Get Quotes from Top Flooring Contractors in Columbus, OH

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

Flooring contractors who wish to offer their services in Columbus must first be registered and licensed by the city's Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS). According to Chapter 4111 of the Code of Ordinances, flooring contractors who offer services without a license or registration are considered guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor. This offense carries a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail or both.

This department offers three licensing and registration options depending on the type of work that the flooring contractor intends to offer:

• Home Improvement General Contractors: These individuals are licensed to carry out home improvement activities such as structural additions, repairs, and alterations on existing one-, two-, and three-family dwellings and the construction of accessory structures and garages for these types of dwellings.

• General Contractor: Interested individuals who register as a general contractor can carry out the following types of activities:
  • Construction of new structures and buildings except for accessory structures and garages for existing one, two, and three-family dwellings
  • Perform various repairs and alterations on existing commercial structures, multi-family dwellings, and accessory structures or buildings.
  • Coordinate and manage the various activities related to modifying, repairing, and maintaining existing one-, two-, and three-family dwellings.
• Home Improvement Limited Contractors: These individuals can only carry out certain activities in one or more areas of residential home improvement, like residential flooring services

To be qualified for any of these licenses mentioned above, the flooring contractor must meet specific eligibility criteria, including

• Paying all stipulated fees.
• Providing proof of insurance and bond
• Meeting certain work experience and educational requirements. For general contractors, these requirements are not required.
• Passing a 767 exam with a score of at least 70 percent. Applicable to those who wish to be licensed as a home improvement general contractor.
• Provide any additional documentation as may be required by the department.

Applicants must then complete and submit a General Contractor Application Form or a Home Improvement Contractor Application Form, whichever is applicable, to the department at:

You can direct your queries regarding the licensing and registration process for flooring contractors in the city to the city's Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS) at (614) 645-7433. You can also check if your preferred flooring installer is licensed by using the list of licensed contractors. Alternatively, you can access the Columbus Citizen Access Portal online and click the "Search for a Contractor" link under the General Information Section.

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

How much you will pay for your flooring project in Columbus depends on several factors, such as:

• The scope and nature of the flooring project
• The size of the floor surface
• The type of flooring material to be used
• The current condition of the floor surface
• The labor intensity required to prepare the floor surface for the job
• Your locality within the city

In Columbus, there are various methods that flooring contractors use to calculate their charges, like hourly rate, per linear foot, square foot, type of service that they provide, or combining one or more of the methods. However, by getting and comparing the rates of multiple flooring contractors, you can get a good idea of the project's overall cost. Also, it protects you from being scammed by an unscrupulous flooring installer. In addition, avoid hiring any flooring contractor who provides a rate too low or too high, especially if they cannot explain the significant differences between their prices.

Flooring contractors in Columbus earn an estimated annual wage of $50,520. The list below indicates the average hourly wages for Columbus flooring contractors and compares these figures with the average hourly wages of floor layers in other parts of Ohio with other major cities in the United States:

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

When choosing a flooring contractor, it is equally important that you confirm if they are members of reputable trade organizations. Hiring a flooring contractor certified or a member of these reputable organizations can provide several benefits. A flooring installer will have access to various education and training opportunities. Also, these organizations have strict ethical and professional standards and offer you an alternative dispute resolution method if the flooring contractor fails to deliver on their promises.

Flooring installers typically obtain certifications or membership from associations like:

• The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)
• The Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association (FCICA)
• The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA)
• The Ohio Contractors Association (OCA)
• The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

When hiring a flooring contractor claiming to have professional credentials or a trade association member, you should take the necessary steps to confirm this claim. You can ask them to provide proof of their membership or certification with the appropriate trade association.

How Much Do You Charge for Floor Repairs?

Although it is common for your floor to get minor damages from wear and tear due to the amount of foot traffic it receives, certain situations can lead to more serious floor damage issues, such as:

• Improper installation
• Tracked-in debris
• Inadequate care and maintenance by the homeowner
• Scratches from pet nails and other sharp objects

These types of damages can significantly impact the various key cross-sections of your floor.

• Floor surface: The surface of your floor is the most frequently affected by floor damage. It can get scratched, worn out, and sun-faded due to improper cleaning and maintenance.
• Subfloor: The subfloor is the area under the flooring material designed to support and keep the floor even. It can get damaged due to water-related issues.
• Joists: The boards under the floor are called "joists." These are crucial structural components of most homes, and they should be repaired immediately if they are found to be problematic.

Before hiring a flooring contractor to repair your damaged floors, ensure they have the necessary tools and experience to handle the specific type of floor damage you have. Also, be sure to agree on the cost of the work before the start of the project. Below are some of the cost estimates (per square foot) for flooring jobs in Columbus:

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 Columbus?

