Get Quotes from Top Flooring Contractors in Denver, CO

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Flooring Contractor in Denver

Very few home remodeling projects are as rewarding as installing a new floor or refinishing an old one for a new look. Realtors claim homeowners can expect to recover up to 147% of the cost of a new hardwood floor installed by a professional. To guarantee you a flawless finishing to your flooring, a good flooring contractor will help you:

  • Get the best deals for your flooring materials,
  • Choose the right flooring style for each room,
  • Ensure proper subsurface preparation and accurate measurements
  • Complete your installation without errors that may result in warp floors,

However, before you settle for anyone claiming to be a flooring contractor in Denver, it is recommended to ask the individual the following questions:

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

Anyone who wishes to install or repair floors or perform any other floor-related work listed in the Denver Building and Fire Code for a fee must obtain a contractor license from the city's Department of Community Planning and Development. The city's Community Planning and Development is the agency responsible for issuing contractor licenses and certificates to individuals and companies who perform various types of construction and trade work in Denver.

Note that it is illegal for anyone to perform any construction and trade work listed in the Building and Fire Code without obtaining a license. Performing work requiring a contractor license in Denver without first obtaining the license may attract up to a $999 fine or a jail term of not more than 300 days. Anyone who does not want to be prosecuted in the city for illegal contracting should apply for a license.

It is important to note that only those who complete the application for a contractor license will be issued a license. The first step in the application process is obtaining a supervisor certificate or employing a supervisor certificate holder. Note that contractor licenses are only issued to individuals who hold a supervisor certificate or employ a supervisor certificate holder.

The second step in the contractor license application process is to fill out a supervisor statement of responsibility form. After that, the applicant can now file the necessary secretary of state documents according to their operating status. For instance, if the applicant is a sole proprietor using a trading name or an individual using a personal name, they must complete and notarize an Affidavit of Lawful Presence and upload a notarized copy of their secure and verifiable identification as listed on the affidavit.

The fourth step in the contractor license application process typically includes uploading the aforementioned documents online using the city's Department of Community Planning and Development's e-permits platform.

Applicants who do not wish to use the e-permit platform may submit the aforementioned documents, along with a completed contractor license application form, by mail or in person at the Denver Department of Community Planning and Development address listed below:

Contractor Licensing Desk
Department of Community Planning and Development
2nd floor of Webb Municipal Building
201 W.Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80202

The Department of Community Planning and Development will issue a license card to successful applicants after all required documents have been received and reviewed. Call (720) 865-2770 or send an email if you have any questions about the process and requirements for obtaining a contractor license in Denver.

When searching for a floor installer or repairer in the city, always make sure that you confirm the individual's license status with the Department of Community Planning and Development. Homeowners can use the Department of Community Planning and Development's verify a contractor's license portal to check the status of their preferred contractor's license.

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

Flooring contractors in Denver consider several factors when calculating the cost of a flooring service. These factors include, but are not limited to:

  • The condition of the surface to be worked on
  • The type of flooring material to be installed
  • The size of the surface where this flooring material is to be installed
  • The amount of work required to complete the project

Since these factors are rarely the same for two projects, it is no surprise that the cost of a flooring service typically differs for each homeowner. Nonetheless, homeowners should always get and compare estimates for their projects from at least three different contractors in the city before signing any agreement with their preferred contractor. This will ensure that they get a fair price for the project and protect them from dishonest contractors who charge extra for flooring services.

Also, before signing any agreement with their preferred contractor, homeowners should always discuss and confirm the billing method that will be used for the project. This will help the homeowner get a clear picture of the project's cost and payment schedule.

Flooring contractors in Denver charge either hourly, fixed, square footage, or linear footage rates, and homeowners can avoid future payment-related misunderstandings by confirming the exact billing method a contractor intends to use for their project and why that billing method is preferred over others.

Flooring contractors in Denver earn an estimated annual wage of $49,850. The list below indicates the average hourly wages for Denver flooring contractors and compares these figures with the average hourly wages of floor layers in other cities close to Colorado, along with other major cities in the United States:

Denver Flooring Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$23.97
El Paso Flooring Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$19.41
Omaha Flooring Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$17.18
Toquerville Flooring Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$16.37
New York City Flooring Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$38.03
Chicago Flooring Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$34.59
San Antonio Flooring Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$19.87
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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

Flooring contractors who operate in Denver may obtain additional qualifications, such as membership or certification with the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) or other reputable trade associations like:

  • The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA)
  • The Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association (FCICA)
  • The Colorado Association of Homebuilders

Being a member of a reputable trade association helps flooring contractors gain a competitive advantage over competitors. This is especially crucial in Denver, where many flooring contractors are bidding for limited jobs.

