A BUYER’S GUIDE TO FLOORING CONTRACTORS
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INTRO
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Part 1: Introduction 4 Part 2: Lowering Floor Installation Cost 7 Part 3: Why partner with a specialty, commercial flooring contractor? 11 Part 4: Key considerations when selecting a flooring contractor 15 Part 5: More About Spectra Contract Flooring
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A Buyer’s Guide to Flooring Contractors
A facility floor says a lot about a business to customers, employees and associates. How can you procure a strong floor that communicates a central vision to all audiences while balancing your cost and schedule? One of the keys to achieving the greatest value is to work with a specialty flooring contractor. A partner. One that can identify the best materials, reduce your risks and make the flooring installation process easy. In this buyer’s guide, we cover: • Best practices for reducing costs and getting a quality floor • Tangible ways that specialty flooring specialists should add value • The key qualities of solid flooring contractors • And much, much more Read on to take the first step toward procuring a steady floor on your budget. 3 spectracf.com
LOWERING FLOOR INSTALLATION COST
LOWERING FLOOR INSTALLATION COST One of the most important elements of procuring a floor is often budget — achieving the greatest value for your dollar. We recommend three primary strategies for stretching your flooring dollars: partnering with a flooring specialist who can identify material alternatives, using life cycle costing and considering ways to keep your operation running during installation.
How material alternatives can reduce floor installation cost Materials make up one of the biggest costs of your floor. Many flooring installations, particularly those that are part of construction projects, begin with specifications from a designer or engineer. Often, a design vision calls for a partic4 spectracf.com
LOWERING FLOOR INSTALLATION COST
ular type of flooring and adhesives for that flooring. In many other instances, owners may simply have an aesthetic in mind. But without the consultation of a specialty flooring con-
“An inexpensive option, such as VCT, could become the most expensive floor you ever purchase.”
tractor, finding the right material solution can be a challenge. Today, you can choose from thousands of flooring options provided by manufacturers throughout the world. In many cases when expensive options are specified, certain types of flooring can be substituted for far less cost. Even if you want rapid installation, sustainable materials or unique flooring elements, some available material can help you maximize your budget. The best way to find the right material is to partner with a specialty flooring contractor that has true material expertise — not to mention relationships with manufacturers that enable discounted pricing.
Life Cycle Costing Long-term maintenance expenses can actually outweigh your upfront investment in a quality floor. To realize the greatest value, have your specialty flooring contractor provide Life Cycle Costing estimates that account for maintenance. If you have to regularly strip, wax or overhaul your floor, an inexpensive option, such as VCT, could become the most expensive floor you ever purchase.
Don’t let flooring installation slow down your operation If you’re in an active facility, the opportunity costs of shutting down may outweigh your direct flooring costs. That’s why, if possible, you’ll want a specialty flooring contractor to
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LOWERING FLOOR INSTALLATION COST
devise an installation plan that keeps you operating without interruption. It will take creative solutions that account for the unique requirements of your environment, but the best
“The best contractors come prepared.”
contractors come prepared. They’ll have innovative solutions, such as Vertical Installation Technology (VIT™). This is a tool contractors use to hoist furniture up, while a crew installs flooring. Complementing VIT™ with experienced teams and tailored project management systems, a quality contractor can often phase installations and complete projects without bringing active environments to a halt.
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WHY PARTNER WITH A SPECIALTY, COMMERCIAL FLOORING CONTRACTOR?
WHY PARTNER WITH A SPECIALTY, COMMERCIAL FLOORING CONTRACTOR? A specialty flooring contractor adds value in a variety of ways — from knowledgeable, experienced teams and tested processes to the latest technology, industry partnerships and more. There’s no reason to settle for anything less than professional delivery that provides you the greatest flooring value.