When looking to hire a flooring contractor in Columbus, it's essential that you ask them about their specialization and the services they offer. This will allow you to make an informed decision regarding the hiring arrangement to ensure that the project is completed properly. There are a variety of flooring services that the professionals in Columbus can provide, including:

• New flooring installations
• Flooring repair
• Flooring maintenance
• Old flooring removal and replacement

In Columbus, various types of flooring are commonly used in homes, such as:

• Hardwood Flooring: This type of flooring is relatively easy to clean and durable, but it's also prone to scratches due to the presence of furniture and pets. Hardwood floors can be made from wood species such as oak, cherry, maple, bamboo, ash, walnut, and teak. They can also be made in different types: finished, unfinished, solid, and engineered hardwood.
• Tile Flooring: This type of flooring is commonly used in homes and requires expert installation because it must be laid evenly and have minimal or no irregularities. There are several types of tile flooring, such as ceramic, porcelain, and engineered tiles.
• Laminate Flooring: This type of flooring is relatively cheap and durable and offers the same aesthetic appeal as hardwood or tile flooring. However, it is prone to moisture damage.
• Carpet Flooring: There are two types of carpet flooring in Columbus, namely, natural and synthetic fiber. Natural fiber carpet is more eco-friendly, while synthetic fiber is more stain-resistant, easier to clean, and cheaper.
• Vinyl Flooring: This type of flooring is relatively cheap and durable, and it's also resistant to moisture and water damage, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms and kitchens. Vinyl flooring is usually categorized into three main types:
  • LVT (luxury vinyl tile)
  • LVP (luxury vinyl plank)
  • Sheet Vinyl

When choosing a flooring contractor in Columbus, ensure they are well-equipped to handle the type of flooring you plan on using. Also, be sure to agree on the terms of the work that they will perform and get this in writing before the project begins.

Here are some of the cost estimates that the professionals in Columbus can provide for various types of flooring services:

Do You Refinish Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood floors are made of natural material and can be easily renovated by having them refinished. This process can help you retain their natural beauty. Although the terms floor resurfacing and floor refinishing are often used interchangeably, they refer to different processes. Refinished hardwood floors usually involve applying a fresh coat of paint and lacquer to the old surface, while floor resurfacing involves removing old planks and reinforcing new ones with new nails.

Although it is generally recommended to have hardwood floors refinished every seven to ten years, you can also take action immediately if you notice the following:

• Splinters
• Bending downwards from its edges
• Signs of discoloration and fading
• Water stains or other impossible-to-remove stains
• Turning gray
• Major scratches and dents

Refinishing hardwood floors in Columbus can cost you around $3 to $5 per square foot, depending on the size of the area and the work involved. Although you can do it yourself, it is best to let a professional flooring installer handle the job to ensure it is done properly. If you have to replace your hardwood floors, ensure that the contractor follows proper safety procedures. Sometimes, you may need to replace your hardwood floors instead of refinishing them. These can include the following:

• The Nails are peeking through
• There is water damage.
• There is major damage caused by marks and scratches.
• The hardwood is noticeably discolored
• The floorboards are creaking or moving
• They have been refinished too many times

Do You Offer a Warranty for Floors Installed?

Flooring contractors in Columbus typically offer their clients two main types of warranties.

• Manufacturer Warranties: This type of warranty covers the actual flooring material and provides a limited warranty on the product's performance. Although the validity periods of these types vary depending on the type of material and the manufacturer, the average validity periods for flooring materials include the following:
  • Vinyl: usually valid for 10 to 20 years
  • Laminate: usually covered for 10 to 30 years
  • Carpet: usually valid for 10 to 20 years
  • Hardwood: usually valid for at least 25 years

Although the validity periods of these types vary depending on the type of material and the manufacturer, the average is usually less for commercial flooring products. Also, these warranties are non-transferable, and the coverage only extends to the original buyer. Nonetheless, some manufacturers of flooring products provide a transfer option that allows the warranty to be transferred from one homeowner to another. This can be done if the new owner of the property where the flooring was installed takes possession of the property within a stipulated period.

• Installation Warranties: This usually covers the work that the flooring contractor does. This type of warranty usually has a validity period of one year.

Before you sign a contract with a flooring contractor, make sure that you confirm that they offer warranties for the services they will provide you. Also, be aware of the terms and conditions of the warranty to avoid voiding it. You can void your floor warranties in the following instances:

• Improper installation
• Damages caused by unapproved flooring contractors
• Damages caused by improper use of the installed flooring material
• Inappropriate care and maintenance or negligence
• Damage caused by natural disasters

Will You Handle Clean-up after the Flooring Installation?

When it comes to flooring projects, especially those in commercial areas, the installation process often generates a lot of debris. It is important that the flooring contractor you choose for your project also provides post-installation clean-up services. This should include cleaning the new floors before they are used.

Here are some tips that you can use to clean and maintain your floors to keep them looking their best in Columbus:

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

Per the provisions of Chapter 4114 of the City of Columbus Code of Ordinances, flooring contractors are required to carry liability insurance with coverage limits of at least $300,000 for damages to a single person and $500,000 for one occurrence. They are also required to maintain a cash surety bond of not less than $25,000 and carry workers' compensation insurance where they have more than one employee.

Flooring contractors are exposed to different on-the-job risks, like cuts, lacerations, slips, and falls. In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported over 57,000 non-fatal work-related injuries among construction trade workers across the country. Similarly, in Ohio, injuries sustained by workers involved in construction accounted for over 25 percent of all fatal work-related accidents in the state in 2020. If you hire an unlicensed fence contractor, you are liable for any damages caused by their activities.

If you hire an unlicensed fence contractor, you are exposing yourself to incurring liabilities from property damage and injuries sustained by the flooring contractor and their workers. To this end, before starting a flooring project, confirm that the contractor has the necessary insurance and bond certificates. You can request copies of these documents from the flooring installer and verify such documents with the relevant issuing companies.

You can contact the Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services at (614) 645-7433 for more information regarding these mandatory insurance and bond requirements.