The Top 5 Questions to Ask a Hardwood Flooring Installer in Rochester, NY
Installing new hardwood floors is one of the best ways to enhance your home’s value, style, and comfort. But to get the results you want, hiring the right hardwood flooring installer is key—especially here in Rochester, NY, where the climate can affect how flooring performs over time.
At Messner Flooring, we know that a beautiful floor starts with expert installation. That’s why we encourage homeowners to ask smart questions before choosing a contractor to install hardwoods. Whether you’re just starting your search or narrowing down your options, here are the top 5 questions to ask any hardwood flooring installer—along with how we answer them.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured in New York State?
Why Ask: Your hardwood flooring installer should be fully licensed to operate in New York and carry both liability and workers’ comp insurance. This protects you from liability and ensures they’re following state regulations and building codes.
What to Listen For: A reputable installer will provide proof of licensing and insurance without hesitation. At Messner Flooring, we are a Premier Flooring Center, and all of our installers are certified, experienced, and fully insured. We believe in doing things right—and that includes protecting your home and your project from day one.
The Benefit: Choosing a licensed and insured contractor means peace of mind. If anything goes wrong during installation, you’re covered—and you can trust that your hardwood flooring installer is working to the highest professional standards.
2. How Much Experience Do You Have with Hardwood Flooring—Especially in Rochester Homes?
Why Ask: Hardwood floor installation requires precision—everything from subfloor prep to acclimating the wood matters. And in a place like Rochester, where we see cold winters and humid summers, experience with local conditions is critical.
What to Listen For: Look for detailed answers, not vague responses. For example: “Over 20 years installing hardwood in Rochester homes” or “hundreds of hardwood projects completed in this area.” At Messner Flooring, we’ve proudly served the Rochester community for more than 60 years, and our flooring specialists understand how our climate impacts hardwood over time.
Trust Factor: Ask to see a portfolio or request reviews. A well-established company should have plenty of satisfied customers. One of our 5-star Google reviewers recently wrote:
“The installation people arrived on time, were very courteous and professional, and did an amazing job… We are very impressed.”
This kind of feedback is what we strive for with every project.
3. What is Your Installation Process (Preparation, Timeline, and Cleanup)?
Why Ask: A trustworthy installer should walk you through exactly what to expect—before, during, and after your floor goes in. This includes removing old flooring, prepping the subfloor, acclimating the wood, installing planks, and cleaning up.
Key Points to Clarify:
Will they test moisture levels?
How long will acclimation take?
How will they minimize dust?
Do they handle furniture moving and old flooring disposal?
Messner’s Approach: We guide every customer through our process step by step. That includes subfloor inspection, proper leveling if needed, moisture testing, and scheduling. We also take steps to protect your home, like using plastic barriers to contain dust and thoroughly cleaning up after we finish.
Pro Tip: Not all installers move furniture or dispose of old materials—we’re happy to help with both, so you’re not left doing the heavy lifting.
4. Can You Provide References or Reviews from Past Customers?
Why Ask: If past customers are happy, that’s a strong sign you’ll be satisfied too. Don’t just take an installer’s word for it—look for real testimonials or speak to previous clients if possible.
What to Look For: Consistent praise for professionalism, communication, and workmanship. Check sites like Google, Angi, or expertise.com for unbiased reviews.
At Messner Flooring, we’re proud of our 5-star rating and over 300 Google reviews. Our customers frequently mention our team’s knowledge, kindness, and top-tier craftsmanship. One review reads:
“Very pleased with the service and quality… The installation went very smoothly and the floors are beautiful.”
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for references. We’re happy to connect you with past customers who can speak to our work.
5. What Warranty or Guarantee Do You Offer on Materials and Workmanship?
Why Ask: A new floor is a major investment. A solid warranty gives you confidence that your installer stands behind their work—and that your materials are protected long-term.
What to Listen For:
How long is the installation warranty?
What’s covered (e.g., warping, buckling, gaps)?
What manufacturer warranties come with the flooring?
Messner’s Policy: We offer robust warranties on both materials and workmanship. Our team is committed to resolving any issues quickly and completely. We also educate you on how to care for your floor to maintain your warranty and protect your investment.
Bonus: We’ve been in business for decades—and we’ll still be here years down the line if you ever need support.
Final Thoughts: Trust Starts with the Right Questions
Hiring the right hardwood flooring installer in Rochester, NY starts with asking the right questions. From licensing and experience to process and warranty, these five questions help ensure your floors are installed properly, look amazing, and last for decades.
At Messner Flooring, we welcome these conversations. In fact, we want you to ask tough questions—because we know our answers will give you confidence in your decision.
Ready to Start Your Hardwood Flooring Project?
If you’re thinking about new hardwood floors, let’s talk. Messner Flooring has been Rochester’s trusted flooring partner for over 60 years. We offer premium hardwood products, expert installation, and the kind of service that brings customers back again and again.
📍 Visit our Pittsford and Greece showrooms today!
📞 Call us for a free consultation
📩 Or send us a message online—we’ll answer all your questions and help you find the perfect floor for your home.
Messner Flooring – Beautiful Floors. Expertly Installed. Locally Trusted. Contact us today!