There are many of us out there right now looking for a bargain. What with the economy and all.
On the floor covering end of things, you can get good deals right now. Especially on labor prices.
The thing to keep in mind is that you usually get what you pay for in labor. Don't be too quick to
choose the lowest possible bid. This can sometimes be a red flag. Same thing as for anything else, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
I would advise getting three bids. Then you can compare them and make your decision based on a fair playing field. With the big box stores, they have hidden charges and usually make mistakes when estimating your project. Once the contract is drawn up (read the fine print first!)
you are bound by it. In other words, if you should need more material, or more floor prep, you will be paying additional fees. Home depot and Lowes are good for the purchase of materials and alot of folks go there because of the store account. That is fine, but I recommend that you find your own independant installer! In fact, our company can shop the market for you and usually find you a great deal on material elsewhere.
Good luck and God Bless!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
floor preparation
The subject of floor preparation is an important one. In fact, the final installation of your floor really depends on the condition of the existing floor.
There are many kinds of floors and all are not treated equally. For instance, a clean new cement floor requires little or no floor prep. If there should be expansion joints, of course you would need to fill them level with a portland based patching compound. Please allow this to dry completely before any installation. It is also important to note whether there is a moisture issue.
Moisture is not our friend in the flooring industry. Will write more on that issue at a later date.
Existing flooring can be troublesome depending on what the material is and when it was installed. Most times we recommend not pulling up the existing flooring. There are many sub-floor applications which can be utilized under these circumstances. Most popular is putting down a 1/4 inch underalyment board. This will not only stabilize the floor, but will also correct any uneven or damaged areas.
Another option is called a skim coat. This is a portland based patching compound which is spread over the existing flooring. This will fill any existing pattern in the original flooring so that it will not telegraph through the new flooring. This is only recommended if the existing flooring is secure and not loose.
For ceramic installs, of course the floor prep will differ. Also, with hardwoods or laminates the original floor shouldn't be an issue unless it is extremely uneven or mushy. Each flooring product will differ in the prep department.
Feel free to forward any questions you may have regarding your project.
There are many kinds of floors and all are not treated equally. For instance, a clean new cement floor requires little or no floor prep. If there should be expansion joints, of course you would need to fill them level with a portland based patching compound. Please allow this to dry completely before any installation. It is also important to note whether there is a moisture issue.
Moisture is not our friend in the flooring industry. Will write more on that issue at a later date.
Existing flooring can be troublesome depending on what the material is and when it was installed. Most times we recommend not pulling up the existing flooring. There are many sub-floor applications which can be utilized under these circumstances. Most popular is putting down a 1/4 inch underalyment board. This will not only stabilize the floor, but will also correct any uneven or damaged areas.
Another option is called a skim coat. This is a portland based patching compound which is spread over the existing flooring. This will fill any existing pattern in the original flooring so that it will not telegraph through the new flooring. This is only recommended if the existing flooring is secure and not loose.
For ceramic installs, of course the floor prep will differ. Also, with hardwoods or laminates the original floor shouldn't be an issue unless it is extremely uneven or mushy. Each flooring product will differ in the prep department.
Feel free to forward any questions you may have regarding your project.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Free Estimates?
There are a number of companies that offer free estimates. Truth is, generally, the fee for an estimate is somehow built-in to the final cost of the installation. In the event the consumer chooses not to go with a certain firm, they may in fact charge a minimum fee to go do the estimate. Afterall, it does take time and effort to go measure someone's home and lets don't forget gas prices! It's reasonable to expect to pay for an estimate. Especially these days when times are tough.
In order to get a thorough estimate, the salesman or contractor must know his business. There are so many variables to consider when measuring a project. The overall condition of the existing flooring is extremely important for instance. If tearing up old flooring, the condition of the sub-floor is equally as important. Ask your contractor before he comes out, how many years experience he has in the installation of the product. Alot of times the chain stores will send out a complete novice to do your estimate. In fact, usually he is just a salesman with no prior experience in the installation proceedure. Sure he can run a tape measure and come up with a square footage figure for you, but can he take into consideration any additional floor prep, pattern matches, or moisture situations? Surprise!! Extra hidden charges to YOU!
All these situations can make or break your project. So, next time you are considering re-placing your floor. Don't be enticed by ads saying Lowest Prices! Most chain stores hire salesman that aren't floor savvy at all. This has been a bone of contention for us for years!
Buyer beware.
In order to get a thorough estimate, the salesman or contractor must know his business. There are so many variables to consider when measuring a project. The overall condition of the existing flooring is extremely important for instance. If tearing up old flooring, the condition of the sub-floor is equally as important. Ask your contractor before he comes out, how many years experience he has in the installation of the product. Alot of times the chain stores will send out a complete novice to do your estimate. In fact, usually he is just a salesman with no prior experience in the installation proceedure. Sure he can run a tape measure and come up with a square footage figure for you, but can he take into consideration any additional floor prep, pattern matches, or moisture situations? Surprise!! Extra hidden charges to YOU!
All these situations can make or break your project. So, next time you are considering re-placing your floor. Don't be enticed by ads saying Lowest Prices! Most chain stores hire salesman that aren't floor savvy at all. This has been a bone of contention for us for years!
Buyer beware.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Laminate Flooring
Today's topic is laminate flooring. Is it right for you or not? Depending on your existing flooring, you can get a great result with a new laminate floor.
It's important to note that the existing floor will need to be as flat as possible. The installation of laminate over an existing floor can be tricky. If the existing floor isn't flat, the laminate can eventually crack or become distorted.
As mentioned in the previous posting, it is vital that whoever estimates the job be professional. You will need to know how much product is needed, whether you need underlayment, additional floor prep, and any possible drawbacks to the installation. Will you need new baseboards? Or can you utilize the existing ones? Ordinarily, the manufacturer will suggest a 1/4 round moulding that is installed after the installation is complete. The choice is ultimately yours.
It is also important to note that laminates are extremely vulnerable to moisture. Some are more resistant than others, but in general, you don't want to let them get wet. Also, you may want to be sure that your floor is not prone to moisture in the first place.
As far as durability, some products are better than others. Of course, if you should need repair work, this can be a costly and time consuming proceedure. In other words, you can't just remove and replace one board as they are interconnected.
If you have pets, primarily dogs, the product can get scratched and will turn dull after time. Again, this can be a beautiful addition to your home, just be sure to do the homework.
It's important to note that the existing floor will need to be as flat as possible. The installation of laminate over an existing floor can be tricky. If the existing floor isn't flat, the laminate can eventually crack or become distorted.
As mentioned in the previous posting, it is vital that whoever estimates the job be professional. You will need to know how much product is needed, whether you need underlayment, additional floor prep, and any possible drawbacks to the installation. Will you need new baseboards? Or can you utilize the existing ones? Ordinarily, the manufacturer will suggest a 1/4 round moulding that is installed after the installation is complete. The choice is ultimately yours.
It is also important to note that laminates are extremely vulnerable to moisture. Some are more resistant than others, but in general, you don't want to let them get wet. Also, you may want to be sure that your floor is not prone to moisture in the first place.
As far as durability, some products are better than others. Of course, if you should need repair work, this can be a costly and time consuming proceedure. In other words, you can't just remove and replace one board as they are interconnected.
If you have pets, primarily dogs, the product can get scratched and will turn dull after time. Again, this can be a beautiful addition to your home, just be sure to do the homework.
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