Vinyl Flooring Installation: Is It Cheaper To DIY Or Hire A Professional?
Given how affordable and easy to install it is, it shouldn't come as a surprise that vinyl flooring is a favorite among homeowners. The material is also incredibly versatile and can be used to fit any aesthetic. If you are considering adding vinyl flooring to your home, you might be on the fence about whether to move forward with DIY installation, or if it's better to leave it to the professionals. One major factor to keep in mind is the cost difference between these two installation methods. As you may have guessed, DIY vinyl flooring installation is cheaper.
According to Forbes, all of the materials you would need to add vinyl flooring to your home yourself cost as low as $115. You save a lot of money dodging the labor costs that come along with professional vinyl flooring installation. The material itself can be super affordable if you are willing to select a budget-friendly option. For reference, Home Depot's cheapest vinyl sheet flooring material is $1.00 per square foot. Although DIY vinyl flooring installation is more affordable than hiring professionals, keep in mind that there are pros and cons associated with both options.
DIY is cheaper, but is it right for you?
Before you go out and purchase all of the materials you need to complete a vinyl flooring installation yourself, take some time to weigh the pros and cons. The major benefit of DIY installation is obviously cost savings as you do not have to pay for labor with this method. Forbes estimates that homeowners can spend up to $1,100 less per room with DIY compared to professional installation.
As for the cons of DIY installation, it might not be the best option for beginners. Peel-and-stick and interlocking vinyl flooring is easier for first-time installers to work with. However, they still require a bit of knowledge to avoid expensive errors. Another challenge with DIY installation is preparing your subfloor. The underlayment beneath the vinyl flooring must be properly leveled and prepped so that the vinyl lays as intended. If you do not have prior flooring knowledge, this can be difficult to accomplish.
The major con of hiring professionals is the higher cost. However, it might be well worth it for those with limited flooring knowledge who risk making costly vinyl flooring installation mistakes. The most notable benefit of professional installation is that it allows you to avoid the many headaches that come along with doing it yourself, like potential errors due to lack of knowledge. Professionals will likely help you achieve flawless vinyl plank flooring installation. All in all, the choice is up to you.