Will soon be getting our existing #1 red oak floors refinished as well as having the same type of wood installed in other parts of the house. Is the quote specific enough re: finish/coats, etc. (I will ask that the contract be similarly worded)? Also, no mention of sales tax ... guessing I have to contribute to my state gov't too?

Sand and finish the hardwood flooring in the Dining Room, Kitchen, and Hall. Install, sand, and finish #1 common red oak in the Powder Room, Hall, Breakfast room, Foyer, and Office. Splice the new wood into the existing at the entry to the Dining Room from the Foyer. Tear out and remove the existing carpeting or vinyl in the area's affected. Install pine shoe molding that will be painted by the customer. Stain color: natural. Finish coats: one coat of sealer and two coats of oil-based polyurethane, semi-gloss. Price: ***

Some contractors charge sales tax based on that state's tax law. You need to ask about that. In CA., sales tax is NOT required for services and as a contractor, I pay the sales tax at the source (distributor) for the materials and include that figure into my bid price. In your state, the tax laws may be different. As far as the estimate is concerned, it is specific enough. You could ask which brand of finish they're using but that could vary. Bottom line: Do you trust this contractor to perform well?

Thx Gary. We were discussing the Street Shoe but the lady and I just decided to get an oil finish to match the color on the stairs. Now that I'm not going with Street Shoe, what's a premium oil finish if you don't mind?

In the meantime, I'll check the refinishing forum for good oil finishes.

p.s. I do have a good feeling about this guy. Seems knowledgeable and was more prompt than the other 2 bidders who are good as well.