Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section contains the most frequently asked questions regarding ElmWood Flooring, accompanied by concise and comprehensive answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your hours of operation?
ElmWood Flooring is OPEN Monday-Friday 8:30A.M. to 5:30P.M., Saturday 9:00A.M to 2:00P.M., We are closed every Sunday and during all major holidays, and available for free phone quotes 7 days a week when the time is best for you, our snow services are 24/7 from Jan.-March. Make sure when calling you leave your name, number with a short message and someone will call you back during our business hours.
How do I get my hands on some sample’s or flooring products?
Our process is straightforward and convenient. Simply contact us during our business hours to schedule a visit from one of our flooring professionals, who will bring the samples you wish to view or handle directly to your home or business. Alternatively, you may arrange an appointment to visit our showroom location if preferred.
Sit back and allow us to manage everything for you from beginning to end.
How do I find out what type of flooring is best when it comes to being of good quality, such as soft or hard woods, with having a dog and children running around?
ElmWood Flooring has many different mills and manufactures that we do business within order to bring you the best in all types of products. When it comes to all different types of woods, we have select or better grade A or Grade 1, 2 or 3 types of woods, from softer to harder woods.
You may ask what’s best? We like to say it all depends on if you have pets and kids and high traffic areas. From pre-finished to engineered to unfinished to pergo and Vinyl etc… ElmWood can find out what is best for you after asking you some simple questions during your in-home estimate, call or set one up today.
How does ElmWood’s “Warranty” work?
From the date the Proposal/Contract is signed with ElmWood, coverage begins. Your floors will be protected from that date for the duration specified in your contract—whether one year, five years, or ten years—for only the “new” work completed and explicitly detailed in writing.
Our warranties do not cover major damages unrelated to normal wear and tear from everyday use. This includes water damage caused by leaks or pipes, or any damage resulting from the actions of individuals, friends, family members, or pets of any kind.
When can I walk or put heavy stuff back on my floors after the oil poly or water drys?
After we place the last coat of (oil based poly 8 to 12 Hours) or (water base 3 to 4 hours), we tell all our customers to wait 4 to 8 hours to walk on it and 24 up to 48 hours to place any heavy items back in its place, all depending on the humidity (dry times may vary from place to place). It takes 5 to 7 days for the floors to totally harden and become cured and 30 days for oil. All of our finishes come back by our10 Year Warranty. and we do use products with very low VOC’S or VOC free.
Can I visit ElmWood Flooring’s location and look at different type of flooring, Carpet or Tile? Instead of having the company come to us.
Yes, you may visit our showroom by appointment only. We do not have a storefront location for browsing or shopping. Instead, all of our products are stored in our warehouse showrooms to minimize overhead costs, enabling us to offer you the best prices on a wide range of products.
If there are any frequently asked questions that we have not addressed, please let us know. We are always happy to review your comments and will respond or update the FAQs within 48 hours or sooner.
info@elmwoodflooring.com or call us today with any questions you may have. (773) 209-7499.
Are there Free Estimates?
We provide free quotes over the phone. If you wish to arrange an in-home or business estimate, there is a one-time travel callout fee of $20, $40, or $50, depending on your distance from our location. The $20 travel callout fee is refundable if our company is hired.
We get this one a lot… What is your per Sq foot cost?
ElmWood Flooring does not determine pricing solely based on square footage. Our prices vary from job to job, taking into account numerous factors beyond square footage. Therefore, we carefully consider multiple aspects before providing a quote, as estimating blindly is not practical. A representative from our shop must visit the site to assess the job thoroughly.
We deeply value our customers for allowing us the opportunity to provide them with the highest quality workmanship. We are committed to offering competitive pricing to all our future customers across various types of flooring or remodeling. Please note that our prices are subject to change at any time without notice, influenced by market conditions, supply costs, and demand, which may cause fluctuations over time.
How do I know if I’m in need of a new floor or they just need to be re-sanded or just buffed and not sanded?
The most effective approach would be to have one of our flooring professionals visit your location for an assessment. However, if this is not something you wish to do immediately, it is worth noting that a standard floor can typically be sanded four to five times before requiring replacement. You can evaluate the condition of your floor by examining its finish and determining its state by how thick it is.
If the finish is nearly worn away, your floors appear excessively dirty, or the wood is becoming visible through the finish, it indicates that the floors are being damaged. At this point, it is advisable to have them refinished or repaired. ElmWood Flooring can visit to assess the condition of your floors and provide professional recommendations on the necessary steps for restoration.
If the work that I’m looking to have done, costs a lot of money, dose ElmWood Flooring have a payment plan or Financing?
Yes, we offer a financing plan for individuals who qualify, provided they have good credit scores and no outstanding debt. Additionally, we are willing to accept three installment payments, distributed over the duration of the work.
A 50% deposit is required before commencing, payable via cash, credit or check, followed by a 40% payment upon reaching three-quarters completion, and the remaining 10% upon finalization. Alternatively, for smaller projects, we can accept a 50% deposit upfront and 50% payment upon completion, depending on the scope and size of the work for smaller projects. Payment options include cash, checks, and credit cards, with a 3.5% convenience fee applied to credit card transactions made online.
What is the dust factor when I have my floors re-sanded?
Most of our jobs achieve a dust-free environment of approximately 75% to 90%. We utilize tools designed to collect dust within the machines, and with daily vacuuming and sweeping on the job site, the remaining dust is minimal. Achieving a 99.9% dust-free environment requires running a dust collector to the trucks or employing an indoor dust collector that filters the air effectively.
