Flooring Installation Cost

Flooring installation is often the most misunderstood aspect of house construction or renovation projects. People usually think that installing flooring in their newly constructed spaces can be put off as it does not seem to hold much value. Some people think, “It is just something I step on, it does not have to be a priority.” Little did these people know that floor installation is a crucial step and should not be placed last on their to-do lists because it can significantly impact the functionality and look of the house.

Why Is Proper Flooring Installation Important?

Many people try to cut cost in this area during their house construction or renovation projects because of this misconception about flooring. Since there are plenty of resources found in the internet these days, homeowners have tried doing floor installation by themselves, which more often than not, takes a disastrous turn moving forward.

So, why is it important to have a properly installed flooring? The list below might just be the things you need to know before embarking on a flooring installation project.

Safety

A home should be a place of sanctuary. It should be a place where the homeowners feel the most safe and comfortable. This reason should be the topmost priority for everyone building their own homes.

Knowing the best suited materials is something that experts would know. Hiring a professional to provide recommendations to ensure safety is vital and will be worth the total flooring installation cost. One example is choosing the right material for high-traffic areas such as staircases and entryways will help save lives from accidents or injuries.

Durability

One of the reasons that makes people think flooring is not as important as any other part of the construction or renovation process is because of its functionality. It is what homeowners step on and takes most of the dirt inside the house. This is why flooring is often overlooked.

Contrary to this popular myth, more attention should be given to flooring. Since it is used a lot and takes the weight of the entire household, investing on its installation is more reasonable. This ensures the durability and help avoid damage or fast wear and tear over time. Investing on proper flooring installation will help save money because of less repairs or replacements moving forward.

Aesthetic

Flooring can make or break the aesthetic of one’s home. A properly installed flooring, having just the right material and fits the house’s design, can greatly enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of any space. The right type of flooring can help in tying everything together to complete the look homeowners are going for—whether it is traditional or modern, professionals can surely help with this.

Factors Affecting Flooring Installation Costs

When choosing the right flooring to install in your home, there are several factors that directly affect the decision and most importantly, the cost of the installation.

Location

When it comes to houses, there is a popular quote: “Location, location, location.” Everything is affected by location. The question here is, which is better? City or province?

There are pros and cons for both. Living in a big city means that there is a higher cost of living. Thus, materials and labor will definitely be higher. For those in rural areas, the biggest concern would be getting and transporting materials especially if it is in a remote location.

Total Surface Area

The total square footage that is going to be covered in this project is another main factor in the overall cost. Labor is often computed per square foot. The more square footage, the more material and labor will be required which will incur increase in the flooring costs.

Material

The flooring material chosen for the project will be the next main component in computing the flooring installation cost. There is a wide range of materials that homeowners can pick, from vinyl, hardwood, or laminate flooring—the choice will greatly affect the overall cost of the installation.

As mentioned above, some of the items to consider in this part are functionality, safety, and durability.

Labor

Lastly, installing flooring can be labor-intensive. People who are thinking of DIY flooring installation should consider this a warning. Although, the labor costs may vary not just on the location and size of the surface area, but also on the type of material to be used.

Some materials are easier to install and work with unlike others; some even require a complex installation process. For those who are embarking on renovation projects, repairs might also be necessary on the subfloor of the existing flooring which serves as the foundation.

All these factors affect the total labor costs.

List of Common Floor Materials

Ready to contact flooring installers to install flooring or replace the existing floors in your home? It is time to get some ideas of the most common flooring materials available in the market. Each material in this list will affect the numbers in your flooring cost estimator so it is best to know what is the right fit for your home needs and budget.

Hardwood

Getting hardwood floors is always the top choice for many people. It bring class and elegance in one’s home and are known to be durable, too. However, installing and maintaining hardwood flooring can be pretty expensive down the line.

Nowadays, there are cheaper alternatives such as engineered hardwood to help in achieving this timeless aesthetic. Engineered wood is quickly becoming a popular option as it is made from a variety of woods bonded together with a solid wood veneer.

Laminate

In addition to hardwood alternatives, homeowners who like to install wood or tile flooring but cannot deal with the price or maintenance, the next best choice would be to install laminate flooring.

The material laminate is actually made of several layers of manufactured wood, with a plastic layer on top to look like wood or tile. In other cases, laminate with a thin hardwood veneer can be purchased.

Vinyl or Linoleum

If the budget is tight, these two are some of the most popular and affordable flooring materials to choose from. Their difference is that linoleum is made of biodegradable materials while vinyl is made of plastics—which has effects on the durability of these materials.

Carpet

Believe it or not, carpet installation can be a cheaper option. There are a bunch of different materials to choose from for a carpet such as acrylic, wool, olefin or polypropylene, nylon, and polyester. There are also various types of carpet that homeowners can choose such as cut, loop, or cut and loop.

When installing carpet, an important thing to remember is to make sure to have a carpet padding installed underneath the carpet itself for protection and ensure longer durability. Maintenance can be a challenge but it depends on the homeowners lifestyle.

Tile

Tile flooring is the best choice for areas that are exposed to water—which is why most kitchens and bathrooms have tile flooring. Because of its unique functionality, installing tile flooring is usually more expensive than other floor types. Although, it still depends on the choice of specific tile material and the complexity that it will take a flooring contractor to install it.

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