Selecting a professional floor sanding company is crucial to ensuring that your wooden floors maintain their beauty, durability, and value. With an estimated 200 floor sanding businesses operating in the London area, choosing the right one can feel like a daunting task.
This article will provide you with a handy guide on the seven key factors to consider when selecting a floor sanding company in London.
1. Experience and Expertise
Experience plays a critical role in the floor sanding industry.
Companies that have been in the business for many years typically possess a wealth of knowledge about different types of wood, their unique characteristics, and the best methods for sanding each one.
They are often more adept at managing unexpected issues that may arise during the process, owing to their extensive experience dealing with a wide range of scenarios.
According to a 2022 report by IBISWorld, approximately 20% of floor sanding businesses in the UK have been in operation for over a decade, attesting to their staying power and presumably, the satisfaction of their clientele.
These seasoned companies have seen trends come and go and have kept pace with the evolving technology in the field. They have developed and refined their techniques over time, leading to better, more consistent results.
2. Reviews and Reputation
With the pervasiveness of digital media, you can easily gauge a company’s reputation before engaging their services.
Online platforms like Google and Trustpilot allow consumers to share their experiences with businesses, and these reviews can provide valuable insights.
It’s important to read through both positive and negative reviews and see how the company responds to criticism.
Responsiveness to negative feedback often indicates a company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
A survey revealed that the number of consumers who read online reviews for local businesses increased from 81% in 2020 to 87% in 2022.
This shift underscores the growing reliance on digital platforms for making informed decisions about local services. Consequently, the overall reputation of a floor sanding company, as seen through its online reviews, can serve as a reliable indicator of the quality of service you can expect.
3. Accreditation and Insurance
It is vital to ensure that the floor sanding company you select is fully insured and accredited by relevant industry bodies such as the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA).
Accreditation by such organizations is evidence of a company’s adherence to high industry standards in service delivery, professional ethics, and customer service.
Insurance, on the other hand, is essential to protect against any unforeseen incidents that might occur during the sanding process. This protection should cover both potential damage to your property and any injuries that staff might sustain while working on your premises.
Insured companies provide an additional layer of peace of mind, knowing that you are safeguarded against unexpected liabilities.
A company’s willingness to provide proof of accreditation and insurance upon request is a good sign of its transparency and professionalism.
4. Services Offered
Different floor sanding companies offer varying ranges of services.
While some might specialise in sanding, they may not offer sealing or staining, which are essential parts of the floor finishing process.
Others might offer comprehensive services, including repair of damaged sections, staining to change the colour of the wood, and sealing to protect the surface from wear and tear.
Before choosing a company, make sure to understand what services they provide.
Ideally, it would be best to opt for a company that can handle the entire process from start to finish, from the initial assessment, through sanding and finishing, and concluding with aftercare advice.
This one-stop approach can save you the trouble of dealing with multiple contractors and ensure a consistent quality of work.
5. Cost and Value
While price is a crucial consideration for most homeowners, it shouldn’t be the only determining factor.
The old adage, “you get what you pay for,” often holds true in the floor sanding industry.
Opting for the cheapest service might mean a compromise on quality or the use of inferior materials, which can lead to disappointing results and potentially higher costs in the long run for repairs or rework.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data indicates that the average cost of floor sanding services in the UK increased by 2.8% in 2022. This price increase is mainly due to rising labour and material costs.
When considering the cost, always request a detailed quote that breaks down all the elements of the service.
Transparency in pricing can help you avoid unexpected charges and provide a clearer picture of what you’re paying for.
6. Customer Service
Good customer service goes beyond merely providing a service.
It reflects a company’s professionalism, its understanding of customer needs, and its commitment to providing a satisfactory customer experience.
Notice how the company representatives respond to your queries.
Do they listen carefully and provide clear, concise responses?
Do they take the time to understand your specific needs and preferences?
79% of UK consumers value customer service as much as product quality.
A company that is easy to contact, responsive to questions, and willing to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction is likely to provide a service that meets or exceeds your expectations.
7. Environmental Considerations
Increasingly, consumers are becoming more conscious of their choices’ environmental impacts.
In the floor sanding industry, this awareness can influence the selection of a service provider. Look for companies that use eco-friendly products and practices, including water-based finishes, low-VOC stains, and dust-free sanding equipment.
These practices not only contribute to a healthier indoor environment but also help reduce the overall environmental footprint.
68% of London residents believe that businesses should do more to reduce their environmental impact.
By choosing a company that shares your environmental values, you can contribute to these efforts and enjoy a beautifully sanded floor that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible.
How to choose the right company for you
Choosing the right floor sanding company in London need not be a daunting task.
By prioritising these 7 factors – experience, reputation, accreditation, range of services, cost, customer service, and environmental considerations – you can make an informed decision that suits your specific needs and preferences.
At Resand.co.uk, we’re proud to embody these qualities, offering reliable, high-quality, and environmentally friendly floor sanding services to our London clients and beyond.
Your wooden floors are a testament to your home’s character, so why not give them the care they deserve?
Trust the experts at Resand.co.uk, where we promise to breathe life back into your floors with our top-quality sanding and finishing services.
With our experience, environmental dedication, and a keen focus on customer satisfaction, we’re more than just a service – we’re your partners in maintaining your home’s beauty. Discover the Resand.co.uk difference today.
Call us now for a consultation, or visit our website to learn more about our services. Let us help you transform your floors into a stunning feature of your home.
Lily Edwards is a dedicated blog author for ReSand.co.uk, using her background in Interior Design to write insightful articles on floor care, including sanding, oiling, and polishing.
When she's not crafting informative blog posts, Lily enjoys exploring the British countryside, antique hunting, and indulging her love for DIY home improvement projects.