Tips for Finding Credible Contractors for Your Home from Footprints Floors

Whether you are building an addition, renovating a basement or undergoing a few repairs, home projects can be a lot of work, and unfortunately, not all professionals deliver all that they promise. One common way to avoid potential scams is to choose a brand with national brand recognition like Footprints Floors, the flooring installation franchise with over 160 active territories across 35 states. 

“We are backed by a knowledge base and support nationwide that is unmatched,” said Martin Petty, Footprints Floors franchisee. “Because it is a national franchise, clients can be assured that their loved ones in other states and cities across the country will receive the same quality service that they did.” Additionally, CEO & Founder of Footprints Floors, Bryan Park, sits on the board of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) which is the technical standard-bearer in the wood flooring industry.

Whatever it is you would like to do with your home, make sure to follow these simple tips provided by Petty to ensure your home improvement project goes as planned.

Choosing a Reputable Brand

While many of us automatically seek out online reviews when encountering a new brand, Petty says that it is important to do so with a critical eye. Take care that the reviews you are reading are recent and that the website they are posted on is trustworthy. 

Although not foolproof, a company’s website can tell you a lot about the brand. Petty advises looking for a website that is up to date and easy to navigate. 

“The biggest compliment that I get from clients on the front end is about our customer service and response time. They find it easy to locate us online, and they find our staff to be really friendly on the phone, working with them to take their information and set up an appointment quickly,” explained Petty. “They express to me how it is so hard to find other contractors to come out or even show up to the appointment.”

Moreover, the brand’s website includes other helpful features, including one Petty says the clients love called the “room visualizer,” which allows potential customers to see what various flooring options would look like in their home before committing to the project.

Once you have vetted a few companies based on their reviews, you need to compare said companies by requesting estimates from each. Petty explained that the estimate should include descriptions of the work to be performed, materials, completion date and total price, and that one positive sign that you are dealing with a reputable brand is an open dialogue regarding the design and materials being used. 

“I talk to my customers about their projects and the materials that they would like installed, making sure that it can be done to industry standards,” he said.

Petty is also sure to keep lines of communication open with his client throughout the whole process, ending with a walkthrough with both the installers and client to make sure everything has turned out exactly how the client wanted. 

Licenses, Insurance and Paperwork

When you are trusting someone to work inside your own home, you want to be sure everything is above board. For this reason, Petty advises you to only consider contractors who are licensed and insured. Asking the contractor for proof of insurance and checking with your state to confirm a contractor's license is a good way to cover your bases.

A licensed professional, like those who work with Footprints Floors, are likely to be knowledgeable about the industry, which helps you ensure you are getting the best quality products for your home, explained Petty.

“I seek an ongoing education, not just for myself but also with my installers, about products and their installation within our area,” said Petty. “I also only hire people who line up with Footprints Floors values from the installation to how they treat our customers.”

Perhaps most importantly, you should always be cautious with what you sign. Read all documentation carefully so you know exactly what you are agreeing to. Petty explained that if you are working with a reputable brand, there should be no surprises when you go to add your name above the dotted line. 

“I find that honesty on the front end helps the client feel confident and know that they’re in good hands,” said Petty. “I like to educate my clients about their project, how the installation will take place and what to expect during the process, from demo to completion and clean up.”

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/footprintsfloors/info.