Adding value through material expertise and partnerships Specialty flooring contractors add value through expert knowledge and an ability to suggest the right flooring solutions for your environment. That includes identifying the best solutions for price, as we previously covered. But it also means understanding the potential dangers of any given floor, such as moisture issues, damaging adhesives and more. Quality teams can identify any existing substrates you may have, address any problems that limit your floor’s potential lifespan and select flooring solutions that will both last and look good. Expertise carries over to sourcing sustainable flooring solutions. For example, your contractor can help you know when it’s possible to use environmentally friendly, low-VOC, preapplied adhesives. These are tape systems that replace the traditional buckets of glue used to adhere certain types of flooring. 7 spectracf.com
WHY PARTNER WITH A SPECIALTY, COMMERCIAL FLOORING CONTRACTOR?
Top flooring contractors have not only knowledge of materials, but also partnerships with manufacturers that allow you to get great price points. And material expertise and manufacturer partnerships also allow flooring specialists to meet rapid project timelines. Different materials, such as hand-made carpets, require different lead times — the time it takes to acquire flooring from manufacturers. Sound contractors have expertise in the logistics of material sourcing and will procure all materials ahead of time so your project isn’t slowed. Even better, if you’re in a rushed schedule, contractors can find alternative solutions that require less lead time.
Risk reduction adds value Specialty commercial flooring contractors have programs in place to reduce risk. You’ll have an entire team dedicated to achieving 100 percent project accuracy — from estimation
“You’ll have an entire team dedicated to achieving 100 percent project accuracy — from estimation through final quality inspections. “
through final quality inspections. Some key tools include specialty flooring project management software designed to ensure quality throughout every step. At Spectra, we use our own proprietary system called WinBid. The best contractors have set procedures in place for testing and quality assurance. As an example, we follow the principles of Franklin Covey’s Four Disciplines of Execution (4DX). As part of this company-wide initiative, we use lead measures that influence team behavior to contribute to big goals. In every project, we fully define scope, including bid, labor cost and time. We scout job sites to research conditions one week before a project begins. And we proactively run through quality control lists following a project to take care of any action items. 8 spectracf.com
WHY PARTNER WITH A SPECIALTY, COMMERCIAL FLOORING CONTRACTOR?
You’ll find the best contractors have similar systems in place. Before your project, you should receive risk assessments that cover special job-site conditions and identify anything that can affect your floor’s lasting quality.
Specialty flooring experience ensures quality and savings Commercial flooring contractors have experience in a broad
“You’ll benefit from efficient teams that actively train to rapidly and costeffectively install flooring.”
range of projects. That means you’ll benefit from efficient teams that actively train to rapidly and cost-effectively install flooring. With certain contractors, you’ll even have the added reliability of teams that train specifically for your floor. Depending on the kind of flooring solution you select, your crew may require unique training and familiarity to install it correctly. For some projects, this is absolutely essential, as you’ll find some floors call for uncommon techniques. And any deviation from specific manufacturer guidelines can cause defects later — in addition to voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. Intricate projects, such as flooring for the City of Phoenix Symphony Hall (above), particularly require an expert team. 9 spectracf.com
WHY PARTNER WITH A SPECIALTY, COMMERCIAL FLOORING CONTRACTOR?
Another benefit that a trained team provides is a safe job site devoid of unnecessary dangers. No accidents means peace of mind for you.
“Contractors must be able to pull from a complete selection of materials to make your vision a reality.”
At Spectra Contract Flooring, we have a highly experienced staff, with many flooring professionals who have worked in the industry for more than 10 years.
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KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SELECTING A FLOORING CONTRACTOR
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SELECTING A FLOORING CONTRACTOR We’ve discussed the value you should expect your specialty flooring contractor to contribute. Now, we’ll examine the key factors you can use to differentiate contractors that can deliver that value.
