Replacing flooring is an important project. It changes the feel of a room instantly, but it’s also a significant investment. Time, money, energy, and disruption to your day to day. Before you commit to a material, a contractor, or even a color, slow down the process and ask the right questions.
1. What is this room used for?
A high traffic entryway, a humid bathroom, and a home office all have different flooring needs. Consider foot traffic, exposure to moisture, the need to block noise, and the amount of wear the floor will endure. The best flooring choice in your mudroom is not the best flooring choice in your bedroom.
2. What’s my budget?
It’s easy to price out the material itself and forget about everything else: removal and disposal of old flooring, subfloor repairs, underlayment, trim and transition strips, moving furniture, and labor. A good rule of thumb is to add 15–20% to your initial material estimate to cover these often-overlooked costs. Before you write that budget in stone, ask yourself:
3. Is the subfloor in good condition?
Be sure to budget for potential subfloor repairs. This is one of the most common sources of surprise costs in flooring projects. New flooring is only as good as what’s underneath it. Squeaks, soft spots, an uneven subfloor, or moisture damage means the subfloor must be addressed before replacing the actual flooring.
Want to know what happens when you don’t repair the subfloor properly? Check out this story about a big box store installer.
4. Are moisture or humidity factors in this space?
Solid hardwood warps in moist environments such as bathrooms and basements, but options like tile, luxury vinyl plank or luxury vinyl tile, or engineered wood are more forgiving of high humidity and moisture. If you are unsure if you can install the materials you would like to because of moisture or humidity, give the FM Pro Remodeling team a call at (812) 944-6383 to find out for sure.
5. How long will the installation take, and how inconvenient will it be?
The amount of time you won’t be able to use the room may affect your flooring choice. A floating floor can be installed in a day, and walked on immediately, but tile is off limits until the grout and mortar cures. Some flooring types can be installed in a day or two; others require multiple days for the flooring to acclimate, as well as for adhesives, grout, or finishes to cure. Get a timeline, especially any periods after installation where the room cannot be used at all.
6. How much maintenance is there?
Every flooring material comes with a maintenance commitment, whether that’s periodic resealing of grout, specific cleaning products, or careful attention to avoid scratches and stains. Ask what daily care looks like and whether it fits your lifestyle. A gorgeous floor that requires more than you’re willing to give will lose its beauty fast.
7. Is this floor durable enough for me?
Do you have large dogs? Do you rearrange furniture often? Is this a rental property with frequent turnover? The answers shape which material is the best choice for your specific situation.
8. How will this flooring transition between rooms?
If you’re not replacing every floor in your home at once, imagine how the new flooring will look where it meets existing floors. Ask about transition strips, height differences between materials, and whether the new choice will feel cohesive with adjacent rooms. A bit of contrast is great, but you don’t want anything jarring or mismatched.
9. What are the warranty and installation guarantees?
Materials often come with manufacturer warranties, but workmanship issues are usually covered separately by the installer. Ask what’s covered, for how long, and what would void the warranty such as using the wrong cleaning products. Get this in writing before work begins.
FM Pro Remodeling provides a 5 year guarantee on our work, and all manufacturer warranties also apply.
10. What’s the resale value of this choice?
Even if you’re not planning to sell, flooring decisions affect resale value and buyer appeal. Ask whether your choice is a durable, and appealing option.
11. Does the new floor compliment your existing decorum?
Will your new floor work with your current furniture? If you fall in love with a flooring that doesn’t compliment your current furniture, furnishings and fixtures, the budget will have to go up to replace these other items.
12. Does anyone have allergies?
Do you or someone else in the family suffer from allergies? If so, it is best to stay away from carpet because it harbors allergens. A hard surface of some sort is much easier to clean, and keep allergens at bay.
13. Which shade makes the best sense?
Lighter shades of flooring make rooms appear larger. They really open them up. However, they show stains and wear. Darker flooring provides a comfortable feel to the room, but shows dust and pet hair.
14. Do I want a radiant heated floor?
Only certain types of flooring are compatible with subfloor heating. If you want warm toes all winter, or plan to install radiant floor heating in the future, consult with your installer or supplier first.
15. Will There Be Additional Costs?
Will you have to replace trim and baseboards as well? Redecorate? Paint? New thresholds? Fix the subfloor?
16. Can You Refinish Your Existing Flooring?
If you have hardwood, you may be able to simply sand and refinish your current floor for a brand new look at a reduced cost. Research your existing flooring before committing to a replacement.
17. Will my pets destroy my new floor?
Do you have pets, or are you considering them? A great dane and delicate hardwood do not mix. Careful consideration must be taken when replacing flooring in a house with furry friends. However, you might choose to make rooms with easily damaged floors off limits to pets and children. Choose flooring in the rooms that they frequent that is durable and easy to clean.
18. How will the light in this room affect the flooring?
Direct sunlight can fade flooring over time, and glossy finishes can reflect and create glare. This must be taken into consideration when choosing materials. In addition, a flooring sample that looks warm and rich under showroom lighting can look completely different inside your home. Place your sample in the room under different lighting conditions. This is especially important for darker woods and stains, which look dramatically different under different light. Keep in mind that you can change your lighting along with the flooring.
The Takeaway:
The best flooring decision isn’t just about what looks good in the showroom, it’s about how a material performs with your unique needs and taste in mind. Ask these questions, and you’ll get the perfect floor for you.
Still need help finding the answers to flooring questions? Call FM Pro Remodeling today at (812) 944-6383 for a free consult, or to schedule a free estimate.