Also, most flooring contractors in Denver obtain additional qualifications, such as membership or certification with reputable trade associations to gain more insight into the industry and build a strong business reputation that appeals to prospective clients.

Hiring these types of flooring contractors not only guarantees better services but also helps you avoid potential home improvement scams. Homeowners should keep in mind that flooring contractors who are members of trade associations are less likely to engage in scam-related activities because their respective associations require them to follow a strict code of conduct when delivering their services.

Nonetheless, homeowners must understand that many dishonest contractors lie about being members of trade associations to sway prospective clients. As a result, homeowners should always confirm any claim of trade association membership or certification made by a flooring contractor. Homeowners can confirm a flooring contractor's membership status by requesting proof of membership or certification from the contractor and verifying the information with the appropriate associations.

How Much Do You Charge for Floor Repairs?

Floors may be durable but not indestructible, so it is always crucial to avoid activities or anything else that can cause damage to your flooring. Listed below are some activities and circumstances that can cause serious damage to your flooring:

  • Improper installation
  • Inadequate or improper care and maintenance
  • Scratches from sharp pet nails and other similar objects
  • Tracked-in dirt and debris

According to the Denver Board of Environmental Health, residential floors should be free from holes, cracks, dampness, sags, bulges, and any unevenness that could serve as a nest to insects and rodents or cause injury by tripping. Therefore, homeowners are advised always to maintain and keep their floors in good condition.

When considering hiring a flooring contractor in Denver, you should ensure that the individual is familiar with the city's flooring rules and regulations and specializes in repairing the type of damage to your floor.

Depending on the nature and scope of the problem, a flooring contractor may work on one or more of the following key floor cross-sections:

  • Floor surface: this is also known as the area covering the floor structure. A floor surface may be composed of either carpet, vinyl, tile, laminate, or hardwood. This part of a floor often gets damaged because of poor maintenance, scratches, and dents.
  • Subfloor: the subfloor generally includes everything that is installed underneath the floor surface to make it even. This part of a floor can get damaged by water
  • Joists: joists are the boards installed underneath the subfloor to support the weight of the floor and the room above them. Damage to joists is more likely to affect the entire floor structure than damage to any other part of the floor

Listed below are cost estimates for various types of floor repair services offered by professional flooring contractors in Denver:

Estimates based on flooring material per square foot:

Carpet
$1.50 - $3.50
Hardwood
$5 - $28
Engineered wood
$5 - $27
Concrete
$7.50 - $11
Vinyl
$2 - $7.50
Laminate
$2 - $8.75
Tile
$10 - $17.50
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Estimates based on the type of damage:

Scratches
$90 - $1,100
Squeaky floors
$210 - $1,100
Bubbling
$230 - $650
Buckling
$220 - $3,000
Warping
$230 - $3,000
Water damage
$1,300 - $5,500
Uneven floor
$2,000 - $20,000
Sagging/Sunken floor
$2,100 - $20,000
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Estimates based on repair solution:

Floorboard repair (per board)
$100 - $350
Flooring replacement (per square foot)
$5 - $60
Floor patching (per patch)
$240 - $1,500
Floor surface repair (per square foot)
$5 - $25
Subfloor repair (per room)
$240 - $1,500
Subfloor replacement (per square foot)
$3 - $15
Floor joist repair/replacement (per joist)
$500 - $2,500
Floor refinishing (per room)
$800 - $1,600
Floor leveling (per room)
$1,300 - $20,000
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Estimates based on floor location:

Bathroom (for 35 – 75 square foot floor)
$320 - $2,200
Mudroom (for 40 – 75 square foot floor)
$370 - $2,200
Kitchen (for 100 – 200 square foot floor)
$520 - $6,250
Foyer (for 100 – 200 square foot floor)
$520 - $6,250
Living room (for 300 – 400 square foot floor)
$900 - $10,000
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Kind of Flooring Services Do You Offer in Denver?

Flooring contractors in Denver offer a variety of flooring services to members of the public. These services include:

  • Hardwood flooring: This type of floor is popular due to its aesthetic appeal, durability, and versatility. Hardwood flooring is derived from a variety of woods, such as pine, maple, oak, birch, beech, and bamboo. It is made by cutting wood into various sizes and shapes to create strips, planks, or wood tiles, which are then laid out in geometric patterns. Hardwood flooring is more susceptible to scratches and moisture damage than other types of flooring.
  • Laminate flooring: This type of floor is a synthetic floor covering that resembles wood or stone flooring. It is more expensive than hardwood but more resistant to stains, impacts, and scratches. However, laminate flooring is not moisture-resistant, making it an unsuitable choice for kitchens and laundries.
  • Carpet flooring: This type of flooring is more expensive and comes in a variety of styles and patterns. Carpet flooring is the use of natural or synthetic fibers, or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, as a floor covering. Although this type of flooring helps with insulation and sound absorption, it is stain-resistant and challenging to clean.
  • Vinyl flooring: Vinyl is a water-resistant and easy-to-maintain synthetic flooring material. Vinyl flooring is commonly used in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms and is relatively inexpensive to install. Vinyl flooring is classified into three types:
    • LVP (luxury vinyl plank),
    • Sheet Vinyl,
    • LVT (luxury vinyl tile).

