Author: mynewfloor

From hardwood floors and tile flooring, many flooring options are available in the market. However, laminate flooring remains a popular choice among homeowners for its durability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. With a 6% yearly growth in sales, laminate flooring installations are only on the rise.

However, despite its numerous benefits, common mistakes during the installation process can lead to costly consequences, especially if you’re installing the laminate planks yourself as part of a home improvement project.

In this article, we will review some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when installing laminate flooring and the potential consequences of these errors. We’ll also touch upon the role of professional installation services, such as those offered by MyNewFloor.com.

Whether you’re planning to follow the manufacturer’s instructions in a DIY project or seeking step-by-step professional installation, understanding and avoiding these common pitfalls is essential for a successful laminate flooring installation.

Common Mistakes When Laying Laminate Flooring

Laying laminate flooring—a popular choice among homeowners—can seem like a manageable DIY project, but several common mistakes can lead to costly consequences. These mistakes include the following.

Incorrect Subfloor Preparation 

Incorrect subfloor preparation is a leading cause of problems while laying laminate flooring material.

A smooth, clean, and level subfloor is essential. Even minor imperfections can result in an uneven laminate floor and potentially cause creaking or other issues. Fixing any subfloor irregularities is necessary to preserve structural integrity. Make sure it’s completely clean before proceeding with installation.

Suppose you live in a high moisture area or are installing laminate flooring in an area of the house with high-density humidity levels. In that case, subfloor moisture can also wreak havoc on your laminate floor. Excessive moisture can lead to warping, buckling, and mold growth.

To avoid this, try using a suitable moisture barrier or sealant.

Poor Underlayment Selection

Choosing the wrong underlayment can lead to discomfort, noise, and a subpar laminate floor.

Choosing the best underlayment for your flooring is important as underlayment provides sound insulation, reducing noise when walking on the floor. If you’d like a quiet house despite high footfall, choose an underlayment with proper sound-absorbing qualities.

Selecting an underlayment that isn’t too hard to walk on is also essential. Of course, this chalks up to personal preference, but a good underlayment adds cushioning and comfort underfoot.

Inaccurate Measuring and Cutting

Measuring and cutting errors can result in waste and extra costs.

Before you lay laminate flooring, make sure that you take precise measurements of the room. Overestimating can lead to excess material costs, while underestimating may result in delays and extra trips to the store.

If you’re sticking with DIY, using the right tools and cutting techniques is an absolute must. A sharp utility knife with a straight edge is often the best tool for the job. Precise cutting will ensure tight seams and a professional appearance.

Improper Acclimation

Laminate planks need time to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room where they’ll be installed. Failing to acclimatize can lead to warping, edge expansion gaps, and improper fit, even if you have a proper installation done.

Incorrect Locking and Sealing

Depending on the type of floor, be it adjustments to an existing floor or an entirely new floor, you need to lock and seal the planks correctly to avoid future troubles. Proper locking creates a tight fit that prevents seams from opening over time.

While laminate floors are not glued, ensuring that seams are securely closed is crucial. If gaps remain between planks, moisture and debris can penetrate, causing damage over time.

You can also use silicone caulk to seal gaps effectively.

The Consequences of DIY Mistakes

When DIY laminate flooring installation goes wrong, the consequences can be immediate and long-lasting, impacting your floor’s aesthetics, durability, and overall value.

Some of the short-term consequences include:

• Uneven Flooring: Not preparing the subfloor and a lack of proper measurements can lead to an uneven floor surface. This rough surface looks unattractive and creates an uncomfortable walking experience.
  
• Noisy Creaks and Squeaks: Inaccurate subfloor underlayment installation may result in loud creaks and squeaks whenever you walk on the floor. This noise can be irritating and disrupt the peace in your home.
  
• Gaps and Misalignment: Failing to lock the planks correctly and seal the joints can cause gaps and misalignment between planks. This disruption looks unprofessional and allows moisture and debris to seep into the seams.

Some long-term consequences include:

• Decreased Durability and Lifespan: Short-term mistakes can have a cumulative effect, significantly reducing the overall durability and lifespan of your laminate flooring. Uneven surfaces, noise, and misalignment weaken the floor’s structural integrity.
  
