Flooring in Columbia, SC
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Half of the roughly 62,000 homes in Columbia, SC were built before 1980, according to Census estimates for this city of about 140,000 people. The city sits in climate zone 3A, a warm, humid climate. Below: what that means for new flooring, who handles permits, how to check a company, and questions to ask.
This page covers Columbia and its 34 ZIP codes. When you call or send a request, your ZIP code decides which company can take it.
Before you hire for new flooring in Columbia
Census estimates put the median build year in Columbia at 1980; about 18% of homes were built before 1950. In homes of this age, the main prep questions are usually subfloor flatness and moisture in concrete slabs. Ask the installer how both are checked. Federal EPA rules require firms that disturb painted surfaces in homes built before 1978 to follow lead-safe work practices. Ask whether the company is EPA lead-safe certified.
Richland County is in IECC climate zone 3A, a warm, humid climate, on the U.S. Department of Energy's county map. Humidity makes wood floors swell and shrink. Ask how long the flooring will acclimate and whether concrete slabs get a moisture test.
About 33% of homes in Columbia are in buildings with five or more units. Condo buildings often need approval before new floors go in, and some require sound-reducing underlayment. Only about 46% of occupied homes in Columbia are lived in by their owners, so many residents rent. Renters should check with the property owner or manager before hiring anyone for new flooring.
Permits and licenses in Columbia
Replacing floor coverings usually does not need a permit, but repairing or replacing the subfloor or joists can. In Columbia, permits come from the city's building department, or from Richland County for addresses outside city limits. Ask the company who pulls the permit, and keep a copy of it.
The Residential Builders Commission licenses or registers residential builders and specialty contractors. Look the company up with the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Residential Builders Commission before you sign.
Look up a license: Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Residential Builders Commission
Questions to ask a flooring company in Columbia
- Will you check the subfloor for moisture and flatness first?
- How long does the material need to acclimate?
- Are removing the old floor and moving furniture included?
Flooring companies serving Columbia
Company profiles for Columbia are on the way. Call or send a request above to reach a company that covers your ZIP code.
Flooring in Columbia: questions
How old are homes in Columbia?
Census estimates (ACS 2020-2024) put the median build year at 1980, and about 50% of homes were built before 1980. In homes of this age, the main prep questions are usually subfloor flatness and moisture in concrete slabs.
I rent in Columbia. Can I hire a flooring company myself?
About 46% of occupied homes in Columbia are owner-occupied, so many residents rent. Check your lease first: the property owner or manager usually decides on new flooring and who does it.
How do I check a flooring company in Columbia?
The Residential Builders Commission licenses or registers residential builders and specialty contractors. Ask for the company's license or registration number and look it up with the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Residential Builders Commission. Also ask for proof of insurance and get the scope in writing.
Do I need a permit for new flooring in Columbia?
Replacing floor coverings usually does not need a permit, but repairing or replacing the subfloor or joists can. In Columbia, permits come from the city's building department, or from Richland County for addresses outside city limits. The company you hire usually pulls it.
What climate zone is Columbia in?
Richland County is in IECC climate zone 3A (warm, humid), per the U.S. Department of Energy's county map. Humidity makes wood floors swell and shrink.
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Or call (833) 421-3714. Calls may be recorded.
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