Before hiring a flooring contractor in Denver, it is critical to confirm that the individual you want to hire specializes in installing and repairing the type of flooring you want. In addition, you should discuss the price of the project with your preferred contractor and compare it with the average market price for the service in the city. Listed below are cost estimates for common flooring services in Denver:

Laminate floor installation (per square foot, for mid-grade laminate)
$3- $7
Laminate floor installation (per square foot, for solid-based epoxy)
$3 - $10
Vinyl floor installation (per square foot, for mid-grade tile)
$3 - $6
Linoleum floor installation (per square foot, for mid-grade tile)
$3 - $5
Wood flooring installation (per square foot, for mid-grade solid hardwood)
$3 - $20
Wood floor refinishing (per square foot)
$3 - $6
Ceramic tile installation (per square foot, for mid-grade tile)
$7 - $10
Tile and grout cleaning (per square foot, for cleaning and sealing)
$1.50 - $2.90
Tile removal (per square foot)
$3 - $5
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Do You Refinish Hardwood Floors?

If your hardwood floor is always looking dull after a thorough cleaning, or there are deep cuts, set-in stains, and obvious warping on the floor, then it is highly recommended that you contact an expert for refinishing. A hardwood floor refinishing service will eliminate all those dents, scratches, and scuff marks on your floor while also increasing the value of your property.

A floor refinishing service in Denver typically costs between $2.70 and $8 per square foot, and many reputable flooring companies can expertly handle a hardwood refinishing job. Nonetheless, before hiring anyone to refinish your hardwood, finding out how long they have been offering the service is critical. In addition, you should also ask the flooring contractor to provide a breakdown of the tasks that will be executed during the refinishing service. For instance, sanding is a big part of most floor refinishing services, and it is best handled by professional floor sanders. By asking your preferred flooring contractor to provide a breakdown of the tasks that will be executed during the refinishing service, you can tell if you also need the service of a floor sander.

While you can refinish your floor once every three to four years, it is in your best interest to know that refinishing service does not always solve the problem. Sometimes, what you have to do is to replace the entire floor covering. You may consider contacting a floor installer to replace your floor if:

  • The floor has been refinished several times
  • It has a lot of serious marks and scratches
  • There is water damage
  • The floorboards are creaking or moving

Do You Offer a Warranty for Floors Installed?

Most Denver flooring contractors offer two major types of warranties, namely:

  • Manufacturer Warranty: this type of warranty covers product defects or issues resulting from the use of a particular product for flooring. It is a guarantee that a flooring product purchased from a specific manufacturer will remain in good condition for a specified period.

The scope of coverage for manufacturer warranty may vary depending on the purchased flooring product. For instance, most manufacturer warranties have average coverage durations of 10 to 20 years for carpets, at least 25 years for hardwood, and 10 to 30 years for laminate.

This type of warranty also specifies the conditions under which a given flooring product may be repaired or replaced if it does not perform as intended. Finally, manufacturer warranties are non-transferable and only cover the original retail purchaser of the product.

  • Installation Warranty: this type of warranty covers floor installation defects and issues resulting from repair work. It is a guarantee of the quality of the labor for a specific timeframe.

Homeowners are advised to discuss the type of flooring warranty a prospective flooring contractor offers before making any arrangements with them. In addition, homeowners should also discuss the terms, scope, and conditions that may void the warranty being offered to them before signing a contract. Listed below are some actions that may void a floor warranty in Denver:

  • Poor installation of a flooring product
  • Damages caused by work performed by incompetent or inexperienced contractors
  • Damages caused by negligence, lack of maintenance, or natural disasters

Will You Handle Clean-up after the Flooring Installation?

One of the things to consider when choosing a flooring contractor in Denver is whether the company offers post-floor installation clean-up services. Floor installation companies that do not offer post-floor installation clean-up services leave the room very dirty with airborne particles and significant amounts of debris after installation. Leaving a room with airborne particles and significant amounts of debris after installation damages the newly installed floors and exposes homeowners to serious health risks. To avoid exposing your newly installed floor to damage and exposing yourself to serious health hazards, homeowners should always hire a flooring contractor that offers post-flooring installation service.

