The Best Tips for Choosing Flooring

Evaluate the Space in your home

When we talk about evaluating the space, it is a good idea to outline what spaces or rooms within your project that you will be choosing flooring for. Whether it is the bathroom, kitchen, or living room, it is important to know which room you will be looking for new flooring in because this will assist in determining what type of flooring will last longer based on certain factors. Those factors could be considerations of whether it will be subjected to spills or water often or the size of the room regarding echoes or extra sound that could be experienced.

Evaluate the Function before Choosing Flooring:

As part of evaluating the spaces for new flooring, you will also need to outline what the function of the space will be and what you or your family may do in the space over time. Identifying the function will help you narrow down your search for the right products and understand which flooring options will definitely not work for space. Some ways that understanding the functions of the room can help is to assist in the understanding if the floor choice needs to be water resistant, easy to clean, durable, just to name a few. Get more tips for flooring choices from our friends at the Home Depot.

Before Choosing Flooring – Do your Homework

Once you have defined the space and function, next steps will be to start researching the different flooring options available on the market today. Whether it is hardwood, ceramic tile, porcelain, carpet, or laminate flooring, understanding the properties will in the end narrow down your search for the right flooring that will last within your home and bring your satisfaction in your final choice. For example, choices for a bathroom due to the water that will be spilled or moisture content of the room would possibly lean you towards a ceramic or porcelain tile as they would not be as susceptible to water spills as hardwood or laminate may be. Try this tips for choosing a floor from This Old House.

No matter what your preference may for flooring, it is important to conduct your research before you choose a flooring option for your space. Remember that this is a big decision for your home and lessen the stress of the project and choose the smooth ride over the rough one. Ask yourself all of the questions before starting your project, plan, and research your flooring options based on function and aesthetics. Keeping these things in mind will help you choose the right flooring moving forward and keep you satisfied with your choice over the years.

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A recent study discovered 70 percent of homeowners are planning a remodeling or renovation project and expect to spend upwards of $3,500 to finish the job. Chances are that a large chunk of money is set aside for flooring. No matter what flooring you want, the cost of replacement it can be staggering. If your budget is tight, but you don’t want to skimp on style or quality, there are many clever and unexpected ways to save on several flooring varieties.

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Be Realistic

You may dream of installing travertine, marble or an exotic hardwood throughout your home. Unfortunately, your budget is only enough for laminate and linoleum. When it comes to installing flooring, it’s important to create a budget and stick with it. Also, keep in mind the specific room and its function. For instance, you probably want to keep carpeting in your bedroom.

Surf the Internet

You’ve wandered the aisles of every flooring provider in your area but cannot find what you’re looking for, or more importantly, an amazing deal. The Internet might not seem like the obvious choice when it comes to flooring, but there are many amazing deals there. Purchasing flooring direct from the manufacturer is another option. In many instances, you can save 50, 60 or 70 percent because you’ve cut out the middle man.

Look for Discounts and Remnants

If you’re covering a small area, inquire about any laminate, hardwood or carpeting remnants at your local home improvement store or floor covering dealer. Remnants are the leftover chunks of flooring, such as the end of a carpet or linoleum roll. In many cases, the seller is so motivated to make room for new inventory that he just might discount the remnant as much as 80 percent. However, don’t expect to recarpet your entire home on remnants. Most of the time, the pieces are large enough to cover a small bedroom, foyer or bathroom.

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Skip Professional Installation

Many flooring retailers offer free installation if you purchase a set amount of product. However, in most instances, you’ll be expected to pay out of pocket to have it installed. There is another cost-saving installation option: perform the work yourself. If you don’t have the basic tools or expertise to perform the job, ask someone like a friend or family member for help. Laminate and hardwood aren’t difficult to install and require only basic tools. All you need for carpeting is a knife and a knee kicker, which can be rented from many hardware stores. However, if you’re installing expensive, natural flooring, it’s best to leave this delicate procedure to the professionals.

It Never Hurts to Ask

Your locally owned carpet or flooring showroom might not offer the best prices in town. However, aside from service, these institutions can offer you something the big-box retailers never can: a chance to negotiate the price. Once you locate the ideal flooring choice, don’t be afraid to ask if it is the best price. Even if the seller refuses to discount the sticker price, you can still offer to pay cash for a two- to three-percent discount. This will often cover the potential fees charged to the seller by his merchant service for using your credit card.

You might get discouraged by the search for inexpensive and quality flooring, but don’t give up until you find the ideal product for your home and lifestyle. If you continue to struggle, remember to ask for a discount, look for remnants and hit the clearance aisles to find an amazing deal.

Rose Jefferies is a guest blogger and contractor who recommends COIT to her clients. Whenever Rose is ready to spruce up her home’s appearance, she also looks to COIT Carpet Cleaning.

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