installing any floor over a concrete slab, they will almost always install a moisture barrier to block ground moisture from destroying your new hardwood floor or laminate.

The Environmental Impact of Your Floor

Different flooring options have a major different environmental impact.

Hardwood Flooring

Natural wood is a strong choice for sustainability. As a product, wood is a renewable resource that sequesters carbon. Look for contractors who use sustainable materials certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which ensures the wood comes from responsibly managed forests.

Vinyl Floors

Vinyl is a petroleum-based product. Its production is energy-intensive and relies on fossil fuels. However, many manufacturers are improving by offering low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) products that are better for indoor air quality, and some vinyl floors now include recycled content.

FAQs About Hiring a Flooring Contractor

Should I hire a flooring subcontractor or a general contractor?

For a simple flooring project, a dedicated residential flooring contractor is your best choice. They have specialized installation technicians and expertise. You only need a general contractor if your flooring is part of a larger remodel that also involves moving walls, kitchen cabinets, or plumbing.

What is the difference between hardwood and engineered wood?

A hardwood floor is a plank made from one piece of solid natural wood. It can be sanded and refinished many times. Engineered wood has a thin top layer of real hardwood glued to a core of high-quality plywood. It can only be refinished once or twice, but its layered structure makes it more stable and less likely to warp from humidity.

What is the in-home consultation for?

This is the most important meeting. The contractor will perform an in-home measurement and inspect your subfloor. This is when they will identify any potential problems, show you flooring samples in your home's light, and provide a free estimate that includes any necessary subfloor preparation.

Find Your Residential Flooring Pro Today

A new flooring installation can transform your home's interior design, but the customer service and skill of your installer make all the difference. Don't risk your project on a bad installation.

Mr. Remodel connects you to our vast network of trusted professionals who are licensed, reviewed, and reliable. Our service is quick and easy, allowing you to compare no-obligation quotes from the best residential flooring contractors in your area.

Get your free, no-obligation flooring estimate today.