Simple Tips And Tricks To Save Money On Your Next Flooring Installation

Installing new floors in your home is a very exciting time, but it can also be an expensive one. While the exact cost of installation will depend on the specifics of your project, such as the material you choose and the size of your space, you can expect to pay somewhere between $1,000 and $5,000 to install flooring in a 500-square-foot room. Needless to say, that cost can increase significantly if you have to install flooring in your entire home.

While the cost of new floors is far less than other home renovation projects such as full-scale bathroom redos and kitchen upgrades, flooring can still get pretty pricey. Fortunately, however, there are things you can do to save money without sacrificing the look and feel of your floors. Let's take a look at some simple tips and tricks you can use to save money on your next flooring installation. Your bank account will thank you later!

Setting a budget for your floor installation may seem like a no-brainer, but many people skip this step. A report from the University of South Alabama showed that almost 25% of homeowners did not set a budget for home renovation projects. Of those who did, nearly 80% went over budget on recent projects. 

To set a realistic budget, research your options to get an idea of how much you'll need to set aside for the project. Flooring installation costs just over $3,000 on average but can be nearly $5,000, and the exact price will depend primarily on the type of flooring you choose, how much of it you need, and whether you're going to DIY the job or calling in an installer. Start by measuring the space, then add a margin for waste. Around 7% is usually an adequate margin for square rooms without additional angles. For rectangular rooms, add at least 10%, and if your room has multiple angles then tack on 15% to the total square footage. Now you can multiply that number by the per square foot cost of different flooring options. Depending on the type of flooring, you may also need to factor in the cost of things like grout or underlayment.

If you're going to DIY, don't forget about things like tool purchases and equipment rental costs. Finally, make sure you work in a contingency fund of between 5% and 10%. This ensures that should anything unexpected happen, like unforeseen subfloor issues, you'll be able to foot the extra cost.

Getting a contractor in to work on your subflooring can cost you between $25 and $30 per hour. Preparing the subfloor yourself is one way to lower the cost of your flooring installation. Subfloor prep involves inspecting, removing existing flooring, cleaning, and leveling the area so that it is ready for new floors to be laid, and, in some cases, installing fresh plywood sheets or screed. The exact process will very much depend on what shape your existing subfloor is in. Some of the tools you'll need to get the job done include a sander and a circular saw. If you don't own these, you may be able to rent them from home improvement stores.

It's important to note that you should only prepare the subfloor if you have experience doing these kinds of projects. Incorrect subfloor preparation could ultimately lead to more costs down the line if you end up having to hire a professional to fix your work — especially if it compromises the finished installation. For instance, a damp subfloor could cause hardwood flooring to buckle, and an uneven one could make tiles crack, laminate creak, and LVP warp – issues that are expensive to rectify after the fact.

If you aren't feeling confident about the process, or are dealing with a subfloor that's in rough shape, you can still save money by doing any demo-type work yourself (like lifting carpet or old flooring planks), and calling in the pros for the actual subfloor prep. If you've got wood flooring joists that are in bad shape and can't be salvaged, you can also reduce the amount you will need to spend replacing your subfloor by removing the old one yourself and then hiring a contractor to inspect the joists and make any required repairs.

You're probably pretty familiar with the phrase, 'timing is everything.' Well, purchasing flooring materials is no exception. How much you pay for your flooring can depend on the time of year you buy. You can typically get the best deals on flooring during May and June — with some retailers knocking as much as 50% off of the original sale price. If late spring simply doesn't work with your timing, you'll also be happy to know that some sellers may also offer deals around the holiday season as this is usually a slower time for flooring purchases.

Timing is also an important factor when it comes to installing your flooring. Since some flooring materials like hardwood are sensitive to moisture and temperature extremes, it can be a good idea to schedule your install during the milder months, such as fall and spring, when temps are moderate and you aren't drying out your home's air with the AC or heating on full blast. Fall and winter installations are usually more affordable than summer, which is considered peak season, and winter weather conditions aren't an issue for materials like LVP. Tiles also aren't sensitive to temperature and moisture extremes, but very cold temperatures can affect thinset and grout.