• Costly Repairs and Replacements: DIY mistakes often lead to long-term issues that require expensive repairs. For example, water damage due to poorly sealed seams can lead to the need for total replacement. The expenses associated with these repairs can quickly add up.
  
• Aesthetic Deterioration: Over time, misaligned planks, gaps, and other installation errors can lead to aesthetic deterioration. Your floor may lose its luster, and the flaws can become more pronounced over time.

MyNewFloor.com’s professional installation services are essential to avoid these consequences.

Professional installers have the expertise to properly prepare subfloors, ensuring you avoid all the problems described above.

The result is a beautiful, durable laminate floor that enhances your home’s value and comfort.

MyNewFloor.com Solves Your Flooring Problems 

Now you know the common laminate flooring mistakes and the detrimental consequences they can have.

But there’s good news: MyNewFloor.com offers professional expertise to ensure your flooring project is a resounding success.

Here’s how we solve these issues:

• Professional Expertise: Our experienced installers are well-versed in the intricacies of flooring installation, from subfloor preparation to precise measurements and locking systems. We guarantee a flawless result.

• Quality Assurance: We stand behind the quality of the products we offer and the work we do. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we back it with warranties and guarantees.

• Cost-Effective: We’re committed to providing exceptional service and products that meet your specific needs. Your satisfaction is our success.

• Customer Satisfaction: Professional installation ensures a beautiful, long-lasting floor and saves you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and replacements.

So, if you’re looking for a combination of moisture protection and water-resistant laminate planks with a vapor barrier for your floors, check out our Novo collection.
If you have any questions, get in touch with us!

From homeowners considering a flooring upgrade to DIY enthusiasts looking to deal with their floor, Vinyl Plank flooring is one of the best options out there!

However, vinyl flooring installation cost may seem like a bit of a hurdle! Estimating Luxury Vinyl Plank’s (LVP) cost is important to maintain a comfortable home-improvement budget. Further, it’s also essential to choose a floor that matches your unique requirements!

Here’s all that you need to know about this amazing flooring option and its associated cost.

Key Takeaways

1. Vinyl planks replicate the look of hardwood using a synthetic material.
2. It has a protective wear layer, a high-definition printed layer, a core layer, and a backing layer.
3. Common vinyl flooring installation cost concerns include high-quality wear layers, advanced visuals, and specialized core construction.
4. Ease of installation and relatively low maintenance makes LVP flooring cost comparatively low.
5. Vinyl floors are known to last up to 10-20 years with proper care.
   

Average Vinyl Flooring Installation Costs

Considering hard averages, vinyl planks themselves will cost you ~$5.5 per square foot.

Labor’s considerations lead to an additional ~$3 per square foot.

Effectively, your new floor will cost you ~$8.5 per square foot!

Factors Affecting the Cost of Vinyl Flooring Installation

The average cost of luxury vinyl plank flooring installation can vary significantly based on several key factors that you should consider before embarking on your project. Understanding these factors will help you estimate the overall expenses and ensure a successful installation.

Here are the main factors to know:

1. Labor: To install vinyl plank flooring, labor costs are a major concern. Expert flooring providers often work with certified and highly skilled technicians, making the installation process itself a breeze. However, expertise comes at a price. If the vinyl installation is too complex – such as due to irregular shapes – or a vinyl floor has extremely unique requirements, labor costs may increase.

2. Plank Thickness: Most vinyl plank flooring prices themselves account for the plank thickness. Vinyl planks typically range from 2mm to 8mm in thickness. Naturally, thicker planks provide better durability but attract a higher price. It’s important to work with experts to identify what works for your space.

3. Coloring Method: LVP flooring cost may be affected by the method used to color vinyl. The draw of this flooring material is its availability in various designs and finishes. Opting for standard printed vinyl is quite cost-effective. However, high-end luxury vinyl may be comparatively expensive.
   

