Top Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Flooring Project

The right questions today can save you thousands tomorrow.

At Preferred Flooring, we’ve seen it all—from last-minute product swaps to surprise subfloor issues no one accounted for. Flooring is a big investment, and while it’s easy to get excited about finishes and colors, success starts long before the first box gets opened.

Our job isn’t just to install—it’s to educate, guide, and partner with you so the process is smooth, the results last, and the outcome fits your needs perfectly. Whether you’re a homeowner planning your dream space or a commercial GC running a tight schedule, asking the right questions upfront makes all the difference.

Here’s what we always encourage clients to ask before getting started.

How will this space actually be used?

The flooring in a daycare won’t have the same job as the flooring in a corporate lobby. Each space brings its own set of expectations: moisture, noise, foot traffic, furniture movement, pets, kids, rolling carts—you name it.

When you’re honest about how the space will really be used (not just how it looks on a mood board), we can recommend the products that will actually hold up. We’re not here to upsell—we’re here to make sure your floor still looks good years down the line.

What’s included in the budget—and what’s not?

It’s not just about the price per square foot. Budgeting for a flooring project means factoring in prep work, demo, materials, underlayment, adhesives, trim, labor, and sometimes furniture moves or specialty transitions.

At Preferred Flooring, we build clarity into every estimate. No vague line items. No fluff. Just real numbers you can plan around. It’s part of how we earn long-term trust—we’d rather over-communicate than underdeliver.

How long is this project going to take, start to finish?

We’re big believers in honest timelines. Any quality flooring job involves more than just installation—there’s prep, acclimation, layout planning, install, and sometimes drying time or post-install inspection.

The size and scope of the job, material type, and space conditions can all impact your schedule. Our team always builds in the time needed to do it right—not just fast. Because cutting corners isn’t how we operate.

Is the subfloor ready—or will it come back to bite me?

Here’s something we talk about a lot: your floor is only as good as what’s underneath it. A weak or uneven subfloor can shorten the life of even the best product.

We inspect, test, and prepare subfloors to ensure your finished floor performs like it should. It’s not always the fun part—but it’s one of the most important, and we’ll never skip it just to keep things moving.

What’s the maintenance plan?

Every flooring type has its own care routine. If you're used to mopping with bleach or scrubbing with vinegar, some surfaces won't like that. If you want a low-maintenance floor, you need to know that before you install, not after.

We’ll walk you through manufacturer recommendations and give you a game plan that protects your warranty and your investment—without overcomplicating your life.

Is this flooring safe, sustainable, and built to last?

For many clients—especially in schools, healthcare, or homes with kids and pets—safety and sustainability matter just as much as style. And they should.

We work with product lines that are FloorScore® or GREENGUARD certified, and we’ll always be transparent about what’s in your materials. If environmental responsibility is a priority for your project, we’re happy to make it part of the conversation.

Who’s actually doing the installation?

We don’t just install flooring—we build relationships. That means we only send out trained professionals who take pride in their work, respect your space, and communicate clearly.

Our crews are experienced, certified, and held to the same high standard across every job site. You won’t get a rotating cast of subcontractors—you get the Preferred Flooring team, working with purpose and accountability.

What warranties come with this—and how do I use them if needed?

Warranties can be complicated. There’s the manufacturer’s warranty (for the product itself) and the installation warranty (for how it was installed). We’ll walk you through both so you know exactly what’s covered, what’s not, and how to file a claim if needed.

More importantly, we install it right the first time—so you hopefully never have to worry about it.

Will this flooring still look good five years from now?

Trends come and go—but your flooring is here to stay. We always encourage clients to think about long-term value, not just what’s popular this season.

Will the color hide dirt? Will the finish wear evenly? Will it appeal to future buyers or tenants? These are the details that can make or break your satisfaction over time—and we’re here to help you think them through.

Let’s Build Something That Lasts

Starting a flooring project doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it just has to be thoughtful. When you ask the right questions and work with a team that values honesty, craftsmanship, and care, you’re setting your project up for long-term success.

At Preferred Flooring, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions. We believe in doing the job right, the first time, with people you actually enjoy working with. That’s the Preferred way.

Ready to get started? Contact us at Preferred Flooring.

Want more insights, actionable tips, and real-world stories from industry leaders? Tune in to The Huddle Podcast—where attention to detail and commitment to quality guide everything we do. Listen now at thehuddle.team and join us in our Forward Progress to help you in your flooring career.