H and H Home Improvements is a licensed flooring and tile contractor installing hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, ceramic tile, porcelain tile, and laminate for residential and select commercial properties.
What Proper Flooring Installation Actually Involves
Before we touch a single plank or tile, we inspect the subfloor. Moisture is a real threat, so we test for it and address any problems before installation begins. We level the subfloor, choose the right underlayment for the material and the room, and then proceed with installation in the correct sequence for the product type.
For tile jobs, that means backer board installation, careful layout planning, setting tile with the right adhesive and spacers, grouting, and sealing. For hardwood, it means proper acclimation of the wood to your home's temperature and humidity before a single nail or drop of glue goes down. Transition strips and a final inspection close out every job. Each of these steps protects your investment and keeps the floor performing for years.
When any of those steps get skipped, the results are predictable and expensive. Tile cracks along grout lines when the subfloor flexes because it wasn't properly prepped. LVP buckles when moisture gets trapped underneath because the installer didn't check what they were laying on. Hardwood cups when it wasn't given enough time to acclimate. Fixing bad installation costs significantly more than hiring the first time correctly, because now the bad work has to come out before the right work can go in.
We hold a current contractor license and carry general liability coverage. Alabama law requires licensed contractors for certain scope thresholds, and we stay current on those requirements for every county we work in.
Flooring Types We Install
Climate, high humidity, hot summers, and occasional cold snaps mean the right flooring choice depends on the room's moisture exposure, traffic level, and your budget. We install all major flooring types and advise on which performs best for each situation in your home.
Hardwood Flooring for Living Areas
We install both solid and engineered hardwood, though engineered generally handles Alabama's humidity better than solid because of how it's constructed. It's ideal for living areas, bedrooms, and any low-moisture space. We handle acclimation, nailing, gluing, and finishing. Hardwood adds measurable resale value in the market, which makes it a strong investment in the right rooms.
Luxury Vinyl Plank in High-Traffic and Wet Zones
LVP's waterproof core makes it the right choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements common in ranch homes. It handles heavy foot traffic well and holds its look for years. We install both click-lock and glue-down LVP, and we always prepare the subfloor properly, so there's no risk of buckling down the line.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile for Lasting Surfaces
Tile is durable, water-resistant, and popular in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways for good reason. The key to tile that doesn't crack is proper subfloor leveling and correct backer board installation. We handle full tile jobs from layout planning through cutting, setting, and grout sealing, with every step done in the right order.
Laminate Flooring as a Budget-Conscious Option
Modern laminate delivers realistic wood and stone visuals at a lower price point. It's not the right choice for wet rooms, but it performs well in living areas and bedrooms with proper underlayment and moisture barriers, both of which matter in certain climates. We apply the same subfloor prep standards to laminate that we use on higher-cost materials.
Flooring and Tile Questions Homeowners Ask
How Long Does It Take to Install Tile in a Bathroom?
A standard bathroom tile job covering the floor and walls typically takes three to five days from start to finish. That includes surface prep, setting the tile, and grouting. Grout needs at least 24 to 72 hours to cure before the bathroom can be used again. We give you a specific timeline at the free estimate stage so you can plan accordingly.
Does My Old Flooring Have to Come Out Before New Flooring Goes In?
It depends on what's there now, its condition, and what you're putting down. Tile almost always requires removing the existing floor to get proper adhesion and hit the right finished height. LVP can sometimes go over an existing floor if the subfloor is level and solid. We assess the situation during the estimate visit and give you a straight answer before any work starts.
How Does Luxury Vinyl Plank Hold Up Compared to Hardwood in a Humid Home?
LVP's waterproof core gives it a clear advantage over solid hardwood anywhere moisture is a factor, including kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and ground-floor spaces common in Birmingham homes. Hardwood performs well in dry, climate-controlled rooms like living areas and bedrooms. We help you decide which material fits each room during the estimate.
What Do You Charge to Install Flooring?
Pricing depends on the material, square footage, subfloor condition, and room complexity. We provide free, itemized estimates with no obligation. An accurate price requires an in-person look at your space because phone quotes simply aren't reliable for flooring jobs.
Is a Permit Required to Install New Flooring?
Most residential flooring replacements don't require a permit. However, structural subfloor repairs or work in certain jurisdictions may trigger permit requirements. We know the local rules and handle any required filings as part of the project, so you don't have to navigate that on your own.
