A floor fitter is responsible for preparing and installing a range of floor coverings, including carpet, vinyl, laminate, wood floors, and tiles.
Well-laid flooring has the ability to make or break a space. It’s the foundation of your interiors and therefore crucial to get right. Not only in your choice of flooring but the quality of its installation.
Here, we’ll explain what you can expect from a quality floor fitter and the questions to ask to help you find experienced and reliable flooring specialists near you.
How to find quality flooring specialists near you
There are plenty of floor fitters out there, but how do you know if you’re hiring a good one?
At Checkatrade, we’re committed to helping homeowners find quality tradespeople in their local area.
We have two simple and straightforward ways to find flooring fitters who come highly recommended:
1. Use our request a quote feature
Life is busy enough. Say no to the stress, stop with the endless research, and use our quick ‘request a quote’ feature. Here’s how it works:
- Add your details to this form
- Provide a few details about the job
- We’ll search our leading directory for you
- Flooring specialists in your area will then contact you directly to discuss your needs
2. Browse our online trade directory
If you have a bit more time and prefer to scroll through the recommended floor fitters in your area, simply type your postcode in the search bar below.
Find and book your trade with us and we'll guarantee their work up to £1,000*.
Guaranteed for 12 months. Eligibility and T&Cs apply
What do flooring contractors do?
Flooring specialists can undertake more than just the installation of your chosen flooring. Flooring contractors will typically:
- Conduct a survey to check the quality and moisture of the subfloor
- Discuss your flooring requirements and make recommendations
- Measure up the room and estimate the amount of materials needed
- Order flooring materials at (cheaper) trade prices
- Prepare the room for fitting: clear away furniture, take off doors, and remove old flooring
- Install the flooring itself and any subfloor, damp proof membrane, or underlay that’s needed
- Put furniture back and trim and re-hang doors
- Provide aftercare advice to maintain a long-lasting finish
Questions to ask a floor fitter
Selecting the right floor fitter is key to achieving the quality, long-lasting results you desire. With a list of pertinent questions in hand, you’ll be sure to find the right fit.
What floor fitting qualifications do you have?
Having a new floor fitted is a big deal. It’s a project that will transform your living space and hopefully last for many years. Therefore don’t be afraid to check out your floor fitter’s qualifications.
You could ask directly or check the qualifications and credentials listed on the flooring specialist’s website.
Can I see some of your past projects?
Of course, experience goes a long way too. Checkatrade members have a business profile page on our site where you can view photos of past projects and check out customer reviews.
This will also be where any affiliations with trade associations will be listed, such as the NICF (National Institute of Carpet and Floor layers) or FITA (Flooring Industry Training Association).
What does the scope of your work include?
It’s always best to get at least three quotes from floor fitters and check the scope of the work outlined on each to ensure you’re comparing like-for-like.
For example, do they all include materials, labour, and VAT? Do they include the preparation of the room, i.e. furniture and door removal, and the disposal of old flooring?
Another thing to check is whether the quote includes the removal (and replacement) of skirting boards, if necessary, and rehanging any doors that need to be removed.
How do you charge for your services?
It would be very unusual for a floor layer to request payment upfront but do check payment terms with your installer in advance.
Most flooring contractors have trade accounts with suppliers, helping to get materials at a slightly cheaper price than if you were to buy direct.
How long will the install take?
Not such a problem if your new flooring is being laid in a spare bedroom, for example, but if you’re replacing the flooring in your entrance hallway, it’s a good idea to get an idea of how long the area will be off-limits.
Can you help to recommend the right type of flooring for my home?
An experienced flooring specialist will be more than happy to discuss your requirements and make recommendations based on your needs.
What’s right for a busy entrance hall and stairs might be different from the best flooring for your lounge, for example.
Do you have insurance?
We always recommend ensuring the tradesperson you select has adequate insurance. In fact, that’s why we insist all our members have up-to-date public liability insurance.
Accidents can and do happen, but insurance provides peace of mind that these will be easily remedied if they do.
Do you offer a guarantee or warranty on your work?
It’s good to know what guarantees or warranties your flooring specialist offers. This applies to both the materials used and the installation itself.
For additional peace of mind, it’s worth noting that when you contact a trade through Checkatrade, our guarantee could cover you for up to 12 months. You can claim up to £1,000. Exclusions and T&Cs apply.
How do I find experienced flooring specialists near me?
Now you know what to expect from a floor fitter and have a few qualifying questions to ask, all that’s left to do is find a flooring contractor who comes highly recommended in your area.
Use a professional directory
- Checkatrade is the UK’s number one website for finding a tradesperson
- Our directory is the one best known for quality*
- Every one of our members is checked and approved by us
Save time scrolling, simply enter your postcode into the search box below and we’ll do the rest.
You’ll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass our quality checks on Checkatrade.
Check online reviews
The internet makes it very easy to check a tradesperson’s reputation and the quality of their work.
Websites such as Checkatrade display honest and verified reviews from real-life customers.
Ask for recommendations
Local friends and family are a great source of recommendations for finding the right floor fitter in your area.
Be sure to check any family or friend recommendations out on Checkatrade too!
*Claims are sourced from a survey conducted by Deep Blue Thinking on a nationally representative UK sample in October 2021.