Are You Hiring the Right Contractor or An Outdated One?
When it comes to installing new flooring, most homeowners instinctively lean toward experience. After all, who wouldn’t trust someone with 20 years in the business? But here's the problem: experience doesn't always equal expertise. That’s especially true in a trade that evolves as fast as flooring.
So how can you make sure you’re hiring someone who’s not just seasoned but skilled in today’s latest materials, tools, and techniques?
That’s exactly what Dale Cardwell explored in a recent conversation with Sha Reason, owner of TrustDALE Certified After Five Floors. And what they revealed might change how you approach hiring a contractor for good.
Outdated Tools, Outdated Results
The flooring industry has seen a massive transformation in recent years. From high-tech sanding machines with LED precision lights to next-gen leveling compounds crafted by chemical engineers, the tools of the trade have dramatically evolved. Yet, too many contractors are still using methods (and mindsets) straight out of the '90s.
According to Sha, technology doesn’t stand still. And when it comes to flooring, neither should the craftspeople installing it.
After Five Floors invests heavily in keeping their crews educated and equipped. They regularly purchase cutting-edge tools for their installers and enroll them in certification courses from top industry organizations like National Wood Flooring Association, Certified Flooring Installers Association, and the World Floor Covering Association.
Why does this matter? Because new tools and materials don’t just look fancier. They allow installers to deliver smoother finishes, cleaner edges, and longer-lasting floors. In short, they protect your investment.
Experience vs. Repetition: Spotting the Red Flags
There’s a running joke in the industry: “20 years of experience” often means “1 year of experience, repeated 20 times.”
Unfortunately, it’s more truth than punchline. Many homeowners assume that a long resume guarantees quality, but what it usually means is that a contractor is stuck in old habits – ignoring advancements that could significantly improve the final result.
So how can you tell the difference? Sha offered a few simple but revealing signs:
- Check their reviews. Look for consistent themes in the good and bad ones.
- Inspect their van. A clean, well-organized vehicle is often a reflection of their attention to detail on the job.
- Ask about their tools and training. If they can’t tell you the last time they updated either, it’s a red flag.
Big Box Stores Can Let You Down
It might feel safer to go with a national brand for your flooring project, but bigger isn’t always better. According to Sha, big box retailers often outsource installation to multiple third-party contractors, creating a disjointed process with minimal accountability.
You’re not hiring a craftsman, you’re entering a corporate maze. “They might get you in the system,” Sha said, “but when something goes wrong, good luck getting help from that 1-800 number.”
And those smaller, independent installers? Often, they fall into the repetition trap, too.
That’s why your best bet is a company that blends small-business dedication with big-business innovation – one that trains its own crews and embraces the latest standards in flooring technology.
Don’t Just Ask About Experience – Ask About Evolution
The right flooring contractor won’t just talk about how long they’ve been in business. They’ll show you how they’re still learning, still upgrading, still investing in doing the job better.
Ask yourself: Is the person installing your floor passionate about their craft? Are they using tools that were relevant five weeks ago… or five years ago?
Choosing the right contractor could mean the difference between a floor that looks good for a few years, versus one you still want to show off in twenty years.
Ready to upgrade your flooring the smart way? Visit TrustDALE.com to connect with vetted professionals like After Five Floors. You’ll get certified quality, written guarantees, and a team that stays ahead of the curve so that your home will too.
