Quick Summary
- Start with referrals, then use review sites and manufacturer contractor locators
- Verify licensing and insurance before anything else
- Ask for a portfolio of completed projects, not just stock photos
- Get everything in writing: prep method, products used, coats, thickness, and warranty
- Check for complaints with your state contractor licensing board
- Three quotes minimum; compare scope not just price
Finding a good epoxy contractor is a lot like finding a good mechanic. There are plenty of them out there, but the difference between a great one and a bad one is enormous — and it is not always obvious from the outside. Here is how to do your homework before you hand anyone a deposit.
Start with Referrals
The best contractors are the ones your neighbors or colleagues have actually used. Before you go online, ask around. If you see a garage floor in your neighborhood that looks sharp, knock on the door. People who are happy with their contractor love to share.
Home improvement Facebook groups, neighborhood apps like Nextdoor, and local community forums are also surprisingly useful for this. Real people with real jobs completed are worth more than five-star ratings you cannot verify.
Where to Search Online
After referrals, these are the most useful sources:
Google Maps / Google Business: Search "epoxy flooring contractor" plus your city. Look at review volume and recency — not just the rating. A contractor with 80 reviews over three years tells a different story than one with 6 reviews in the last month.
Manufacturer locator tools: Several major epoxy brands (Sherwin-Williams Floorcovering, Rust-Oleum Industrial, Penntek, ArmorPoxy) maintain lists of certified or trained installers. These contractors have been vetted by the brand and trained on specific products, which is a meaningful credential.
Angi, HomeAdvisor, and Thumbtack: Can surface leads, but vet carefully. These platforms charge for leads, which attracts both great contractors and people just getting started. Always follow up with independent verification.
💡 Tip
Search for the contractor's business name separately from the review platform. Google them directly and see if anything concerning comes up. A contractor who has been sued, had licensing issues, or generated complaints on consumer boards will often show up in a broader search.
Verify Licensing and Insurance Before Anything Else
In most states, flooring contractors need a contractor's license, and epoxy work may fall under specialty or surface coating categories. Requirements vary by state. The key things to verify:
State contractor license: Ask for the license number and look it up on your state's licensing board website. Confirm it is active and in good standing.
General liability insurance: This protects you if the contractor damages your property. Ask for a certificate of insurance and make sure it is current.
Workers' compensation: If they have employees, they need it. If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you could be held liable.
💡 Tip
You can verify contractor licensing in most states in about two minutes online. Just search "\[your state\] contractor license lookup." If a contractor cannot or will not provide their license number, that is a serious red flag.
Ask to See Their Work
A good contractor will have photos of completed jobs. But photos can be stock images or borrowed from manufacturers. Ask for:
- A portfolio of local jobs with addresses you could visit or owners you could contact
- References from jobs completed in the last 12 months
- Examples of jobs similar to yours in scope, surface type, and application
💡 Tip
Call the references. Ask specifically: "Did the contractor do a thorough prep? Were there any problems? Did they come back if something needed to be fixed?" Those three questions will tell you a lot.
What a Good Estimate Looks Like
A professional contractor should give you a written estimate that includes:
- How the surface will be prepared (shot blasting, diamond grinding, acid etch)
- What moisture testing method will be used
- The specific products being applied (brand name, product name, not just "epoxy")
- Number of coats and approximate dry film thickness
- Estimated timeline
- Warranty terms and what is covered (and what is not)
If an estimate is a single line that says "$2,400 for epoxy floor," ask for more detail. A contractor who cannot or will not specify their process is one to be cautious about.
💡 Tip
Save every written communication with your contractor, including texts and emails. If there is ever a dispute about what was promised, documentation is your best friend.