Quick Summary
- The contract for an epoxy floor installation should specify prep method, coating system, material brand and specs, warranty terms, and timeline.
- Key questions to ask before signing cover preparation method, material specifications, the contractor's license and insurance, and what happens if something goes wrong.
- Vague contracts — those that say "epoxy floor" without specifying the system — leave you with little recourse if the result doesn't meet expectations.
- A contractor who bristles at specific, technical questions is a contractor who may not be able to answer them.
You've gotten three quotes. You've done the research. Now one contractor is asking you to sign on the dotted line. Before you do, here are the questions that separate a good installation from a regrettable one — and the answers that tell you whether this contractor knows what they're doing.
Questions About Surface Preparation
"What prep method will you use, and to what surface profile?"
This is the single most important technical question. The answer should specify shot blasting, diamond grinding, or (for residential/light use) mechanical grinding — along with a target ICRI surface profile (typically CSP-3 to CSP-5 for bonding epoxy). "We'll acid etch it" for a garage or commercial floor is a red flag.
"How will you address the oil stains in my garage?"
There should be a specific answer: degreasing, surface testing, possibly localized grinding. "We'll take care of it" is not specific enough.
💡 Tip
Ask the contractor to show you photos of a recently completed installation from its first coat stage — before the decorative topcoat. This shows you the quality of their prep work and base coat.
Questions About Materials
"What specific coating system are you installing?"
The answer should name the manufacturer and product line — not just "commercial-grade epoxy." Legitimate systems include: Sherwin-Williams ArmorSeal, Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield Professional, Simiron, Penntek, Spartacote, or similar. Ask for the material data sheet (MDS) or product spec sheet for each component.
"What is the dry film thickness of the finished system?"
A quality residential broadcast flake system should deliver 20–30+ mils total dry film thickness across all coats. A single thin coat marketed as "epoxy" is typically far less than this and will not last.
"Is a polyaspartic or polyurethane topcoat included?"
Many quality installations use epoxy as the base and a harder, UV-stable topcoat (polyaspartic or polyurethane) as the wear layer. If this isn't in the quote, ask why.
Questions About Warranty and Responsibility
"What does your warranty cover, and for how long?"
Understand whether the warranty covers material defects only, labor only, or both. Typical residential epoxy installation warranties run 1–5 years. Commercial warranties vary. Get the warranty in writing as part of the contract.
"What conditions would void the warranty?"
Common exclusions: damage from unapproved chemicals, failure to maintain properly, hot tire pickup, moisture issues that weren't disclosed. Know these upfront.
💡 Tip
Ask if the contractor carries general liability insurance and, for commercial projects, workers' compensation. Request certificates of insurance before signing. A legitimate contractor will provide these without hesitation.
Questions About Timeline and Logistics
"How many days will installation take, and when can I use the floor?"
Get these numbers in writing: when light foot traffic is allowed, when vehicle traffic is allowed, and when the floor is considered fully cured.
"Who will be doing the work — your employees or subcontractors?"
Both can be fine, but you should know. If subcontractors are used, confirm they're covered under the contractor's insurance.
💡 Tip
Ask for references from installations done in the past 12 months — and actually call them. Ask specifically whether the prep work was thorough, whether the crew showed up on time, and whether there have been any problems with the floor since installation.
Red Flags in the Contract
- No specific material brands or product names listed
- No mention of prep method or surface profile
- Warranty that excludes "delamination" or "peeling"
- No written cure timeline
- Payment in full required upfront (a 30–50% deposit is normal; 100% before work begins is not)
Bottom Line
A signed contract is a binding agreement — and your primary recourse if something goes wrong. Make sure it specifies what prep method will be used, what materials will be applied, what the warranty covers, and what the timeline is. A contractor who provides clear, specific answers to these questions earns your trust. One who deflects or gives vague answers is telling you something important.