Full-service flooring contractor
Supply and install hardwood, tile and other flooring with a small crew, quoting complete jobs for homes and businesses.
- $10k-50k
- Full-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
17,989 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.4% in a year
NAICS 238330 “Flooring contractors”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A flooring company that measures, quotes, orders materials and installs everything, including hardwood, tile, vinyl and carpet. You run a small crew from a van and work with suppliers instead of a retail showroom.
Your first three steps
- Check licensing requirements with your state contractor board, then form an LLC and get an EIN
- Open trade accounts with local flooring distributors and ask about contractor pricing and sample sets
- Line up a vehicle, a quoting template and one or two experienced installers you can call on for bigger jobs
Who pays
Homeowners doing remodels, landlords, builders, and small businesses such as offices and shops.
How it makes money
A fixed price per job covering labor and a markup on materials, plus add-ons like old floor removal, subfloor repair and trim.
Skills that help
- Installing several floor types well
- Estimating materials and labor
- Managing a crew and customer expectations
Watch out for
- State or local contractor license and possibly a bond, requirements differ widely, so verify yours
- General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire employees
- Cash flow, since you may pay for materials before the customer pays you, so consider taking a deposit
- Worker classification, check IRS and state rules before using subcontractors
- Older homes may contain hazards such as asbestos or lead paint, check rules before removing old flooring
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a flooring contractor business?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your van, tools, crew size and the materials you need to buy up front. Cash flow matters, so consider taking deposits.
What licenses and rules apply to flooring contractors?
Check for a state or local contractor license and possibly a bond, since requirements differ widely. Also check general liability and workers' compensation insurance, IRS and state worker classification rules, and hazard rules for older homes.
How much can a flooring contractor make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on crew size, job sizes and how steadily you win work. Expect to work at least about 35 hours a week.
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