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

Flooring material Do's Don'ts
Wood
  • Wipe off spills promptly.
  • Dust and wipe regularly.
  • Use soft mops.
  • Use appropriate polishing material and cleaners recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Always use wood-specific floor cleaners.
  • Use soft-bristle brooms.
  • Never use wet mops.
  • Never wash floors with water.
  • Do not vacuum with a beater bar.
  • Do not use stiff brooms for sweeping.
  • Do not steam-clean the floor.
Laminate
  • Use floor protectors or glides on the bottom of furniture to prevent scratches and abrasions.
  • Remove dirt and grime through dust mopping or vacuuming. Use a damp mop occasionally, and always wipe the floor dry with a clean cloth.
  • Do not use soap-based detergents for cleaning.
  • Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring powder, or steel wool.
  • Do not drag furniture on the floor.
  • Do not flood the floor with water or cleaner.
  • Never refinish or sand your floor.
Vinyl
  • Sweep and vacuum frequently.
  • Mop with clean, warm water to remove stubborn dirt and rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
  • Always use cleaners recommended by the product manufacturer.
  • Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar.
  • Do not use abrasive cleaners, detergents, or "mop and shine" products
Tile
  • Clean spills as quickly as possible to avoid stained grout.
  • Always take precautions when moving heavy objects across the floor to avoid scratches and cracks.
  • Cover furniture and table legs with protectors to minimize scratching.
  • Consider caulking and sealing the floor after installation to extend its lifespan.
  • Never use scouring powder, steel wool, or any other abrasives that can scratch the tile's finish.
  • Do not use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners.

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

Denver flooring contractors are not required to carry insurance policies before operating in the city. Hiring a flooring contractor who is not insured exposes you to various liabilities that may result from property damage, bodily injuries, or death during a flooring project. It is important to note that, like other construction workers, flooring contractors are often exposed to several on-the-job hazards while providing their services. Some of these on-the-job hazards include:

  • Exposure to noise
  • Exposure to machines
  • Exposure to toxic chemicals
  • Injuries from flying debris and falling objects
  • Cuts, tears, and lacerations from tools and sharp objects on work sites

In Denver and other parts of Colorado, thousands of people get injured while doing their jobs, and over 112 work-related deaths are recorded in the state every year.

To avoid liabilities that may result from on-the-job injuries and work-related deaths that may occur during your project, it is always in your best interest to confirm a flooring contractor's insurance status before signing any agreement with them. You can confirm a contractor's insurance status by asking for their insurance certificate and contacting the company that issued it to verify.

How to File a Complaint Against a Flooring Contractor in Denver

Complaints against bad flooring contractors in Denver can be filled with the Colorado Attorney General's Office and other local agencies like the Denver District Attorney's Office.

According to the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office, home improvement scams, including flooring-related scams, are common in Denver and other parts of Colorado. Nearly all the home improvement-related scam complaints received by the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office involved contractors who claim to be what they are not. As a result, residents of the city are advised to take their time in evaluating the individual they wish to hire for home improvement. Homeowners can ensure that they do not hire a dishonest contractor by taking the following precautionary measures:

  • Do not hire a flooring contractor who shows up in front of your doors uninvited.
  • Avoid contractors who do not have a verifiable business address
  • Get referrals from reputable online directories like the Better Business Bureau website, and the National Wood Flooring Association's Find a Professional webpage
  • Always check if the contractor is licensed using the Department of Community Planning and Development's verify a contractor's license portal
  • Get and compare estimates from multiple flooring contractors in the city
  • Get a well-detailed contract for the project and do not sign unless you have read and understand It
  • Be wary of contractors who refuse to provide references from previous clients they have worked for. Reputable flooring companies will provide at least three local and verifiable references to prospective clients
  • Do not hire an uninsured contractor
  • Do not pay cash
  • Do not pay more than one-third of the total price upfront

Victims of flooring scams should consider filing a complaint against the contractor with the Colorado Attorney General's Office. To file a complaint, interested persons must complete an online complaint form provided by the Attorney General's Office. In addition to filing a complaint with the Colorado Attorney General's Office, victims of flooring scams can also contact the Denver District Attorney's Office at (720) 913-9179 to report a fraudulent flooring contractor. However, victims of flooring scams must understand that neither the Denver District's Attorney's Office nor the Colorado Attorney General's Office can guarantee full monetary compensation.

Anyone who wishes to recover the total money they lost to a contractor can file a lawsuit against the contractor with the Denver County 2nd Judicial District Court. Before filing a lawsuit, it is crucial to consult a lawyer in the city. This will help you to know all the available legal options, as well as their implications. Interested persons can use the Colorado Bar Association to find a lawyer directory to see licensed lawyers near them.