Don’t Get Sanded: The Smart Homeowner’s Guide to Verifying Floor Sanding Company Reviews and References
When your hardwood floors need restoration, choosing the right floor sanding company can make the difference between a stunning transformation and a costly nightmare. With countless contractors claiming to be experts, smart homeowners know that verifying reviews and references isn’t just recommended—it’s essential. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the verification process like a pro, ensuring you hire a trustworthy company that delivers exceptional results.
Why Verifying Reviews and References Matters
Floor sanding is a specialized craft that requires skill, experience, and the right equipment. Choosing the best floor sanding company is an important decision that can impact the appearance and longevity of your hardwood flooring, and the quality of the sanding work can have a big impact on the final result. A poorly executed job can damage your floors permanently, while a skilled professional can restore them to their original beauty and extend their lifespan for decades.
Hiring an unlicensed contractor increases the risk of poor workmanship, legal complications, and potential liabilities. That’s why checking their license is a crucial first step. Beyond licensing, verifying reviews and references helps you understand the company’s track record, work quality, and customer service standards.
Where to Find Reliable Reviews
Not all reviews are created equal. Look for reviews on third-party platforms such as Google, Trustpilot or Checkatrade, as these tend to be more reliable than reviews on the company’s own website. These independent platforms provide more authentic feedback since companies have less control over the content.
One of the most effective ways to gauge a wood floor sanding service provider’s quality is by reading customer reviews and testimonials. These can be found on the company’s website, social media pages, or online review platforms such as Google Reviews, Yelp, and Trustpilot.
When searching for floor sanding companies near me, consider these trusted review sources:
- Google Reviews – Often the most comprehensive and frequently updated
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) – Provides accreditation status and complaint history
- Angi (formerly Angie’s List) – Contractor-focused platform with detailed reviews
- Yelp – Particularly useful for local service providers
- Checkatrade – UK-based but expanding, focuses on trade professionals
How to Analyze Reviews Effectively
Be sure to read both positive and negative reviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company’s performance. Pay attention to comments about the quality of the work, customer service, and communication, and take note of any recurring themes or issues. It is essential to take into consideration both positive and negative reviews, but be cautious of companies with a lot of bad reviews or a pattern of complaints.
Look for specific details in reviews rather than generic praise. Look for reviews that provide specific details about the customer’s experience, such as the level of professionalism, quality of work, and punctuality of the service. Read both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced understanding of the company’s reputation.
Red flags to watch for include:
- Multiple reviews with similar wording (potentially fake)
- Consistent complaints about the same issues
- Reviews that seem overly promotional
- A sudden influx of positive reviews after negative ones
- Responses from the company that are defensive or unprofessional
Verifying Contractor Credentials and Licenses
A general contractor who works on large projects in your home should have a valid trade license that meets local or state regulations. Contractors who have a license have typically had to take certain classes and pass competency tests plus prove they have an insurance policy.
To verify a contractor’s credentials:
- Check State Licensing Databases: Use this tool to look up the license requirements for professionals as required by your state. When available, the license check tool also provides links to regulatory agencies’ real-time license verification websites so you can confirm a pro’s current license status before you hire.
- Verify Insurance Coverage: An insured contractor is essential if you want to protect your property during the job. Always ask for proof of insurance, such as a certificate, and then call the provider to check that the policy is up to date and will cover your project.
- Confirm Bonding Status: To figure out how to check a contractor license, ensure your contractor is bonded by asking for the certification and bond number before signing a work contract.
Requesting and Checking References
In addition to online reviews, you can also ask the service provider for references from past customers. Contacting these references can give you a first-hand account of their experience working with the company and the quality of work provided.
When contacting references, ask specific questions:
- How long ago was the work completed?
- Were there any issues during the project?
- How did the company handle any problems that arose?
- Would they hire this company again?
- How do the floors look now, months or years later?
Another way to determine a company’s experience and expertise is to ask for references or samples of their work. This can give you an idea of their past projects and the quality of their work.
Professional Certifications to Look For
To ensure that you’re working with a reputable wood floor sanding service provider in London, verify that they have the necessary licences and certifications. This will give you peace of mind, knowing that the company complies with industry standards and regulations. Look for certifications from recognised industry organisations, such as the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) or the British Wood Flooring Association (BWFA).
Key certifications include:
- NWFA Certification: To become an NWFA certified installer or a certified sand and finisher, a craftsman must have completed all the installation and sand and finish courses at the National Wood Flooring Association University. Then, they must have a minimum of three year’s experience as a hardwood installer and three years of experience as a hardwood sander and finisher.
- BONA Certification: Tradesman holding this certification were hand-picked, trained, and tested by certified Bona members. And Bona certified craftsman receive rigorous hands-on training dedicated to best practices in sanding, refinishing, and caring for hardwood floors.
Red Flags to Avoid
Be wary of contractors who:
- Cannot provide recent references or reviews
- Refuse to show proof of licensing and insurance
- Provide quotes significantly lower than others without explanation
- Pressure you to sign contracts immediately
- Ask for full payment upfront
- Have no physical business address
- Cannot explain their sanding process or equipment
Questions to Ask During Your Verification Process
When evaluating potential contractors, ask these critical questions:
- How long have you been in business?
- Can you provide references from jobs completed in the last year?
- What type of equipment do you use?
- Do you have experience with my specific type of flooring?
- What is your cleanup process?
- Do you offer any guarantees or warranties?
- How do you handle unexpected issues that arise during the job?
Making Your Final Decision
By considering the factors outlined in this article, such as experience, certifications, references and reviews, services offered, types of finishes, and equipment quality, you can make an informed decision that ensures the best possible outcome for your project. It’s important to take the time to research and evaluate different companies to find one that meets your needs and expectations.
Remember that the lowest bid isn’t always the best value. One of the things we tell a lot is to be wary of the price and what’s reasonable on the market. Focus on finding a contractor who demonstrates professionalism, has verifiable positive reviews, proper licensing and insurance, and can clearly communicate their process and timeline.
Companies like Long Island Flooring exemplify the standards you should look for. As a flooring company with a satisfaction rate of above 95%, you can expect to get above-reproach service from McGowan. We give highly flexible service tailored to complement the requirements of every client. They demonstrate their commitment to quality through one year service warranty. We also give money back guarantee if you will not be satisfied by the service.
By following this verification process, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a floor sanding company that will restore your floors beautifully while providing the professional service and peace of mind you deserve. Take the time to verify reviews and references thoroughly—your floors and your wallet will thank you for it.