Wood Floor Installation Cost – 5 Tips to Reduce Yours
So you’ve found a contractor and you’re negotiating the price. Naturally, you want the lowest possible wood floor installation cost but this isn’t up to you—your contractor has to say yes to the pricing, too. Make sure you’re getting the best possible deal on your wood flooring installation cost—use these tips!
1. Shop Around – Different contractors charge different prices. Ask for a quote from different contractors. Specify the wood flooring options you are most likely to go with. If you’re thinking of using Anderson flooring, say so.
Wood flooring prices affects fees, too. Your contractor would be happy to give you hardwood floor installation cost estimates.
2. Ask for Recommendations – Do you know someone who’s had floorwork done recently? Ask them how much they paid for installation. They should be able to give you an accurate picture of wood floor installation costs, as well as who best to work with.
3. Run a Check on Your Contractor – The Better Business Bureau is a good resource. Check if there have been reports against the company. Ask your contractor about their licensing, insurance, training, and experience. Ask them to measure the room and give you at least three on-site estimates on wood floor installation cost.
It’s also not a bad idea to ask to see a previous flooring project. If your contractor lets you do so, observe the finishing touches on the hardwood flooring. Check on the thresholds and along the stairs, too.
4. Discuss the Specifics - So you’ve more or less chosen who to entrust your wood flooring installation to. Don’t get stuck on price discussions! Ask precisely what services are covered by the fee, too. Ask if the following are covered by the wood floor installation cost:
- moving the furniture
- sealing off the rooms nearby with plastic
- cutting the wood outside (Be warned–this is a very dusty process. You don’t want to do it yourself!)
Ask if the estimate given includes quarter-round trimming to cover the gaps between baseboards and wood flooring.
Ask about the finishing details, too. This varies from contractor to contractor so ask what approach yours plans to use.
5. Draw Up a Contract – A contract protects you from uncertainties. With a contract, you will know precisely what to expect, where, and when. The wood flooring installation contract should include
- the work to be done
- the costs
- the date when the project will be started
- the date when the project should be completed
- the payment schedule
Wood floor installation costs can eat up quite a bit of your budget so make sure you’re getting the best possible price for your hardwood flooring. Check out this article on how to get discount hardwood flooring at 80% less. Good luck!