If you’re shopping for flooring or carpeting, getting a quote may seem like the obvious first step. Understanding what a quote may or may not include is an important part of the process. Here’s what you need to know before getting a professional estimate.
Additional Fees
Many services are related to flooring & carpet installation but offered for an additional cost. Ask your contractor whether any of the following services are included in your carpet quote online.
Removal Costs
Is carpet or flooring removal handled by the same company? If so, is it considered a separate service? Be sure to ask whether you’re responsible for skip rental and disposal fees to make the necessary arrangements.
Floor Prep
Does your subfloor need to be repaired or finished in preparation for the replacement? If so, find out the exact requirements before installation begins. For example, old flooring may be uneven and require levelling for proper installation. While it’s helpful to know as much as possible ahead of time, the excavation process could reveal additional issues.
Adjoining Floors
Not all flooring is built to the same height, which could impact your new flooring. Consider the height of adjoining rooms and whether major renovations are needed. If so, be sure to address this issue ahead of installation.
Pro tip: don’t forget closets!
Building Materials
Floorboards aren’t the only materials required of an installation. Find out whether the contractor plans to cover the cost of building materials or how much they would otherwise cost. Even if the exact price is unclear, a rough estimate would be helpful.
Furniture Fees
Unless you’re moving into a new home, you can expect to pay furniture fees in one way or another. Will you need storage space to house your furniture temporarily? Is the contractor responsible for moving the furniture, pictures or other personal items in and out of the space? If not, you may need to hire additional help.
Total Area
Find out whether the cost of materials includes overage. For example, unusual corners, edges and imperfect dimensions push your material costs over square meterage alone. It’s also worth asking whether you can keep extra materials in case of future repairs.
Mouldings & Baseboards
Are you planning on installing mouldings or baseboards as part of your flooring project? If so, be sure to ask how much more it would be. Do not underestimate the labour costs since they’re often more involved than standard flooring or carpeting.
Floor Finishes
Does your new flooring require an additional finish? If you choose unfinished materials, make sure it’s suitable for everyday wear and tear. Cutting your costs might be appealing, but it could lead to unsightly scratches. Other factors such as colour, sanding or waxing could also extend the life of your floor.
Before the Install
Now that you know how to approach an estimate, it’s time to consider prep. Here’s what you need to do before the labourers arrive.
Prepare for Dust
Depending on your flooring needs, it’s especially important to prevent dust from infiltrating your home. Sanding, cutting and flooring removal create a lot of debris. Keep the rest of your home clean by following these steps:
- Seal off rooms by covering doorways with plastic sheets and painter’s tape.
- Cover the vents in any occupied room to keep your air clean and breathable.
- Install plastic sheets on the workspace floor for easier clean-up.
- Move everything out of the way to prevent dust from accumulating.
Create a Workstation
The labourers need an area to cut floorboards and store their supplies. In warmer months, it’s possible to set up an outdoor workstation. Specifically, they need an electrical outlet, a sturdy work surface and protection from the elements.
Strip the Room
Believe it or not, furniture isn’t the only thing you need to remove. Things like doors, trim and baseboards can get in the way of a clean installation. Ask your contractor what they cover and at what cost. For anything else, make arrangements for removal and reinstallation as part of your prep.
Secure Your Pets
Your pets may be sensitive to construction noise or at risk of escaping. Consider keeping them in another area of the house for the duration of the project. If you’d rather, ask a family member or friend to watch your pet for your own peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Installing a new floor or carpet in Melbourne is well worth the effort, although it’s best to read your quote carefully. Besides selecting reliable carpet stores or service providers, you need to know which questions to ask ahead of the installation.
Got any other flooring or carpeting queries? If so, we’d be happy to help. Best of luck with your home improvement project, and let us know how it goes!