Ultimately, utilizing this system will incur additional costs, but the decision remains entirely with you, the customer, whether to proceed with it or not. After completing each job, we always advise our customers to replace their air filters and consider scheduling duct cleaning, a service we also offer, which should ideally be performed annually.
What is the best way to keep my floors maintained, once they are done?
Steam cleaning is highly recommended as the most effective method. However, if a steam cleaning tool such as the Shark is not available, any other tool suitable for flooring can be used. For additional information on cleaning and maintaining your new floors to preserve their appearance over time, please visit the proper care page on our website under “Flooring Care.”
How long before ElmWood Flooring would be able to start my project, if I decided to have the work done?
ElmWood Flooring values all of its customers equally, regardless of the size of the project. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you have signed and dated our contract and provided a deposit payment, your job is entered into our system alongside other ongoing projects, and we begin work on it promptly.
Typically, we start within one to two weeks at the latest. In some cases, we may be able to begin immediately, depending on our workload and the location of our flooring crews at the time you request the work. The start time may range from one to three days or up to a week or two.
Does ElmWood service our location?
ElmWood Flooring Construction Co. provides services across most of Southern Wisconsin, Northwest Indiana, and within a 100-mile radius of Chicago, IL.
For out-of-state clients, projects must have a minimum size of 5,000 square feet or larger to be considered.
Cost and Budget:
What is the total cost of the project?
Costs will vary depending on the project and its specific requirements. Our company does not base pricing solely on square footage; instead, we consider all factors before preparing a proposal invoice. It is important to request a detailed breakdown of all costs, including materials, labor, and any potential additional charges such as subfloor preparation, carpet removal or demolition work, disposal, haul-away fees, and even credit card fees if payment is not made via cash or check.
Are there any hidden fees or extra charges?
Occasionally, yes. ElmWood cannot determine what lies beneath a floor system, so there may be additional costs once the old flooring is removed and unforeseen issues are discovered that require attention.
Ensure there are no surprises down the line by asking about all potential costs upfront.
There may be instances where the cost remains uncertain until the crews begin excavating the subflooring to uncover the underlying issues and determine the necessary measures to repair or replace it to restore its condition.
What is the average cost per square foot for my chosen flooring type?
Modernize indicates that flooring installation costs range from $3.50 to over $20 per square foot, with an average cost between $7 and $9.50 per square foot. These prices can vary significantly depending on factors such as the size of the area, the space involved, the required preparation work, and the installation method, whether it be click/floating, glue, nail-down, or a combination of glue and nail-down techniques.
Can you provide a written estimate or contract?
Absolutely yes! A written agreement safeguards both parties and clearly defines the scope of the project. If any contractor fails to provide one, do not walk away—run away.
Experience and Qualifications:
How much experience do you have with this type of flooring?
Request examples of comparable projects and references from past clients.
Are you insured?
This is essential for legal and financial protection. Ensure you obtain a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for any work being performed at your home or business.
Can you provide references or examples of your work?
Reviewing past projects allows potential clients to evaluate a contractor’s expertise and the quality of their work. At ElmWood’s, you can explore our portfolio on our Gallery Page or request references to contact individuals who can speak about the work we have completed for them. For further inquiries, please feel free to email us.
Process and Installation:
What is your installation process?
Comprehending the steps involved can assist in preparing your home and facilitating a seamless, stress-free process.
How long will the installation take?
Establish a realistic timeline for the project to prevent delays and scheduling conflicts.
What happens if unforeseen issues arise during the installation?
Inquire about how the contractor plans to address unforeseen issues, such as subfloor complications or damage to materials during delivery or at the job site.
How will you handle cleanup after the installation?
Ensure that the contractor removes all debris and leaves the area clean and tidy. Some contracts, such as those offered by ElmWood, include cleaning services to perform a deep clean after the work is completed. While there may be an additional fee for this service, most clients appreciate having a completely dust-free home or business once the project is finished.
Will the installation project affect my neighbors?
Inquire about potential noise levels and disruptions during the project. If necessary, prepare to communicate with them regarding your upcoming project to ensure they are fully informed about the possibility of noise during business hours, 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
What type of flooring is best for residential spaces?
The location where you intend to install flooring will determine the most suitable type of flooring for that area. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with one of our professionals to ensure you receive guidance in selecting the appropriate flooring options.
What about commercial spaces?
Each commercial space is unique and may have specific requirements. When consulting with our professional staff, it is essential to provide clear and detailed information about your goals and expectations for your commercial space.
Warranty and Aftercare:
What is the warranty on the flooring and installation?
Typically, a 12-month labor warranty is provided in addition to the product manufacturer’s warranty. However, warranties differ and may vary in terms of scope and duration. It is essential to consult your Sales Agent about the warranties beforehand to ensure you fully understand the warranty terms and what they cover.
What are your recommendations for maintaining the new flooring?
Seek professional guidance on cleaning and maintenance to preserve the longevity of your flooring, as each type of floor is unique and requires specific care.
What type of flooring is best for my home with young children and pets?
Softwoods are not an ideal choice, but nowadays there are numerous options for attractive and durable flooring that can withstand the wear and tear caused by children and pets.
What rooms is hardwood/carpet/laminate/tile/luxury vinyl flooring ideal for?
Each room is unique, requiring careful consideration of its specific characteristics to make an informed decision about what to include. Our professional representatives are available to guide you through this process from beginning to end, allowing you to concentrate on what matters most—your family.
What is the top brand for hardwood/carpet/laminate/tile/luxury vinyl flooring
ElmWood collaborates with thousands of manufacturers and distributors to procure products for our clients. If we are unable to locate the item you are searching for, it is likely that it is no longer produced or has never been manufactured.
What Clients Clients Clients say about ElmWood Flooring?
