FINISHES

When comparing estimates, make sure it is apples to apples. I see competitor's estimates that are not exactly what the customer has asked for. Most companies will push finishes based on  cost,  using less expensive finish for a higher profit margin (oil modified polyurethane cost about $20 per gallon compared to around $100 per gallon for a high traffic water modified polyurethane).

I use a 3 coat system (1 coat of a stain/sealer and 2 coats of a high traffic  water modified polyurethane finish).

 DUST CONTAINMENT 

We operate a trailer mounted vacuum system (currently the best system on the market---Bona Atomic---27 horse power system) Most of our competitors offer dust containment using a 110volt unit that plugs into your house. I have one of these systems as a back up unit that I use if my main equipment breaks down. Whenever I use the 110 system I have to hang plastic to minimize the dust in the home, with my trailer mounted system there is no need to hang any plastic. There is nothing wrong with the 110 units as long as there is also some plastic hung to keep what dust there is contained, but when comparing estimate of equal or close in price definitely keep this in mind and make sure if a 110 unit is being used that the company is willing to hang at least a minimal amount of plastic.

Most companies going from no dust containment to the basic 110 version of dust containment believe that the 110 unit is so good that there is no need for any plastic, but that is because they have not used the truck or trailer mounted system.