Bend has experienced explosive growth over the past decade and with that growth has come an influx of contractors claiming they can install floors. This is especially true with luxury vinyl plank (LVP), which manufacturers market as "easy to install." I can't tell you how many panicked homeowners have called me after a friend-of-a-friend or unlicensed handyman left them with buckled floors, visible seams, or planks that pop up when you walk on them.
Choosing the right floor installer in Bend can mean the difference between a beautiful floor that lasts decades and a costly nightmare that needs redoing within a year. After more than 10 years installing floors throughout Central Oregon, I've seen a lot and I want help you avoid the pitfalls I've seen many fall into.
Here's exactly how to find a flooring contractor you can trust in our unique Bend market:
Step 1: Start With Online Research
Before you contact anyone, do your homework. Check Google reviews, Facebook recommendations, and local Bend community groups like "Bend Bulletin Board." Look for patterns in reviews, not just star ratings. What are people actually saying about their communication, timeliness, and how the floors held up months or years later?
If an installer has social media, even better. Do they showcase their work? Do they engage with the Bend community? This tells you they're invested in their reputation here.
Step 2: Verify Their CCB License
This step is non-negotiable. Oregon requires all contractors to be licensed through the Construction Contractors Board (CCB). Visit the CCB website and look up any contractor you're considering. This takes five minutes and could save you thousands of dollars and massive headaches.
An active CCB license means they're bonded and insured, which protects you if something goes wrong. If someone tells you they don't need a license or tries to avoid this question, walk away immediately. There are too many legitimate, licensed professionals in Bend to risk working with someone operating outside the law.
Step 3: Schedule Estimates and Come Prepared
Once you've narrowed your list to CCB-licensed contractors with solid reviews, invite them for estimates. This is where you'll separate the professionals from the pretenders. Prepare a detailed list of questions, and don't feel awkward about asking them. Any reputable installer expects and welcomes informed customers.
Here are the critical questions I recommend:
"Will you personally be doing the installation, or will you subcontract it out?"
This matters tremendously. If they're subbing out the work, ask about their relationship with the subcontractor and whether they'll personally oversee the job. In my company, I'm either on-site installing it myself or my most experienced team members handle the install. Never random subcontractors.
"What is your floor preparation process?"
This is the most important question you can ask. Proper subfloor preparation is absolutely critical, especially in homes built on concrete slabs or those with older wood subfloors that expand and contract with the Bend climate.
A good installer should explain moisture testing (crucial for concrete subfloors), leveling procedures, underlayment selection, and how they'll address any issues they find. If they give you a vague answer or seem annoyed by the question, that's your red flag. I sometimes spend more time on prep than on the actual installation because that's what ensures a floor that performs flawlessly for 20+ years.
See our article "Floor Prep- Do I Need It?"
"Can you walk me through your entire installation process?"
They should be able to give you a detailed timeline: how long materials need to acclimate in your Bend home, how they'll protect your existing finishes, daily work schedules, and cleanup procedures. If they can't articulate their process clearly, they probably don't have one.
Step 4: Ask for References and Photos
Ask for references from jobs completed at least a year ago, preferably in Bend or nearby areas like Redmond or Sisters. Call those references and ask specific questions: Did the project stay on budget and timeline? How did the floors look six months later? How did the installer handle any unexpected issues?
Request photos of completed projects, particularly if you're considering a specific material or pattern. Better yet, ask if you can see a completed job in person. Most homeowners are happy to show off their beautiful floors.
Red Flags to Watch For
In my years serving Bend homeowners, I've learned to spot warning signs:
- Pressure to sign a contract immediately or "lock in" pricing
- Significantly lower bids than other licensed contractors (you get what you pay for)
- No physical business address in Central Oregon
- Reluctance to answer detailed questions about their process
- No insurance or bonding documentation
- Requests for full payment upfront
Trust Your Gut
Finally, trust your instincts. Bend is still a community where relationships matter. Does this person communicate clearly? Do they show up on time for the estimate? Do they respect your home and your questions? You're inviting this contractor into your space so choose someone who makes you feel confident and comfortable. Take your time with this decision. Your floors are a major investment and quality flooring adds real value to your home.
Book a free estimate with us today to see how we live up to these standards.
