Hiring a hardwood flooring contractor in Rhode Island? Ask these 7 questions before installation or refinishing to protect your home and investment.
Hardwood Flooring Contractor in Rhode Island:
7 Questions Homeowners Should Ask Before Hiring
Hiring a hardwood flooring contractor in Rhode Island is a major decision. Whether you’re refinishing existing floors or installing new hardwood, the quality of the contractor directly affects how your floors look, feel, and perform for years to come.
Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize there’s a problem until long after the work is finished.
At Hawkins Hardwood, we work with homeowners throughout Rhode Island and consistently hear the same story: “I wish I had known what to ask before I hired my last contractor.”
This guide outlines seven essential questions every Rhode Island homeowner should ask before hiring a flooring contractor—to protect your home, your health, and your investment.
1. Ask About Dust Containment During Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Question:
“Can you describe your dust containment system?”
What to listen for:
A dustless sanding system with HEPA filtration connected directly to the sanding equipment.
Why it matters in Rhode Island:
Traditional hardwood floor sanding releases fine dust that can linger in homes long after the project is complete. This is especially problematic in tightly sealed New England homes. Professional dustless hardwood floor refinishing helps protect indoor air quality and reduces cleanup.
Hawkins Hardwood uses modern dustless sanding systems on every refinishing project across Rhode Island.
2. Confirm the Brand of Hardwood Floor Finish Being Used
Question:
“What specific brand of finish do you use?”
What to listen for:
Professional-grade finishes such as Bona, Loba, or Pallmann.
Why it matters:
Not all hardwood floor finishes are the same. Many retail products wear down quickly, while commercial-grade finishes are engineered for durability, clarity, and long-term protection. Choosing the right finish is critical for high-traffic Rhode Island homes.
3. Verify Moisture Testing Before Hardwood Installation
Question:
“Do you perform moisture testing before installation?”
What to listen for:
Testing of both the subfloor and hardwood using a moisture meter.
Why it matters in Rhode Island:
Seasonal humidity swings—from humid summers to dry winters—can cause hardwood floors to expand and contract. Without proper moisture testing, floors may cup, gap, or warp. Moisture testing is a non-negotiable step for hardwood floor installation in Rhode Island.
4. Confirm Licensing and Insurance for Flooring Contractors
Question:
“Are you insured for both General Liability and Workers’ Compensation?”
What to listen for:
A clear explanation and proof of active insurance coverage.
Why it matters:
If an uninsured worker is injured in your home, the homeowner may be held liable. Hiring a fully insured Rhode Island flooring contractor protects you legally and financially.
5. Ask Who Will Be Working in Your Home
Question:
“Who will actually perform the work?”
What to listen for:
An in-house team—not rotating subcontractors.
Why it matters:
Consistency in craftsmanship and communication is critical. Contractors who rely heavily on subcontractors may deliver uneven results. Homeowners benefit from working with a dedicated local team that follows consistent standards.
6. Understand How Sanding Marks Are Prevented
Question:
“How do you prevent chatter marks or drum marks?”
What to listen for:
Discussion of machine maintenance, proper sanding sequences, and the use of planetary sanders or buffers.
Why it matters:
Sanding imperfections often become visible only after stain is applied. Preventing these issues requires experience, proper equipment, and detailed inspection—especially important for stained hardwood floors.
7. Request Recent Rhode Island Flooring References
Question:
“Can you provide references from recent projects?”
What to listen for:
Examples of completed work from the current year, ideally in nearby Rhode Island towns.
Why it matters:
A flooring contractor is only as good as their most recent work. Current references reflect today’s standards, crew, and quality—not past performance from years ago.
Choosing a Hardwood Flooring Contractor in Rhode Island
Asking these questions helps Rhode Island homeowners avoid costly mistakes and ensures their hardwood floors are installed or refinished correctly the first time.
At Hawkins Hardwood, we encourage homeowners throughout Rhode Island—including Providence County, Kent County, Washington County, and Newport County—to hold all flooring contractors to high professional standards.
A properly installed or refinished hardwood floor should enhance your home for decades—not become a recurring repair.
