When it comes to home design, floors do more than set the tone… they are the tone! They’re the first thing people notice when walking into a home or business, which is why proper installation is just as important as the flooring material itself. Many homeowners, hoping to save a few dollars, hire a handyman or general contractor to handle the job. But as Sha Reason, owner of After Five Floors, explains, that “savings” can vanish fast when poor installation leads to costly repairs.
Why a Flooring Specialist Beats a Handyman Every Time
At first glance, a handyman might seem like an affordable option for a flooring project. But according to Reason, what often happens next is a call to professionals (like After Five Floors) to fix what the handyman left behind. The most common issues? Uneven subfloors, warped planks, and flooring that breaks apart or cups within months.
The culprit often lies beneath the surface. “You’ve got to have a really good, solid subfloor,” Reason notes. “That’s the main contributor to these floors breaking or coming apart.”
Handymen typically focus on getting the job done, which can be great, but not when it comes to ensuring the structural integrity beneath your feet. Professional installers know how to assess and prepare the subfloor so that the finished floor performs well and lasts for decades.
Even material choice matters. For example, homeowners often fall in love with a color or pattern they see at a big box store without considering whether that product suits their home’s conditions. A handyman will simply install what’s purchased, while a professional takes time to ask if it’s actually the right product for your space.
The Hidden Costs of “Cheap” Flooring Jobs
There’s also the issue of environment-specific installation, which is something a general contractor or handyman may overlook entirely. Reason points to a common mistake: installing solid hardwood in basements. These floors look stunning until moisture creeps in, causing boards to cup, swell, or even rot. “That’s not supposed to happen,” Reason says. “Solid hardwood is not made for concrete slab areas.”
Once that damage occurs, it’s an aesthetic issue and a financial one. Replacing warped hardwood can cost thousands of dollars, and since many handymen work without formal warranties or insurance, homeowners are left footing the bill.
That’s where certified professionals like After Five Floors stand apart. They don’t just install the floor, they match materials to your home’s needs. This includes things like factoring in moisture, subfloor conditions, and long term durability. The goal isn’t to make the job quick and cheap; it’s to make it right.
What You Get With a Certified Flooring Professional
Hiring a flooring expert means getting more than a polished finish, it’s about peace of mind. After Five Floors works with reputable manufacturers, ensuring every product is properly sourced and built to last. Many of the company’s vinyl planks and laminates even contain recycled materials, aligning sustainability with quality.
But the real differentiator is training. Every After Five Floors crew undergoes hands-on instruction in subfloor preparation, product matching, and safe installation techniques. This ensures not only a smooth fit but also a structurally sound result that protects your home for years to come.
And while a handyman might disappear after cashing your check, After Five Floors stands behind its work with both manufacturer warranties and a lifetime installation guarantee. Add to that the TrustDALE $10,000 Make It Right Guarantee, and homeowners get an extra layer of protection rarely offered anywhere else.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Gamble With Your Floors
Your floors are one of the largest (and most visible) investments in your home. Cutting corners to save a little upfront often leads to bigger expenses later. As Reason puts it, “You’ve worked really hard for your money. You want this project to finish out nicely. Consult an expert who knows what they’re doing.”
Homeowners can connect directly with After Five Floors through TrustDALE, where every certified partner is vetted for integrity, performance, and customer satisfaction. When it comes to what’s under your feet, professional installation isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.