Get Quotes from Top Flooring Contractors in Indianapolis, IN

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Flooring Contractor in Indianapolis?

Flooring contractors who wish to ply their trade in Indianapolis must be licensed as General Contractors by the Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) before they can legally do so. Noncompliance with the city's contractor licensing requirement can result in a $250 fine for the first violation within a 12-month period and a fine of at least $1,000 for any subsequent violation within this timeframe.

Flooring contractors who wish to be licensed as general contractors will be required to complete and submit a Company License Application Form to the BNS, as well as other necessary documentation like:

• Proof of business registration
• Proof of acceptable bond and insurance coverage
• Evidence of payment of all applicable fees

These documents can be submitted via email or by mail to:

Inquiries concerning the BNS's contractor licensing procedure and requirements can be directed to the department via email or by calling (317) 327-1291. You can also verify your intended flooring contractors' licensing status by accessing the List of Currently Licensed General Contractors that the department curates and makes available for this purpose.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Flooring Contractors in Indianapolis?

It is necessary to find out how much your intended flooring contractors charge for their services and how these fees are determined before any work on the project begins to avoid misunderstandings down the line. Professional flooring installers in Indianapolis generally bill for their services using hourly, fixed, square footage, linear footage rates, or a combination of these methods, and the overall cost of your required flooring services will depend on factors like:

• The size of the floor area
• Your preferred flooring material
• The current condition of the floor area
• The amount of work needed to prepare the floor area
• Your location within the city
• Your intended flooring contractor's local reputation and level of experience

It is always in your best interest to get and compare cost estimates for your flooring project from at least three flooring contractors before signing any contracts. Comparing these estimates gives you an idea of the going rates for your required flooring services and is also a good way to spot flooring contractors with significantly higher or cheaper rates than their counterparts. This usually indicates unscrupulous or fraudulent behavior, and you should never hire these contractors if they cannot provide justifiable reasons for these price discrepancies.

Flooring contractors in Indianapolis earn an estimated annual wage of $43,300. The list below indicates the average hourly wages for Indianapolis flooring contractors and compares these figures with the average hourly wages of floor layers in other parts of Indiana along with other major cities in the United States:

Are You a Member of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)?

In addition to city-issued contractor licenses, it is always a good idea to look out for additional credentials to help you determine the proficiency of your intended flooring contractors in Indianapolis. These additional credentials usually include membership or certification with reputable local and national flooring-related associations like:

• The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)
• The Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association (FCICA)
• The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA)
• The Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis
• The Indiana Builders Association

The advantages of hiring flooring contractors that hold these additional credentials include:

• They typically have more on-the-job experience than their counterparts
• They typically have easier access to resources like training and education opportunities and excellent insurance options
• They are held to high professional standards. This assures you that your project will be handled competently and efficiently while offering you an additional channel for dispute resolution in the event of subpar service.

Therefore, before hiring a flooring contractor in Indianapolis, always ask for proof of membership or relevant certification with a flooring-related association, and make sure to verify the offered proof with the association in question. Additionally, you should research the association online to make sure they have a strong local reputation.

How Much Do You Charge for Floor Repairs?

It is usual for a floor to experience regular wear and tear, given the daily foot traffic it typically sees. However, in some cases, these floors may sustain more serious damages, which are typically caused by:

• Improper initial installation
• Tracked-in dirt and debris
• Carelessness, negligence, and poor upkeep
• Sharp pet nails, furniture, and other similar objects

When these types of damages occur, at least one of the following key floor components is usually affected:

• Floor surface: this is the visible part of the floor, and scratches, dents, negligence, poor upkeep, sun fading, and minor water damage are the most common causes of damage to this floor component
• Subfloor: this is the part of the floor that is directly underneath the flooring to provide support for it and also give it an even surface. Water-related issues are the most common cause of damage to this floor component.
• Joists: joists are structurally critical components of many buildings, and they are typically installed underneath the subflooring to support the weight of the floor as well as that of the rooms above them. Damages to this floor component should be repaired as soon as they are noticed, and these repairs should always be done by skilled professionals.

