Where do I go to get a good deal on my flooring installation?

How can I get a good deal while still getting a quality install? It can be hard to know exactly where to go when looking to redo your floors. I’ll break down five main options that will help you get started. These same concepts can be applied to other trades as well, though each still has its differences. At the end of the day, you’ll still need to do your vetting (check references, pictures of their work, etc.) but hopefully this helps open up some options.

1)Flooring Stores – Sell product and sell labor. They have connections with independent installers or have a crew of employees. Often they have great quality. They have a brick and mortar location which adds ease of mind that they’ll be there for you if something goes wrong. They are motivated to take care of their customers since they have a set place and want people to come back.

2)General Contractor – Hire a contractor to rehab your house. Some buy through a store and add a commission on top of that. Others don’t add a commission.  Some have great connections and can get you better price than a store. Some General Contractors have a crew to install flooring themselves. Usually they hold themselves to a higher standard than handymen. Its kind of a mix and hard to know unless you ask them.

3)Flooring Specialty Contractors – They are specialized in flooring installations and do it everyday. They’re often the ones who are sub contracted out by stores and contractors to complete flooring projects. They are independently insured and licensed.  They don't have the same overhead expenses as stores do, so they are often better priced in comparison. Downside is they don't always have a concrete place of business, somewhere to go if they stop answering their phone.

4)Handymen- Know a little about everything, and some do really nice work. I don’t want to bag on them too much, but often times since they don’t install flooring everyday, there are some details they miss. Sometimes they charge quite a bit less and that’s a sign that you may not be getting the same quality.

5)Doityourself- Great option for those  who are familiar with construction and handy. Especially laminate and lvp are pretty do it yourself friendly. It can be rewarding to knock out a project when it goes well. It may take you longer though, and you may not have all the correct tools or experience for a quality product.

There still are a few more options if you want to get creative.

Bonus 1) Hire a friend who works for a flooring specialty contractor/ flooring store. Often they are just hourly at work (making 15-20/hr) so pay them a little extra than that and they’ll gladly help you. Often they have their own tools  and have experience seeing similar jobs. They can provide the same end result for quite a bit less (if you choose this route, remember they likely don't have insurance, or licensing - so there is some risk here).

Bonus 2) Barter. Some people/ businesses are up for it. Explain to them how what you have to trade can help them.

Bonus 3) Sell for a deal. Ask them to come down a bit by offering value. ex) “will you do it for this much if I can promise you more work in the future?” Or, “I’ll leave you a good review and tell all my friends about you if you can knock a bit off.” Be careful on your wording though, a lot of service businesses hate it when you ask for a discount since its a straight discount on their labor.

So there is what I was able to come up with. Obviously, as a flooring contractor I think #3 is a great route but each has it’s place and different levels of value being given. Be aware of your expectations and go find someone based off that. And remember to do a bit of vetting, even if its a quick google business search. Good luck on your project!