Spending money on an experienced contractor may seem counterintuitive when talking about saving money. However, hiring a skilled contractor is a worthwhile investment because it can actually save you money in the long run by lessening the likelihood of installation issues. For instance, hiring a professional to install vinyl plank flooring can cost between $3 and $7 per square foot. On the other hand, it could cost you between $9 and $20 per square foot to repair floors that weren't installed correctly. Plus, certain materials, such as tile and natural stone can be difficult to install on one's own. Some flooring contractors will even offer warranties on their work so you can have added peace of mind.

Before hiring a contractor, you should ask for references and examples of previous work. Depending on where you live, flooring contractors might not be required by law to hold a license, but avoid any who aren't both licensed and insured. Hiring a fly-by-night contractor (who might do a bad job, or worse, disappear with your deposit) is one of the most costly traps to avoid falling into when redoing flooring.

Getting new flooring is exciting, so it can be tempting to move forward with the first quote you get. However, reviewing multiple quotes can help ensure that you get the most bang for your buck. Ideally, you should get at least three options to compare. Even though the goal is to save money, you may not necessarily want to go with the contractor who offers you the lowest price. 

Also, don't just look at the total figure at the bottom. Take some time to compare the actual line items. This will give you a better idea of what each stage of the process realistically costs. If one contractor is charging an excessive amount for a certain stage of work, such as sanding and repainting trim, query this. On the other hand, you might notice that another contractor's quote doesn't include repainting the trim. These are all important things to enquire into. The last thing you want is to be hit with unexpected costs midway through the install because you realize the quote doesn't cover everything that you want carried out. 

Comparing multiple quotes is also a good way to feel out potential contractors. As you go through the pricing process, you can get an idea of the contractor's dependability and their ability to communicate. Before making a decision, read any available reviews to help gauge the standard of the contractor's work. Thoroughly vetting reliability and quality of work is one of the most important tips for hiring a remodeling contractor. 

If you aren't familiar with flooring remnants, now is the perfect time to learn. Remnants are unused, smaller pieces of vinyl, carpet, tile, and other kinds of flooring that are left over from larger projects. These pieces are sold at a discounted price and can be an excellent option for people who are interested in cutting costs without sacrificing quality. In fact, in some cases, remnants can cost up to 90% less than full-size flooring. Remnants can typically be found at carpet/flooring stores, warehouse outlets, and liquidation/discount stores.

Since you may not be able to find a large quantity of identical remnants, remnants typically work best for smaller flooring projects, such as tiling a powder bath or carpeting a small playroom. In addition, remnants are sold 'as is' and don't usually come with a warranty. As a result, you'll want to thoroughly inspect any remnants you're considering buying to ensure that they are not damaged.

Wondering whether Costco or The Home Depot has a better deal on flooring? Going to your local outlets might be the first thing that comes to mind when it's time to shop for flooring. However, purchasing, or at least researching, online is a great alternative that can allow you to save some of your hard-earned cash. You can start by comparing products and prices and then visiting a local home improvement store for your final selection, or you can go all-in and purchase flooring from an online-only discounted flooring supplier.

If you do decide to buy online, be sure to request samples from the retailer so you can see exactly what you would be getting. It's also a good idea to read reviews to get an idea of the kinds of experiences other customers have had. Also, take some time to thoroughly review the manufacturer's warranty to ensure they don't have a policy that excludes online sales and ascertain what the online supplier's shipping and return policy is. One of the primary drawbacks to ordering flooring from an online-only, discount flooring retailer is that you might be buying end lots. Warranties might not apply to end lots sold in this way, and slight color variations can be common. If the flooring you receive doesn't match the sample you got, the last thing you want is to have to pay for the freight to send it back. Freight for bulky goods like flooring can be expensive and returning products that are damaged during transit or don't match the online description could result in delays and additional costs. Therefore, you want to be very sure that the supplier you're dealing with has a fair returns policy. 

The good thing about flooring is that you don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money in order to have something that looks great. The key is to go with a material that has the potential to last a good length of time without taking you over budget. Some of the most affordable options include sheet vinyl, which costs $1 to $2 per square foot and can last up to 20 years, and linoleum, which costs $3 to $12 per square foot and can last up to 40 years. Laminate flooring is another option that can last up to 25 years and only costs around $1.50 per square foot. That said, the lifespan of these materials varies across products — for instance, a vinyl flooring product with a thin wear layer is not going to last as long as a more expensive option with a thicker wear layer. 