Always confirm that the flooring contractor you select to repair or replace your damaged floors has the relevant experience and tools needed to handle the specific type of damage and complete the job satisfactorily. You should equally find out how much the flooring contractor charges for their services and ensure that you both agree on these fees before any repair work starts.

Below are price ranges for various floor repair services provided by professional flooring contractors in Indianapolis:

Estimates based on flooring material per square foot:

Estimates based on type of damage:

Estimates based on repair solution:

Estimates based on floor location:

What Kind of Flooring Services Do You Offer in Indianapolis?

Professional flooring contractors in Indianapolis typically offer four main kinds of flooring services, namely:

• Floor installations
• Floor replacements
• Floor repairs
• Floor maintenance, like floor sanding and floor refinishing

It is crucial to confirm that any flooring contractor you consider hiring provides the specific types of services you require and has experience working with your preferred flooring material. Make sure that you do this before signing any contracts with the flooring contractor. Home and property owners in the city generally use a variety of flooring types, the most common of which include:

• Hardwood: hardwood flooring is a popular flooring option in Indianapolis due to its aesthetically pleasing quality, durability, and relative ease of maintenance. However, its vulnerability to scratches, particularly from pets, and water damage is also considered a significant drawback. A wide range of wood species, including cherry, maple, oak, mahogany, bamboo, teak, jarrah, mesquite, ash, and walnut, can be used to make hardwood flooring, and it usually comes in four main varieties, namely finished hardwood, unfinished hardwood, solid hardwood, and engineered hardwood.
• Tiles: tile flooring is aesthetically pleasing but requires professional installation to ensure that it is laid evenly, entirely level, and with little or no flaws. This type of flooring comes in three main varieties: ceramic, porcelain, and engineered tiles.
• Laminate: laminate flooring is also aesthetically pleasing, making it a cheaper alternative to hardwood and tile flooring in this aspect. This type of flooring is also more resistant to scratches than hardwood flooring but is vulnerable to moisture damage.
• Vinyl: vinyl flooring is durable and highly resistant to water and moisture damage, making it a popular choice for flooring kitchens, bathrooms, and other similar areas. This type of flooring is also considered relatively cheap and low maintenance but can be challenging to repair. Tile flooring comes in three main varieties, namely sheet vinyl, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
• Carpet: carpet flooring comes in two main varieties, namely natural fiber carpet flooring and synthetic fiber carpet flooring. Natural fiber carpets are considered the more eco-friendly alternative, while synthetic fiber carpets are the relatively cheaper, more stain-resistant option and also require less maintenance

The list below provides price ranges for some common flooring services that are readily available in Indianapolis:

Do You Refinish Hardwood Floors?

Refinishing is a floor maintenance process that renovates old hardwood floors, helps them retain their natural beauty, and extends their lifespan by several years. Note that even though the terms "refinishing" and "resurfacing" are frequently used interchangeably in relation to hardwood floors, they refer to two different processes. Refinishing usually involves sanding down the hardwood floor and applying new stain or varnish to give it a fresh look. In contrast, resurfacing is typically a more labor-intensive process that requires grinding down uneven floorboards, removing old ones, and inserting new nails to reinforce existing wood planks.

The cost of refinishing hardwood floors in Indianapolis typically ranges from $3 to $5 per square foot. However, the specific costs for these projects are typically influenced by factors including the size of the floor and its current state. Industry experts advise that hardwood floors should be refinished anywhere between four and six times during the lifespan of the floor or every seven to ten years, and it is always a good idea to hire a skilled flooring contractor for these tasks rather than attempting to do them yourself. Keep in mind that you could need to refinish your hardwood floors outside of this suggested timeframe if you notice the following:

• Difficult or impossible-to-remove stains
• Floorboards turning gray
• Serious scratches, dents, or splinters
• Signs of fading and discoloration
• The floor is bending downwards from its edges

Additionally, in some circumstances, you might have to replace your hardwood floors instead of repairing or resurfacing them. These circumstances include:

• The floor has a lot of serious marks, scratches, and dents
• The floor has nails peeking through it
• The floor has experienced significant water damage
• The floorboards are creaking or moving
• The floorboards are noticeably discolored
• The floor has already been refinished numerous times

Do You Offer a Warranty for Floors Installed?

