If you haven't dealt with Hardwood flooring contractors much or if you just need a refresher on what to look for during the selection process, read on!

While these guidelines won't necessarily guarantee the desired outcome every time, they will greatly increase your chances of selecting the best flooring contractor out of the group you've selected to quote your job.

Remember that the amount of effort you put into finding a qualified flooring contractor should be in direct proportion to a) the value of the work he is performing and b) the value of the object he could damage.  Yes, that's right, damage.

The cost of repairing a damaged hardwood floor can far exceed the amount of money you may have saved by selecting your contractor based solely on price.  Perform your due diligence and select your next flooring contractor based on the factors below.  If he meets the criteria and is still the least expensive, then you've just found yourself a real bargain.

Top Ten Guidelines For Selecting Your Flooring Contractor

1. Price should not be the sole factor in selecting a flooring contractor.  In fact, in the current economic environment it might be the last thing you want to consider.  Be careful of deals that appear too good to be true.  Often, contractors that are in a desperate economic situation will low-ball the price and then cut corners when they actually perform the work.  This could result in a less than optimal situation for you, the consumer.
2. Is the flooring contractor's reputation a good one?  Ask around and see what you can find.  If all else fails, go to question 4 and get answers.
3. Does the flooring contractor belong to the Better Business Bureau and industry organizations?  Does he have any unresolved complaints with the BBB?  Usually a pretty bad sign if he does.
4. Will the flooring contractor give you at least two references or allow you to see a prior job he has completed?  If he's hesitant, or not willing to give them, be wary.
5. Is the flooring contractor insured?  He should have General Liability insurance and carry Worker's Compensation.  If not, you're at risk.
6. Did the flooring contractor show up on time to quote your job?  Does he return your calls promptly?  If not, it could be indicative of what will happen after he starts working on your floor.
7. Do the contractor's employees perform the work or does he use subcontractors?  It is sometimes difficult to know what you're getting if subs are used unless the contractor has a very close working relationship with the subcontractor and is on top of the work they are doing for him.
8. How long has the contractor been in business?  Longevity usually implies they are doing things right.
9. Does the flooring contractor offer brand name products?  If not, he may be selling you off-brand material that won't stand up to the test of time.
10. Does the flooring contractor offer a warranty for his services?  Brand name product suppliers offer their own warranty, but will the flooring contractor back up his work if there are any issues down the road?  Will he be around to back them up?

Getting the correct answers to these ten questions will greatly increase your chance of picking a flooring contractor you'll be happy with.

Remember to use your intuition in these situations.  If your logic tells you to use a company because it has a great price, but your gut is giving you an uneasy feeling about them, go with your gut every time and move on to the next contractor.