Start with the basics: ask for proof of licensing and insurance directly — a legitimate installer will provide this without hesitation. Then ask what the estimate does and doesn’t include (see our quote breakdown above), what the expected timeline is, and what warranty covers both the materials and the installation labor separately.

It’s also worth asking how the company handles the unexpected — what happens if subfloor damage is discovered mid-project, whether the quoted price is firm or can change once work begins, and who to contact if something needs to be addressed after the crew leaves.

A contractor who answers all of this clearly, and is willing to put it in writing, is generally a good sign. Vague answers to any of this — especially around licensing or what’s included in the price — are worth treating as a caution flag.