Warranties are a crucial area to consider when determining the suitability of your intended flooring contractors in Indianapolis for the task at hand. Professional flooring contractors in the city typically offer two types of warranties for floor installation projects, namely:

• Manufacturer's Warranty: this warranty guarantees the quality of the installed flooring material. The duration and extent of coverage these warranties provide are determined mainly by the product manufacturer and the type of product in question. Nevertheless, manufacturer warranties offered for common flooring materials used in the city are typically valid for –
  • • Hardwood – at least 25 years
    • Tile – 10 – 25 years
    • Laminate – 10 – 30 years
    • Vinyl – 10 to 20 years
    • Carpet – 10 – 20 years

Bear in mind that these durations are usually shorter for flooring materials that are installed in commercial buildings. Manufacturer warranties are also usually non-transferrable, but some product manufacturers may include transferability options that allow the coverage provided by their warranties to be transferred to a new homeowner in residences where their flooring materials have been installed. Note that these transferability options are typically only valid within a stipulated timeframe.

• Workmanship/Installation Warranty: this warranty guarantees the quality of work done by the floor installer and is usually valid for up to a year or more

Note that warranties offered by floor installers in Indianapolis typically specify the kinds of damages for which they do not grant coverage, and these damages usually include:

• Damages brought on by improper installation or unauthorized repairs of the flooring material
• Damages brought on by negligence or inadequate maintenance of the installed flooring material
• Damages brought on by natural disasters

Will You Handle Clean-up after the Flooring Installation?

It is crucial to confirm who will be responsible for cleaning up after the project is over when making hiring arrangements with floor installers in Indianapolis. Flooring installation, replacement, and repair jobs typically generate a vast volume of dirt and trash, particularly when done for commercial properties, which are usually larger than residential ones. You can avoid the difficulty and expense of undertaking post-work clean-up yourself or getting a cleaning service to do this by ensuring that you hire a floor installer who takes responsibility for these activities.

Therefore, before entering into any contracts with your intended floor installer, confirm that they will also tidy up after the flooring project. Ensure that this arrangement is outlined in your service contract and that the cleanup is finished before your newly installed floors are used.

Listed below are tips for the proper cleaning and maintenance of different types of newly installed floors in Indianapolis:

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Flooring Contractors in Indianapolis?

In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded nearly 2.7 million nonfatal work-related injuries and 4,764 fatal work-related injuries across the United States, with more than three percent of these fatalities occurring in Indiana alone. Making sure that your intended flooring contractor is appropriately insured and bonded is crucial since this coverage protects you from liabilities if any injuries or property damage occurs during your project.

To this end, flooring contractors that wish to ply their trade in Indianapolis are statutorily required to comply with the following insurance and bond requirements before conducting business in the city:

• They must carry general liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence for death or bodily injury and $100,000 per occurrence for property damage or a combined coverage for both bodily injury and property damage of at least $500,000 per occurrence
• They must carry workers' compensation insurance coverage for any individuals that they employ in the City of Indianapolis or other parts of Marion County.
• They must maintain a $10,000 surety bond throughout the validity period of their contractor licenses.

Always verify that your intended flooring contractors have complied with the city's mandatory insurance and bond requirements before they begin any work on your property. You can do this by requesting copies of their insurance and bond certificates and validating these documents with the relevant issuing companies. Also, confirm that the flooring contractor's minimum coverage limits are sufficient for the scope of your flooring project.

You can reach out to the Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services at (317)327-1291 if you have any questions about the mandatory insurance and bond requirements for Indianapolis-based flooring contractors.