Hiring a floor sander is a significant investment, and the quality of the finished result depends almost entirely on the skill and care of the tradesperson you choose. Taking a little time to check references and view previous work before signing anything can save you from a costly, dusty disaster — and help you find someone who'll leave your floors looking stunning.
Why Checking References Matters
Floor sanding is a skilled trade. Done well, it transforms tired, scratched timber into a beautiful feature of your home. Done poorly, it can leave uneven surfaces, sanding marks, swirl patterns, or a finish that peels within months. Unlike some trades, mistakes in floor sanding are very visible and expensive to fix — sometimes requiring a full re-sand. Checking references gives you real-world evidence of a sander's workmanship, reliability, and professionalism.
Ask for a Portfolio of Recent Work
Any reputable floor sander should be happy to show you before-and-after photos of recent jobs. Look for:
- Even, consistent colouring across the floor surface
- Clean edges and corners where the floor meets skirting boards
- No visible sanding marks, swirl patterns, or chatter marks
- Smooth, well-applied finish — whether oil, polyurethane, or hardwax
- Jobs on similar timber species to yours (e.g., rimu, kauri, pine, oak), since different timbers behave differently
If they have a website or social media page, check those too. A professional who takes pride in their work will usually showcase it.
Request at Least Two or Three References
Ask the floor sander to provide contact details for two or three recent customers — ideally from the past 12 months. When you speak to those references, ask:
- Were you happy with the finished result?
- Did the tradesperson turn up on time and complete the job on schedule?
- Were they tidy and respectful of your home? (Dust management is a big one — professional sanders use dustless or low-dust equipment.)
- Did the finish hold up well over time?
- Would you hire them again?
Don't be shy about asking these questions — a good tradesperson will expect it and welcome the opportunity to let their work speak for itself.
Check Online Reviews and Listings
Search the business name on Google, Facebook, or trade directory sites. Look for patterns in the reviews rather than focusing on a single negative comment. Consistent praise for quality and communication is a good sign. Consistent complaints about dust, delays, or poor finish quality are red flags.
You can also find qualified local floor sanders on tradedirectory.co.nz, where you can compare tradespeople and read reviews from NZ homeowners.
Verify Their Business Credentials
While floor sanding is not a licensed trade in the same way that electrical or plumbing work is (which are legally restricted trades under NZ law — see EWRB and PGDB), you should still check:
- GST registration — any business turning over more than the GST threshold should be registered. Ask for their GST number.
- Public liability insurance — this protects you if they accidentally damage your home or belongings. Always ask for proof.
- How long they've been operating — experience matters in this trade.
If the job involves any associated building work (such as replacing damaged boards before sanding), check whether a building consent is required. Some minor repairs are exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act, but always confirm with your local council. The MBIE Building Performance website is a good starting point.
Inspect a Job in Progress or Recently Completed
If possible, ask whether you can visit a current or recently completed job site to see the work firsthand. Some tradespeople are happy to arrange this with a previous client's permission. Seeing the actual floor — not just a photo — gives you a much clearer sense of quality.
Get a Detailed Written Quote
A professional floor sander will provide a written quote that specifies:
- The timber species and condition being worked on
- Number of sanding passes and grit sequence
- The finish product being used (e.g., a Wattyl or Resene floor coating, or a hardwax oil)
- Number of finish coats
- Dust management method
- Timeline and payment terms
Vague quotes are a warning sign. If a tradesperson can't explain exactly what they're going to do, that's worth noting.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unwilling to provide references or photos
- No written quote or contract
- Requests full payment upfront
- No public liability insurance
- Unusually low price with no clear explanation
- Poor communication or slow to respond
When to Call a Professional
Floor sanding is always best left to an experienced professional. Hiring the wrong person — or attempting it yourself with hired equipment without proper knowledge — risks permanent damage to your timber floors. If your floors are heritage timber (rimu, kauri, matai), the stakes are even higher, as these species can be irreplaceable. Find a qualified, experienced floor sander through tradedirectory.co.nz and take the time to check their references thoroughly before you commit.
For guidance on healthy indoor environments and floor finishes, BRANZ provides useful technical resources for NZ homeowners.
