Like many other home projects, flooring renovation projects require extensive consideration. You want it to look good, feel great, and last a long time.
Read on to learn what you need to know to ensure you are getting premium service and materials at a fair price. There are a few things you can do to ensure that the installation process itself is as simple and seamless as possible.
The Basics
First, you need to assess whether your flooring should be repaired or replaced. It is possible to refinish hardwood floors. You can repair a few chipped tiles. A complete floor replacement may not be necessary or even preferable. If you are uncertain, a flooring expert can help you determine the best course of action.
Look for a company that offers free in-home estimates. This way you will know what kind of cost you are looking at from the outset, no matter how big or small the project.
A qualified professional will be able to offer samples of the flooring that you can test with the decor in the room. This way you can be absolutely certain that the style, color, and material type will work in your home.
After doing a home visit, a reputable company will give you an exact quote for the project. They will take the time to do all the necessary measurements and calculations to determine a precise cost.
One reservation people have about floor installation is the prospect of a long, complicated process. Consider companies that have a reputation for completing jobs on time. Do your homework. Read online reviews. Some companies even offer next-day installation for materials that they have in stock.
Look for companies that offer a guarantee on quality materials. With other home projects, you may go with the lowest bidder. With flooring, ensure that you are comparing “apples to apples.” Of course, you want to pay the lowest price, but the lowest price for quality products and service that will last years and make your home look great.
Finally, look for a company with a lot of experience. This will increase the probability that they can deliver quality work in an efficient manner.
What Impacts Cost
There are two main factors that affect the cost of flooring projects: materials and labor. Here is some basic information about the main choices you have for flooring materials.
Hardwood
Did you know that there is only one home renovation that is almost guaranteed to add value to your home? According to the 2019 Remodeling Impact Report, the recovery rate for new wood floor installation in a home was approximately 106 percent in 2019. In short, hardwood is a good investment.
You can expect some price variation in types of hardwood flooring. There can be a big cost difference between oak or cherry and mahogany or walnut. Consider going with a company that offers an array of wood choices. This will give you some options for settling on one that works for your home at the price you want.
Laminate
Laminate flooring involves several layers of particle board laid atop one another. The “decorative” layer is made to look like hardwood or other materials. A protective “overlay” tops this.
This makes laminate extremely durable. Warranties on some laminate floors extend up to 30 years. It also can reduce noise. It is a perfect option for homes with kids or a lot of foot traffic.
Another big advantage of laminate is that it gives a wide variety of options in terms of style and color. In fact, in addition to hardwood, it can mimic tile or even stone.
Vinyl
Vinyl is made of plastic. It is durable and resistant to scuffs, scratches, and stains. It is also very soft to walk on.
One big advantage of vinyl is that it is resistant to water damage. Quality vinyl can offer serious price savings over other types of flooring. It can guarantee durability while still providing style and comfort to your room.
Carpet
Carpet offers a wide range of colors to match any room or style. It also provides a level of comfort not achievable by other flooring materials.
If you are installing or replacing carpet, be sure to ask about premium padding. You'll want to ensure the product backing will not break over time, causing the fibers to wear.
There are many things to consider with padding, but the thickness and weight are the main ones. Carpets require different levels of thickness in padding.
Heavy padding generally means greater durability. However, depending on the location in your home, heavier padding can be overkill. It is important to hire an expert who can recommend the optimal thickness and weight for carpet padding.
Floor Installation DealsRegardless of the material or the scope of your flooring project, there is one main thing you can do to keep the cost down. Most companies—even ones offering high-end materials—do not include extra labor costs when calculating quotes.
These can include installation costs, but also things like moving furniture. Some companies require you to remove the furniture before they begin work. Others tack on the fee to the price quote. This can amount to hundreds of dollars extra per room.
Projects that involve custom work, like installing carpet on stairs, can be quite labor-intensive. Oftentimes, companies charge a premium for this type of work.
Find a company that will handle these incidentals for no extra fee and that includes these "extras" in their pricing structure. This will eliminate the prospect of hidden costs down the road.
You may also consider a company that offers special financing. This can allow you to spread the cost of the project out over a year or so. Some installers offer zero-interest financing, so there is no reason not to take advantage of such offers.
Why Wait?
With the information above, you should have a better idea of what to expect from your floor installation company. Seek out one that will provide a free estimate. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Be certain you know all the upfront costs going in.
Also, keep an eye out for floor installation deals. Choosing a company that uses premium products and includes installation in its pricing will help you avoid surprise billing down the road. You will have confidence in knowing what the project cost, while adding style, comfort, and even value to your home.
