10 things to consider when hiring installers

Retailer Review Summer 1995

Over the years, nothing saves your business more time and money than an installation job done well.  Floorcovering installers are among the carpet retailers most valuable assets.  Nevertheless, how do you find a good one?  When you interview an applicant, how can you tell if he is likely to be competent and reliable?  And what trade-offs do you have to make to ensure good installations for your customers?

 What should you look for in an installer?

1. A good installer should be familiar with the CRI -104 and CRI -105 guidelines, the Carpet and Rug Institute standards for installation of residential and commercial floor coverings.

2. The candidate should demonstrate a basic ability to use the standard tools of Floorcovering installation and a basic knowledge of the various Floorcovering materials involved.  Ask him what would happen to certain materials under specified problematic conditions typically in Floorcovering installation situations.

3.  A potentially good installer may not know all the answers, but he will demonstrate an interest in learning new and better ways to do the job.

4. An applicant should present a well-groomed appearance and professional manner that will reflect the positives on your business.

 What are the trade-offs, retailers are making to get good installers?

 5. Asked not how cheap and fast he will work.  Ask if he is qualified to work with the products you sell.  The well-trained installer, who has pride in his work, usually cost more to use on-the-job, initially, then one who is not trained and has no history of professional pride.  However, the risk of callbacks, loss of business, even lawsuits, often negates any savings made by hiring inadequate installers.

6. Retailers and other members of the flooring coverings industry, have to educate consumers that consistently good installers come only from using professionally trained, responsible individuals to expect to earn a reasonable wage and government mandated benefits.

7. Retailers have to start placing a visible value on good installation.  When any retailer advertises free pad and installation, he is perpetuating a fallacy that has hobbled the industry for years.  He is implying that any worker who works on the job can install Floorcovering, that installation quality is unimportant and that it is inexpensive.

 Where can you find good installers?

 8. If you want to be reasonable, surer of getting a professional installer, context of Floorcovering insulation board and asked for names of credentialed artisans in your area who has passed a rigorous testing process.

9. If there is nobody nearby, advertising for installers to have completed industry sanction training courses, periodicals workshop sessions or vocational trade school programs.  These applicants have spent time and possibly their own money to upgrade their skills.

10. Look for members of the industry associations such as FCICA or CFI; they are likely to have access to and take advantage of ongoing training opportunities and educational materials.

How do you recognize reliable Floorcovering installers?

 Ye shall know him by the quality of his work, by his professional appearance, and by the way, he relates to your customers.  In addition, ye shall be glad he is on your payroll.