Always ready to offer their guests a high-quality experience, the hospitality market is constantly adapting to market demands and changing consumer tastes to create inspiring settings.
Hospitality flooring environments endure a good deal of abuse under high heeled shoes, wheeled luggage and the set-up and take-down of chairs and tables used for special events like weddings and conferences. In designing for this market, designers and proprietors are constantly looking for durable and sustainable flooring materials that tie into the design statement, carefully considering the impact years down the road.
In a hospitality space, design sets you apart. Appealing to a growing trend to create a special, unique experience that takes guests away from the daily grind of modern day life, hospitality designers are going beyond using traditional flooring materials and looking at the world for inspiration. For example, many hotels use hardwood flooring to give the space a residential feeling. The Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel in New York attempts to make its guests feel as if they are stepping into a luxury New York apartment through the use of smoked timber oak floors, which can be found in the hotel’s meeting and event spaces, bar and den. J.W. Marriott’s Houston property is another example. Housed in a building constructed in 1910, the company took the building down to the studs and rebuilt it. The design team chose a modern look for the facility, and combined wood, stone and Axminster carpet in the lobby.
Once the flooring materials are chosen, it is important to work with a professional hospitality flooring contractor, as installation is critical. Before you hire a hotel flooring contractor, you should be asking some important questions.
- Is the contractor licensed? You should only hire licensed carpet and flooring contractors. This ensures that you are dealing with someone who knows what they are doing. Finding a licensed contractor also means that you are dealing with a reputable contractor that is established in his/her industry. To check the status, contact your state’s professional license board or department to verify standing and history. Note that most condo buildings will require that the company’s license be on file before installing tile and hardwood.
- What’s the timeframe on flooring installation? You want to make sure that your job is scheduled and completed in a timely manner. Reputable carpet and flooring companies have experienced crews ready to go and material in-house.
- Is the flooring installer and/or company insured? Make sure the contractor or flooring company has the proper insurance, and ask to see proof. Keep in mind most condo buildings will require this information before the job can start.
- What warranties are offered and for how long? A bad installation may not show signs of failure for several months. By law, professional contractors are obligated to warrant their work and address problems concerning installation. If there are problems with the materials, the store or contractor should handle the warranty issue with the manufacturer. A reputable flooring installation company will be registered with the manufacturer as an authorized dealer and have the experience dealing with manufacturers regarding warranty issues.
- What type of flooring is the contractor able to install? You want to be sure the flooring contractor you hire has the training and experience in installing the type of flooring you are putting in. Experienced installers are able to install properly, quickly and efficiently.
- Compare pricing and get references. The time you spend with the contractor will give you an idea of the skill set and integrity. Ask questions. Industry experts suggest you get three estimates to compare. Keep in mind that the lowest bid is not always the best option. Just as important is asking for client references so you can hear from others about their experience in dealing with the flooring contractor and company.