It is a good idea to obtain several estimates for a home renovation project, but it can be quite overwhelming to evaluate them. Contractors usually don’t present their prices in the same format. At BrowserQuote our aim is to assist you in understanding contractor paperwork. If you want to select the best value rather than merely the cheapest quote, you need to learn how to compare the flooring quotes line by line.
A low figure in a competitive quotation may conceal extra costs, poor-quality products, or the absence of any warranty. The following structural approach will enable you to safely examine your forthcoming bids for luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or hardwood.
1. Match the exact material specifications
The simplest method by which a contractor can artificially reduce his bid is to compromise on the quality of the materials. When one bid is thousands of dollars cheaper than the rest, you should carefully examine the product description.
Look at the brand name to make sure that the quote gives the exact manufacturer (for example, Lifeproof, Mohawk, Shaw) and the particular product line.
Check the technical specifications: when assessing LVP, check the wear layer thickness (measured in mils). A quote based on a budget 6-mil plank will obviously be less expensive than one that uses a durable 20-mil residential plank.
Be on the lookout for “Equivalent” loopholes: ask the contractor to write down the exact alternative brand before you agree.
2. Look at Labor Costs Given in Detail Rather than on a Lump Sum Basis
A warning sign in the field of home improvement is a “Lump Sum” quote; in such a case, if the estimate merely states “Flooring Installation: $5,500” without any additional explanation, you will then lose all opportunities to negotiate.
Valid contractors openly lay out their labour costs. Make it a point of demanding to see the separate rates for the following operational tasks:
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Old Flooring Demolition | You shouldn’t pay premium installation rates for basic muscle labor. |
| Subfloor Prep / Leveling | This should be billed flat or by the hour based on actual floor defects. |
| Plank Laying Labor | This is the actual specialized skill rate per square foot. |
3. Work out the Contractor’s “Waste Factor”
Because flooring has to be cut to fit into corners and against the walls, contractors have to order more material than the actual square feet of the room. The extra amount needed is known as the waste factor.
Professional standard layouts include a waste factor of between 10% and 15%. Should a contractor increase the amount of material you are ordered without justifying this by means of a complicated herringbone pattern layout, it could be that they are trying to overcharge you or are taking the extra material to a different job site.
4. The Important Connection Between Internal Links
Before making your final choice, make sure you check your estimates against national market baselines. You can view our comprehensive breakdown of the average luxury vinyl plank flooring cost per square foot installed to verify your numbers are accurate.
Find out how to efficiently compare different flooring quotes, detect any hidden fees, spot scams that involve a lump-sum payment, and check the quality of the material before you agree.