Asking All The Right Questions

Asking All The Right Questions

October 23, 2015
Floor Owners
Owners John Alford and Marty Dickhaus

Choosing the perfect flooring for your home is exciting and fun… but it can also be overwhelming. It’s a rather large purchase so you want make sure that what you’re purchasing will last you a long time. When choosing a company to purchase from, be prepared to ask – and answer – some questions as they will be key to finding the best solution for your floorcovering needs.

Does the company have a proven track record? – As a homeowner, you want an established company that has years of experience and a solid reputation. The Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List offer reviews and ratings for businesses. Ask the company if they have testimonials that you can read. Many times they will be listed on the company website. If you’re still not sure, ask friends and family – Word of mouth is a great reference!

What are the flooring trends for this year? – Many times, salespeople will steer you to what they want to sell you as they may not be that knowledgeable about products or they may be getting ‘kickbacks’ for selling certain products. This only serves their interest and not yours. You want to be able to speak to someone who is ‘in the know’ on styles, colors and trends, as well as knowledgeable about the latest products from manufacturers.

What type of flooring is best for me? – This should be a ‘Top of the List’ kind of question. A professional salesperson should be asking you questions at this point so be prepared to answer because flooring is not a one-size-fits-all solution. They’ll ask for the details of your home and family, also note if you have children or pets. From these questions, they’ll be able to make the most suitable recommendations for your family lifestyle.  If they’re not asking questions, they probably just want to ‘make the sale.’

Now that I’ve chosen the flooring for my home, how do I maintain it? – An experienced professional will be able to give very specific information on how to clean and maintain your new flooring. If a manufacturer has a specific product for maintenance, they will also be knowledgeable about that as well. A simple ‘vacuum’ or ‘mop’ answer should be a red flag for you as that person is probably not as qualified as they should be. A professional should be well educated about the products they are selling, as well as how to maintain them… they simply go hand-in-hand.

Does the business offer warranties for both installation and manufacturer? – A business may have an excellent reputation, but they should also offer their own installation warranties as well as manufacturer warranties. When considering the manufacturer’s warranty, also consider the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance product (s). Many times they have their own products specifically formulated to clean their products and will void a warranty if those products are not used for maintenance. Be sure to get a copy of the warranty and always read the fine print.

Listen carefully to the answers to your questions and you will save time and money in the long run. You’ll also be happier and wiser! The more questions you ask, the better you can decide on the best flooring AND the best flooring company for your home. Seasoned professionals should be an invaluable resource in helping you with your purchase. Partner with them and together you can create a new and exciting new atmosphere for you and your family!