How to Budget for New Flooring

As trends and styles change and natural wear and tear occurs, many homeowners find themselves wanting to change their flooring and most don’t know where to start or how to budget for new floor installation. To answer this common problem, you need to consider a number of factors: square footage, type of flooring, and labor (removing the old floor and installing the new floor). These three main factors will greatly influence the cost of your renovation. Read further to learn more about these factors and how to budget accordingly.

Square Footage

New flooring, whether it’s carpet, tile, or hardwoods, is priced per square foot. The type of flooring will determine the pricing per square foot (sq. ft.). The basic rule of thumb here is, the larger the surface area, the higher the price. If you are budget conscious, then consider remodeling a select area such as a bathroom, formal dining room, or great room instead of the entire downstairs. Even remodeling a small area will give your home a fresh new look without breaking the bank. To calculate square feet, take the length of the space and multiply it by the width of the space. For example, a living room that is 10’ by 10’ would need 100 sq. ft. of flooring. Knowing this information beforehand will help you budget accordingly. 

Type of Flooring

Did you know not all flooring options cost the same? Some types of flooring are more expensive while others are more budget friendly. The more expensive options include designer tile patterns and hardwoods. Cheaper options include laminate, vinyl and linoleum. It’s best to get an idea of what type of look you are wanting to be able to budget appropriately. 

Cost of Labor

This factor varies the most because it can be different for every client. If you are replacing old hardwood flooring and installing new hardwood flooring, you’ll likely need to remove the entire old floor and install a completely new floor. However, if you currently have hardwood floors and are installing carpet, you typically can install the carpet over your current flooring and don’t need to budget for floor removal. The cost of labor also varies depending on the size of the space. It’s best to ask these questions when getting an estimate for new flooring. Be sure to ask about the time it will take to get the job done. If it’s a same-day install, you’ll be able to save more on labor costs. However, if it’s not, you’ll end up spending more on time and labor. Remember, the cost of labor is in addition to the cost of materials so don’t forget to budget accordingly. 

Installing new floors is exciting and shouldn’t be stressful. Use these helpful tips to help you budget accordingly for your next floor remodel. Remember the three main factors for estimating your costs: square footage, type of flooring and cost of labor. When you hire the professionals at Zack Hardwood Flooring, know that you are hiring someone you can trust to keep your wants and your budget in mind. If you have any questions, call Zack Hardwood Flooring and we’d be happy to assist you!