Thinking of adding a new floor to your home? Residential flooring renovation is one of the most popular maintenance items homeowners take on each year. And for good reason.
Flooring sets the stage for your decor. It’s the baseline for every project you take on. You can paint, add new furniture, even splurge on accessories to suit your personality. But if you have shabby flooring underneath, it’s all people will see.
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and renovate your home’s flooring. You start looking at samples, envisioning them inside your home. Yet many homeowners forget some of the most important aspects of budgeting for residential flooring. There’s a lot more to it than simply picking out the material. Use this as your guide as you establish your own residential flooring renovation budget.
What Goes into Establishing a Residential Flooring Bid
If you’ve ever perused the aisles of a home improvement store, you might get excited about all the opportunities. You see a price quoted for your preferred flooring. You think, “That’s not so bad.” But there’s a lot they aren’t telling you.
There’s a lot more that goes into a flooring job than just the material itself.
Floor Material
Of course, this is where it starts. What flooring material do you prefer? What works best for the rooms you’re renovating?
For example, hardwood flooring is generally more expensive than laminate or carpet. Luxury vinyl and tile fall somewhere in between. It’s essential to research and select the material that not only fits your budget but also suits your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. When deciding, consider factors like durability, ease of maintenance, and how well it complements the rest of your home decor.
Size of Your Room
The size of the room or rooms you’re planning to renovate will greatly impact your budget. Naturally, a larger space will require more materials and labor, resulting in higher costs. To calculate the square footage of your room, simply multiply the length by the width. Make sure to measure each room you’re renovating individually, as this will help you get a more accurate estimate. Add in any extras for add-ons like closets, plus more to match patterns or grains. This is where it helps to speak with one of our experts to ensure your calculations are steadfast.
Labor Costs
Labor costs are a significant portion of any flooring renovation budget. The installation cost can vary depending on your location, the complexity of the project, and the type of flooring you choose. Different materials might require other installation techniques and expertise.
Consider getting multiple quotes from reputable contractors to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Keep in mind that hiring skilled and experienced professionals is crucial for the quality and longevity of your new flooring.
Home Location and Travel Costs
Your location can impact the cost of your flooring renovation in a few ways. If you’re in a high-cost-of-living area, expect labor costs to be higher. Additionally, the availability and cost of specific flooring materials might vary by region. Some materials may be more readily available in certain areas, while others may require additional shipping costs.
Don’t forget to account for any travel costs that contractors may incur when coming to your location. If they have to travel a significant distance, these costs could be added to your budget.
Additional Costs to Consider
When you’re first considering a home renovation, you might come up with a lot of the basic expenses on your own. After all, the price tag sits on any flooring material you look at. Labor and installation is a given unless you’re doing it yourself.
Yet you’ll also need to think beyond materials and installation to see an accurate picture of your flooring costs. Many other costs can quickly add to the bottom line.
Moving Furniture
Before the installation process begins, you’ll need to clear the room of furniture. This may involve additional labor and time, especially if heavy or bulky items require careful handling. Some homeowners choose to do this themselves, while others prefer to hire professional movers for the job.
Old Floor Removal
Removing the existing flooring is a crucial step in the renovation process. The removal cost can vary depending on the type of flooring you currently have, its condition, and the method used for removal. For example, removing old carpet is generally easier and cheaper than removing tiles or hardwood. You will also incur hauling charges to take the old materials away and properly dispose of them.
Adding New Subfloor or Baseboards
In some cases, your project may require a new subfloor or baseboards. This is often necessary if the existing subfloor is damaged or uneven. Additionally, replacing or adding new baseboards can enhance the finished look of your flooring. These costs should be factored into your budget.
Underlayment
Underlayment is crucial for certain flooring materials, such as laminate and luxury vinyl. It not only provides support and cushioning but also helps with soundproofing and insulation. Depending on your choice of flooring material, you may need to include underlayment costs in your budget.
Remediation for Mold or Asbestos
If your home is older, you may encounter issues like mold or asbestos during renovation. Ensuring a safe and healthy environment is a top priority, so you’ll need to budget for the necessary remediation if such issues are discovered.
Stairs
If your home has stairs that require new flooring, you should expect additional costs. Stairs are more complex to renovate, often requiring custom cuts and added safety features, such as stair noses and handrails. If it impacts the way your flooring is installed, you will incur additional costs.
Transitions
Transition strips are used to join two different flooring materials, such as from hardwood to tile. These strips provide a seamless and safe transition between rooms with different flooring types. Be sure to account for these accessories in your budget.
Finishing Work
After the installation is complete, you may need to budget for finishing work. This can include painting or staining baseboards, touching up paint on walls, or any other cosmetic work required to make the room look pristine.
Benefits of New Flooring
Are you excited yet at the opportunity new flooring brings to your home? New flooring is one of the best ways to give your home a fresh new look. In fact, that’s what brings most people into our location. Keep your eye on the prize – the goal is a beautiful new home.
It Improves the Looks
One of the most immediate and noticeable benefits of new flooring is the improved aesthetics. Fresh, well-maintained floors can completely transform the look of a room, making it more appealing and visually pleasing.
It Protects Your Surroundings
New flooring acts as a protective barrier for your subfloor, preventing damage from moisture and other environmental factors. This, in turn, helps maintain the structural integrity of your home.
It Increases Home Value
Upgrading your flooring is an investment in your home’s value. It can significantly boost your property’s resale value and make it more attractive to potential buyers when the time comes to sell.
It Makes You Feel Better
The feel of a room changes with new flooring. It’s not just about how it looks; it’s also about how it feels underfoot. The comfort and warmth provided by certain materials, such as carpet or hardwood, can enhance your overall sense of well-being.
It Provides Added Health Benefits
Improving your home’s flooring can have health benefits as well. If you or your family members suffer from allergies, installing flooring that doesn’t trap allergens can lead to a healthier living environment.
It Increases Efficiency
Certain flooring materials, like tile or luxury vinyl, are easy to clean and maintain. This can save you time and effort in the long run, making your home more efficient to manage. New insulating properties might also make your home more efficient in the way your home maintains warmth and coolness. You’ll see that on your monthly utility bills.
Are you excited about the opportunity new flooring brings? We can help.
Stop by today and see our complete line of residential flooring. We have the perfect solution for you.