A good flooring job depends as much on who installs it as on the material. Here is what to check before you hire anyone in Louisiana. This is general information, not legal advice.
Does a flooring contractor need a license in Louisiana?
It depends on the size of the job. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) says home improvement work on an existing home with a project value of $7,500 or more falls under home improvement contracting, which needs an LSLBC home improvement registration. The board's page says home improvement projects on existing homes over $50,000 need a residential license. A 2022 law lowered that line from $75,000 to $50,000, so older pages may still show the higher figure. Many single-room flooring jobs fall below $7,500. You can look up any contractor on the LSLBC website by name or number.
What insurance should a flooring company carry?
A flooring company should carry general liability insurance, and workers' compensation if it has employees. Ask for a certificate of insurance sent to you directly by the insurance company, and check the dates. If a worker is hurt in your home and the company has no coverage, you may face the claim.
How much deposit should a flooring company take?
The deposit is set by your contract, so agree on it in writing before you pay. A deposit that covers ordering the material is common, because special-order flooring must be paid for before it ships. Pay the rest in stages as work is done, and never the full price before the job starts.
Is a 50 percent deposit normal?
A 50 percent deposit is not unusual when the material is a large share of the price, but it is a lot to hand over for a mostly labor job. If you pay half up front, ask that the material be delivered to your home before work starts, so you can see what you paid for. Pay by check or card, not cash, and get a receipt.
What should a flooring contract or estimate include?
A written estimate and contract should list the exact product (brand, line, color, thickness), square footage with waste, prep work such as leveling, subfloor repair and moisture barriers, removal and disposal of the old floor, trim, transitions, furniture moving, start date, payment schedule and cleanup. For jobs that need it, it should include the contractor's LSLBC registration or license number. Anything not written down is not part of the price.
What are the red flags when hiring a flooring installer?
The red flags are:
- A price given over the phone without measuring or seeing the subfloor.
- No moisture test planned for a slab.
- Pressure to sign today or pay cash in full up front.
- No written contract.
- A contractor who cannot be found on the LSLBC lookup for a job over $7,500.
- Door-to-door offers after a storm or flood.
- No proof of insurance.
Big box store install or a local flooring company?
Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's sell the flooring and hire out installation to local installers, so the person who measures and the person who installs may be different. A local company often handles the visit, quote and install itself, which makes it easier to know who is responsible. Either way, ask who does the work, who you call if there is a problem, and what the written terms say.
How do I find a reliable flooring contractor near me?
To find a reliable installer, ask neighbors and friends who have had floors done, look at recent work in homes like yours, and check the LSLBC lookup for larger jobs. Choose someone who measures, checks the slab or subfloor, and explains the prep before quoting. In older New Orleans homes, ask about their experience with heart pine and raised floors.
How many quotes should I get?
Two or three quotes is enough for most flooring jobs. More matters less than making sure each one covers the same scope: material, prep, removal, trim and moving. A much lower quote often leaves out prep.
Where do I complain about a flooring contractor in Louisiana?
You can file a complaint with the LSLBC, which takes consumer complaints about contractors on a form sent to its enforcement staff with copies of the contract and payments. You can also file with the Louisiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section, which may send your dispute to the business for a response. The section is not your lawyer; for money owed, small claims court or a lawyer may be the next step.
Do you give free estimates?
Yes. Call or text (504) 977-2662 to set up a visit. We measure the rooms, check the slab or subfloor, and give you a written quote. We work in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Harahan, River Ridge, Gretna, Marrero, Chalmette, Belle Chasse, Slidell, Mandeville and Covington.