A good set of ears and greatest-value flooring solutions The first key trait of a quality commercial flooring contractor is having the ability to provide the right solutions for your needs. That starts with a good set of ears and intent listening to ascertain all key information and learn your vision. No two projects are the same, so your contractor must truly gain a sense for what’s needed. Then, with that understanding in mind, your contractor must be able to pull from a complete selection of materials to make your vision a reality. But it’s not enough to simply have solutions. You should receive objective and unbiased guidance on selecting the right flooring. Your contractor should have the ability to act as a single-source consultant and provide pricing on a range of materials. And part of understanding your needs is understanding your timeline. Flooring contractors are often the last company to touch a project before it’s complete. You’ll want a partner who is able to show a track record of delivering on-time — unfortunately, it’s not a given for every contractor. 11 spectracf.com
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SELECTING A FLOORING CONTRACTOR
A firm financial base Partnering with a flooring contractor that has strong financial backing is an absolute must for any sizable project. It means your contractor can invest in your project and not be slowed down due to cash-flow needs. You want a company that’s not worried about banking, credit or insurance. Instead, you will benefit from selecting a company that can dedicate time to job sites, training and coaching associates and focus on the flooring trade, products and solutions. If you ask, your contractor should be able to show you proof. One metric is bonding capacity, which is similar to insurance.
“A low bid may not actually be so low once you factor in other costs.”
It provides financial backing to assure owners of a contractor’s ability to deliver a project. At Spectra Contract Flooring, we’re a Berkshire Hathaway company and have full financial flexibility.
Complete pricing You’ll want a flooring contractor that provides full and accurate cost estimates. Remember, you don’t just pay the cost of your flooring materials and labor for installation. Testing, risk reduction and life cycle costing hold just as much importance in determining the price of your floor. A low bid may not actually be so low once you factor in other costs.
Risk reduction and quality control measures As we’ve discussed earlier in this white paper, quality contractors have procedures in place for testing. This is a must. Your 12 spectracf.com
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SELECTING A FLOORING CONTRACTOR
contractor should identify any issue, such as moisture mitigation and adhesives, that will cause complications down the road. And your contractor should have the ability to minimize risk in a project and fully educate you on all testing. Strict quality standards and adherence to manufacturer guidelines are crucial.
Green flooring experience In today’s environment, it’s key to work with a contractor that can deliver sustainably and source environmentally friendly materials. The green standards for many projects are set by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The greenest projects are LEED Certified, so you’ll want a contractor that has experience with LEED projects.
Strong safety track record Last, but certainly not least, any sound contractor will have a strong, demonstrated safety record. Among other things, that means having an Emergency Modification Rate (EMR) of less than 1.0. The EMR metric shows how often workers’
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KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SELECTING A FLOORING CONTRACTOR
compensation claims are filed against a contractor. Another key measure is OSHA’s DART metric, which stands for “days away, restricted or transferred.” It refers to the amount of
“The better your partner’s safety credentials, the better the price you’ll pay.”
employee time missed due to workplace injuries. Last, you’ll want personnel on your job site who have specialty safety training. At Spectra Contract Flooring, we have an EMR of less than 1.0, and we proudly employ OSHA 30 qualified personnel and OSHA 10 qualified personnel. Ours is a highly trained, safe team. But why does safety matter for you? Peace of mind, for one. But also, the price you pay for flooring installation is directly affected by the insurance premiums your contractor pays. And the better your partner’s safety credentials, the better the price you’ll pay.
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MORE ABOUT SPECTRA CONTRACT FLOORING
More About Spectra Contract Flooring
With more than 30 locations nationwide, Spectra Contract Flooring is the largest specialty, commercial flooring contractor in the U.S. We partner with a wide range of flooring manufacturers to provide an extensive library of flooring solutions. From material identification and risk assessment to project management, cutting-edge installation technology and experienced professionals, we’re flooring specialists. We provide design-fresh, budget conscious solutions. And we help you achieve the greatest value for your flooring investment. If you’re looking for a flooring solution, speak with some of our seasoned flooring professionals. Click here to request a flooring consultation. Or, learn more about Spectra Contract Flooring.
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