New floors can transform a home, but the installation process has a way of going sideways when the paperwork is vague. A handshake, a rough quote on a notepad and a cheerful “we’ll get it done in a couple of days” are not a plan.
A clear contract protects both you and the installer. Here’s what a solid flooring agreement should include, and what to watch out for.
Why a written contract matters
Flooring jobs involve real money and real disruption. You may be moving furniture, living around dust and relying on someone’s schedule. If things go wrong, whether it’s damaged boards, missing materials or a half-finished job, a written agreement is your strongest evidence of what was promised.
It also keeps misunderstandings from turning into arguments. “I thought that included baseboards” is a lot easier to resolve when it’s on paper.
Details every flooring contract should have
- Full names and contact details. Include the contractor’s business name, address, phone and license number where your area requires licensing.
- Detailed scope of work. Spell out what’s included:
- Which rooms and the square footage
- Removal and disposal of old flooring
- Subfloor preparation or repair
- Moving furniture, or who does it
- Installing baseboards, quarter-round and transitions
- Cleanup
- Materials. Name the exact brand, product line, color, thickness and grade. Say who’s buying them. If you buy materials yourself, note the delivery date and who is responsible if there’s a shortage.
- Price and payment schedule. A fair structure is a small deposit, payments tied to progress, and a final payment after the job is done and you’ve inspected it. Be cautious about large upfront payments. Many areas cap how much a contractor can request before work begins.
- Timeline. Include start and expected completion dates, and what happens when weather, delays or hidden issues appear.
- Change orders. If you decide to add a room or the installer finds rotten subfloor, how will extra costs be handled? Require that any change be written and signed before the work proceeds.
Warranty: who covers what?
There are usually two warranties:
- Manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in the product, like peeling finish or manufacturing flaws.
- Installer’s warranty covers workmanship, such as gaps, squeaks or boards lifting.
Ask for the installer’s warranty in writing and find out how long it lasts and how to make a claim. Also check that your installation method follows manufacturer requirements, because improper installation can void the product’s warranty.
Insurance and licensing
Ask for proof of general liability insurance and, if they have employees, workers’ compensation. If an uninsured worker gets hurt in your home or an accident damages your property, you could face costs. Verify license status with your state or local licensing board if licensing applies.
Cleanup and damage clauses
Include who is responsible for protecting walls, doors, stairs and existing flooring. State that the installer repairs any damage they cause. Photograph the home before work begins.
Red flags to avoid
- Demand for full payment up front
- Pressure to sign immediately or accept a “today only” discount
- No physical address or license information
- Refusal to put things in writing
- Cash-only deals with no receipt
- Prices dramatically lower than every other quote
Get multiple quotes
Collect at least three quotes, and compare them line by line. The lowest number might exclude removal, trim or subfloor prep that others included.
Do a walkthrough before final payment
Walk the finished floors with the installer. Look for gaps, uneven seams, scratches and loose boards. Make a short punch list and agree on a date to fix any problems before you pay the last installment.
Keep your records
Save your contract, receipts, warranty documents, product labels and leftover boards. Extra planks are handy for future repairs.
Final thoughts
A flooring contract doesn’t have to be complicated, just clear. When everyone knows the plan, the result is usually a beautiful floor and a stress-free project.