Another thing to consider with these budget materials is that the longevity of your flooring will very much depend on how well you take care of it and what it has to handle. Things like lots of foot traffic or moisture can lead to a shortened lifespan. For example, while laminate flooring is affordable and can last for a long time, it isn't water resistant like linoleum and vinyl. And sheet vinyl, while it can be a durable option in damp areas, can fade if exposed to direct sunlight over time and develop dents and marks from impacts with sharp objects. For busy homes where the floors are likely to take a beating, a budget tile or polished concrete might be a better option. 

While purchasing flooring directly from a retailer may seem like the only way to go, buying secondhand can be a cost-effective alternative. Not only can you use Facebook Marketplace as the ultimate furniture shopping tool – it can also allow you to purchase flooring directly from other homeowners who may have bought too much for their own projects. It's important to note that since most sellers on Facebook Marketplace are simply selling their excess flooring, they may not have a large enough quantity for you to complete a big project. Therefore, this option is best for people who need to install flooring in a relatively small area.

Since purchasing secondhand doesn't come with a warranty, it's important that you or someone you trust is able to accurately assess the quality of the flooring. If you do opt to take the secondhand route, you should thoroughly inspect each piece for signs of rodent damage, insects, stains, cracks, or other issues.

If hiring a professional contractor simply isn't in the budget, you can still have your dream floors installed without breaking the bank. When considering your options, go with a material that can be installed fairly easily. Click-lock vinyl plank flooring is generally considered a good DIY option because it's fairly easy to install. Each plank clicks together to create what's known as a floating floor. Carpet squares also make for an easy DIY option because they're easy to handle essentially just need to be attached to the subfloor. Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are another ideal option for DIYers as they are easy to cut, and many products are peel-and-stick, such as these Lucida Surfaces Luxury Vinyl Flooring Tiles (which come in a wood look).

So, just how much can you save by DIYing it? Well, the answer varies depending on the size of your space. However, here is a general idea: Click-lock vinyl plank flooring typically ranges from around $1.50 per square foot to $3.50 per square foot, with professional installation costing between $800 to $2,400for 200 square feet. Carpet squares generally cost between $1 and $5 per square foot, and you can expect to pay anywhere between $2.50 and $11 per square foot for a professional installation. If you want to look beyond these two options, we have an in-depth guide on the best flooring materials ranked by ease of installation. And if you're considering LVP, here are some of our best tips for flawlessly installing vinyl plank flooring. 

If you can catch a flooring store in your area that is going out of business, you may be able to secure an amazing deal. Closeout sales typically come with massive markdowns that can lead to cost savings for your install. Even if there aren't any stores closing in your area, you may be able to find liquidation options online.

If you are able to find a good closeout sale, be sure to compare the sale price with what you've seen from other retailers to ensure you're getting the best deal. The one downside to this method is that you simply may not be able to find any going-out-of-business sales that coincide with the timeline for your installation project. Stock might also be limited, so you may have to compromise on things like color. 

If you have your heart set on hardwood (or hardwood-looking) flooring but simply can't stomach the price, there might be a way for you to still get what you want without spending more than you're comfortable with. Opting for narrow planks that range between 2 and 5 inches can help cut down on costs. That's because wider planks contain more heartwood and are cut from the center of older trees, making them more expensive. For example, you can expect to spend around $3 to $6 for a narrow white oak plank, while a wider one can cost between $7 and $21, depending on whether they are prefinished or unfinished.

On top of being more affordable, smaller planks aren't as affected by humidity. Additionally, narrow planks can help make rooms appear longer. However, the additional plank lines can also make flooring look more "busy." A dark stain could help to hide this, or, you could opt for more of a whitewash finish which may soften the overall look.

If you're having flooring installed in your entire home, or another large area, buying in bulk can be an effective way to save money by lowering the cost per square foot. You may also be able to negotiate with the retailer if you explain to them that, in addition to making a wholesale purchase, you have multiple quotes and are trying to price match. Many stores — even large retailers like The Home Depot — have margins they can negotiate within, so it's always worth a shot.

Keep in mind that you should do your research before starting any negotiations to ensure that you can speak confidently about the flooring material you're interested in. Negotiating may also require you to be a bit flexible, as you may have to make some adjustments to your timeline or the scope of your project in order to get the best deal.