Question 1

1) What is the total project timeline from start to finish, and what factors could cause delays?

Accepted Answer

Typical timelines: 4 days for installation or refinishing, plus 1–2 days for acclimation and drying/curing.

Factors that can cause delays: moisture issues requiring remediation, subfloor repairs, furniture/fixtures removal, access to power/water, unexpected repairs, poor weather (for curing finishes that require ventilation), or back-ordered materials.

How we manage timelines: provide a written schedule with milestone dates, build in a contingency, and communicate any changes promptly.

Question 2

2) Do you handle both installation and refinishing, and what’s included in the scope?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer both installation and refinishing.
Scope generally includes: site protection, moisture/acclimation checks, subfloor prep, installation or sanding, stain/color matching, finish application (number of coats), drying time between coats, trim work if requested, and thorough cleanup.

Exclusions: complex carpentry repairs beyond standard prep, major subfloor subsidence, or structural work (quoted separately if needed).

Question 3

3) What are the best options for my space for durability and style?

Accepted Answer

Hardwood vs. engineered: Engineered is more stable in varying humidity and can be a better value in certain climates; solid wood can be refinished multiple times.

Thickness: Thicker planks (e.g., 3/4") offer more refinishing life; thinner planks save cost but have limited refinishing.

Species: Choose based on hardness (Janka rating), color, and wear patterns. For high-traffic areas, consider harder species (e.g., oak, maple) and/or higher-grade boards with fewer knots.
Grade: Clear or select-grade shows fewer defects; character grades have more knotting and features for a rustic look.

Recommendation: Provide 2–3 options with pros/cons for your space, footprint, and budget.

Question 4

4) What type of finish do you recommend, and how many coats will be applied?

Accepted Answer

Water-based finishes: Lower odor, faster dry times, lower VOCs, available in matte to satin; good for most living spaces.

Oil-based finishes: Richer amber tone over time, longer cure times, higher VOCs; more durable in high-traffic areas but with stronger odor during application.
Sheen options: Matte, satin, semi-gloss, high-gloss—choose based on traffic, maintenance, and aesthetics.

Oil based polyurethane generally is not allowed in buildings due to the smell

Coats: Usually 2–3 coats (pre-finish may differ); some jobs need a seal coat or sanding between coats depending on product.
Recommendation: Use water-based or low-VOC options for interiors, with 2–3 coats for durable protection and preferred sheen.

Question 5

5) How will you protect existing doors, vents, and adjacent rooms, and how will you manage dust and debris during refinishing?

Accepted Answer

We use physical barriers (dust containment), negative air machines when possible, and pleated filters.

Protective measures: floor runners, corner guards, masking, vent/door covers, and removable baseboards where appropriate.

Cleaning: thorough wipe-down and containment of dust at the end of each day; final cleanup includes vacuuming with a HEPA-filtered machine.

Question 6

6) What is the installation method and pattern, and how will this affect waste and expansion gaps?

Accepted Answer

Installation methods:
Solid hardwood: nail-down or staple-down to the subfloor.

Engineered: nail/staple or glue-down or float depending on product.

Patterns: Straight lay is most common; patterns like herringbone or chevron add design but increase waste and cost.

Expansion gaps: We leave manufacturer-recommended expansion gaps around perimeters and at transitions to accommodate seasonal movement.

Waste: Expect a waste factor in the estimate; patterns with complex cuts or book-mend styles increase waste.

Question 7

7) Do you handle subfloor moisture testing and remediation if needed, and what thresholds trigger additional work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we test moisture content of subfloors and the wood. Thresholds vary by product but we typically stop and remediate if moisture readings exceed product specifications or local code limits.
Remediation can include moisture barriers, subfloor patching, or stabilization procedures before proceeding.

Question 8

8) How do you ensure color matching or achieving a specific stain shade, and can you see color samples on-site?

Accepted Answer

We offer color-matching services and can bring color samples for on-site comparison.
We typically apply sample boards or test spots on the actual subfloor or a sacrificial area to confirm color and sheen before full application.
For a consistent finish, we finalize color choices after acclimation and condition checks.

Question 9

9) What warranties or guarantees come with the installation/refinishing, and what does the warranty cover?

