# 10 Questions to Ask a Flooring Contractor Before Signing

> 10 questions to ask a flooring contractor — subfloor prep, moisture testing, and acclimation details that determine whether floors last 20 years or 2.

![10 Questions to Ask a Flooring Contractor Before Signing](/images/flooring/shutterstock_1812598888.jpg)

Reviewed by the Remodel Your Home editorial team · Updated August 19, 2026

Flooring installation looks simple but depends critically on what happens before the first board goes down: subfloor flatness, moisture levels, acclimation, and adhesive selection. These questions reveal whether a contractor is doing the job right.

## The 10 Questions — and Why Each One Matters

A contractor who answers these confidently, with specifics, is demonstrating the transparency and competence that separates good work from mediocre work.

1

### “Will you inspect and repair the subfloor before installation — and what's your price for subfloor repairs?”

**Why this matters:** An installer who's confident in their work inspects the subfloor first and prices subfloor prep transparently. Ask: what's your flatness tolerance (industry standard: 3/16" over 10 ft for most hardwood), how do you address high spots, and what do you charge per sq ft for leveling compound or subfloor panel replacement?

2

### “What is your moisture testing process, and what do you do if readings are out of spec?”

**Why this matters:** Moisture is the leading cause of hardwood cupping, laminate swelling, and adhesive bond failure. For slab installations, a calcium chloride test or in-situ RH probe is standard. Ask what moisture level triggers a change to the installation plan (vapor barrier, different adhesive, different product).

3

### “How long does this flooring need to acclimate in my home before installation?”

**Why this matters:** Hardwood and engineered wood should acclimate to indoor temperature and humidity for 3–5 days minimum. Installers who want to deliver and install same-day are skipping a step that prevents future cupping and gapping.

4

### “What is the specific adhesive, fastener, or installation method you're using for this product and substrate?”

**Why this matters:** Nail-down, glue-down, float, or click-lock — the right method depends on the product and substrate. For glue-down hardwood, ask the specific adhesive brand and verify it's compatible with both the flooring product and substrate.

5

### “Are you certified by the manufacturer for this product, and does installation by you preserve the manufacturer's warranty?”

**Why this matters:** Many flooring warranties require installation by a certified professional. Ask to see the certification and confirm that your specific installation conditions (slab vs. wood subfloor, radiant heat, etc.) are covered by the warranty.

6

### “How do you handle furniture removal and replacement — is it included?”

**Why this matters:** Furniture moving is often excluded from low bids. Clarify: what's included, what's extra, and who's responsible if furniture is scratched or damaged during moving.

7

### “How do you handle transitions at doorways, stairs, and between rooms with different flooring types?”

**Why this matters:** Transitions are often an afterthought in bids. Ask: are T-moldings, reducers, and stair nosings included? What happens at the threshold to an adjacent tile floor? These details matter both functionally and aesthetically.

8

### “What is your warranty on the installation, separate from the product warranty?”

**Why this matters:** A 1-year labor warranty is standard; better installers offer 2–5 years. Ask specifically: if a board delaminates or clicks apart in year 2 with normal use, is that covered under the product or labor warranty, and who handles the repair?

9

### “How do you handle old flooring removal and disposal — is it included?”

**Why this matters:** Disposal of old carpet, tile, or hardwood adds weight and time. Get a clear answer: included, or extra at $X/sq ft? This commonly accounts for $0.50–$2/sq ft difference between bids.

10

### “What is your cleanup process at the end of each work day and at project completion?”

**Why this matters:** Flooring installation generates significant debris and dust. Ask whether they use dust barriers during demo, how they protect HVAC registers during sanding, and what the final site condition will look like.

## Red Flags to Watch For

Any of these during your contractor search should prompt closer scrutiny or disqualification:

- Won't do a moisture test before hardwood installation
- Delivers and installs hardwood same-day without acclimation
- Subfloor prep is excluded from bid with no price provided
- Significantly lower bid — often means skipping subfloor prep or using lower-grade adhesive
- No response when asked about manufacturer certification

## Related Guides

- [Flooring Installation Cost Guide — what to budget](/flooring-installation-cost/index.md)
- [Best Flooring Installation companies — how we rate contractors](/best-flooring-installation-companies/index.md)
- [Signs it’s time to replace, not repair](/flooring-replacement-signs/index.md)

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Source: https://remodelyourhome.com/flooring-contractor-questions/