Accepted Answer

We provide a workmanship warranty covering installation quality, finish adhesion, and defects under normal use.

Finish warranties cover wear, peeling, or delamination for a defined period, subject to proper maintenance and occupancy conditions.
The exact terms, coverage, and exclusions are detailed in your contract; we can provide a separate warranty document upon request.

Question 10

10) What is the total cost breakdown, and what could cause price changes during the project?

Accepted Answer

Cost components: materials (wood, fasteners, underlayment), finishes (stains, sealers), labor (installation or refinishing), tools/machinery, masking/covering, and cleanup.

Contingencies that can affect price: subfloor repairs, moisture remediation, heavy existing finishes requiring extra sanding, access limitations, changes in scope (additional rooms or patterns), or material price volatility.

We provide a detailed written estimate with line-item costs and a clear description of contingencies, plus a change-order process for any scope changes.

Question 11

1) What surfaces do you paint, and do you handle exterior painting as well?

Accepted Answer

We paint walls, ceilings, trim, doors, and cabinets for interior projects. Exterior painting is available as a separate service. We can tailor our scope to your space and finish requirements.

Question 12

2) Do you offer color consultation or color-matching services, and can you provide color samples on-site?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer color consultation and can match or create custom colors. We bring color samples on-site and apply test patches so you can see real results in your lighting.

Question 13

3) What is included in the project scope, and what finishes are used?

Accepted Answer

Our scope typically includes: surface prep (patching, sanding, cleaning), caulking as needed, priming (spot or full, as required), masking and protection, and coating with the requested finish. We use high-quality paints and primers suited to the surface (latex or oil-based options, zero/VOC options available). Sheen choices range from flat to high-gloss based on area and durability.

Question 14

4) How long will the project take from start to finish, and how do you minimize disruption in occupied spaces?

Accepted Answer

Most interior jobs take 1-4 days, depending on size and surfaces. We work efficiently to minimize disruption: protected pathways, dust containment, modular staging, and clear daily communication. We can schedule in phases to accommodate occupants.

Question 15

5) What is your approach to surface preparation, including drywall repair, patching, and handling textured surfaces?

Accepted Answer

We assess and repair as needed (patching, drywall texture matching, crack repair). Textured surfaces are cleaned and prepared to ensure even adhesion. Any repairs are performed to restore a smooth, uniform base before painting.

Question 16

6) What application methods will you use and on which surfaces, and how many coats will be applied?

Accepted Answer

We use the appropriate method per surface: brushes for trim and edges, rollers for large flat areas, and spray for large ceilings or cabinetry if suitable. Typically 2 coats (plus a primer as needed), with additional coats for color changes or challenging surfaces.

Question 17

7) How will you protect floors, furniture, outlets, hardware, and surrounding areas, and will dust containment be used?

Accepted Answer

We cover floors with drop cloths, use painter’s tape and masking film, remove or protect outlets and fixtures, and create barriers as needed. Dust containment and controlled ventilation are used to minimize dust, with thorough cleanup at the end of each day.

Question 18

8) Are paints low-VOC or zero-VOC, and do you offer environmentally friendly or specialty coatings?

Accepted Answer

We offer low-VOC/Zero-VOC options and can specify specialty coatings (stain-blocking primers, washable/semi-scrubbable finishes, mildew-resistant coats) as needed. Odor control measures are used, especially for occupied homes.

Question 19

9) What warranties or guarantees do you offer, and how do you handle touch-ups or warranty work?

Accepted Answer

We provide a workmanship warranty covering installation quality, finish adhesion, and defects under normal use.

Finish warranties cover wear, peeling, or delamination for a defined period, subject to proper maintenance and occupancy conditions.
The exact terms, coverage, and exclusions are detailed in your contract; we can provide a separate warranty document upon request.

Question 20

10) What is the total cost breakdown, and what could cause price changes during the project?

Accepted Answer

Cost components include labor, paints/primers, coatings, masking materials, supplies, and cleanup. Potential changes come from scope modifications, additional surfaces, color changes, difficult textures, or access limitations. We provide a detailed written estimate with a clear change-order process.

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