4. Core Type: The final factor affecting luxury vinyl plank flooring cost is the core type. Recommended core options include – PVC Core, Wood Plastic Composite Core, and Stone Plastic Composite Core. While SPC will provide supreme durability, it may balloon flooring costs. It’s best to identify a workable trade-off here.

Additional Services

In addition to the standard installation process, several extra services may be necessary during vinyl plank flooring installation:

• Floor Leveling: This process ensures a smooth and stable surface for the vinyl plank flooring. It can add to the labor costs and involve materials like self-leveling compounds.

• Moisture Barrier: A moisture barrier may be needed depending on the room’s location and the type of subfloor. This barrier helps protect the vinyl flooring from moisture damage. It can be particularly crucial in basements, bathrooms, and other high-moisture areas.

• Subfloor Repair: Additional work will be required to restore the condition if the subfloor is damaged or needs repairs. This work may involve patching, reinforcing, or replacing damaged sections.

At MyNewFloor.com, we offer comprehensive vinyl plank flooring installation services that cover all aspects of the installation process. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

How To Estimate Your Budget?

Wondering how luxury vinyl plank flooring cost actually works? This simple estimator will give you a starting point!

Vinyl Installation Cost Estimator By Area

Vinyl Plank installation in Charlotte, NC typically costs between $2.94 – $3.73 per square foot, but the final price can vary depending on factors like the specific vinyl type, the complexity of the installation, and any additional services required.

Project Size	Average Overall Cost
100 sq.ft.	$294 – $373
200 sq.ft.	$588 – $746
300 sq.ft.	$882 – $1119
400 sq.ft.	$1176 – $1492
500 sq.ft.	$1470 – $1865
600 sq.ft.	$1764 – $2238

Vinyl Installation Cost Estimator By Type

Vinyl Type	Average Cost per Square Foot
Vinyl Sheet	$1 – $2
Vinyl Plank	$2 – $5
Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT)	$1 – $5
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)	$2 – $9
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)	$2 – $9

How to Reduce Vinyl Installation Costs

1. hoose budget-friendly materials that fall between $1 to $2 per square foot.
2. Opt for click-lock or loose-lay vinyl planks to save on installation costs.
3. Consider removing old flooring by yourself to further save costs.
4. An easy way to save on vinyl flooring installation cost is to get flooring for the entire home and benefit from lesser labor costs.

Get easy financing to fulfill your flooring needs without breaking the bank!

Final Thoughts

Considering new vinyl planks is an absolutely amazing decision for your home! However, the cost to install vinyl plank flooring may feel prohibitive in this process! In reality, vinyl planks, even at the higher end, come much cheaper than other options. What you need to consider are the long-term savings of having installed vinyl! Mainly – installation is cheaper, long-term maintenance is easy, and dealing with stains by yourself is even simpler! The addition of comprehensive warranties further makes getting vinyl floors an easy decision.

MyNewFloor.com, local flooring contractors bringing the best flooring installation in Charlotte, NC has ever seen. If you’re curious about where else we serve, check out our serving areas. Are you ready to experience it? Ready to get started? Contact us today!

So don’t wait! Get your new floor today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I Clean Vinyl Flooring?

Keeping vinyl clean is relatively simpler than other floors. Simply sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris. Once a week, mop with warm water and mild dishwashing liquid!

2. How long does it take to install vinyl flooring?

One reason why the cost to install vinyl plank flooring is lesser than other floors is due to a short installation time. You can expect your new floor ready to use within a day or two!

3. Is Vinyl Flooring Cheaper to Install Than Tile?

Yes, vinyl flooring installation cost is cheaper than tile! While tile will cost you roughly $5 to $15 per square foot, vinyl floors come in at comparatively cost-effective prices ranging between $1 to $3 per square foot!

4. How Much Does It Cost to Install 1000 Square Feet of Luxury Vinyl Floors?

The cost to install 1000 square feet of luxury vinyl flooring typically ranges from $2940 to $3730, including materials and labor.

Your new laminated wood floors aren’t just made to look beautiful. As part of our NOVO COLLECTION, they’re made to flawlessly stand up to everyday life, too.

That’s because every laminated wood floor in our curated collection features:

• Waterproof joints that keep spills and other messes from leaking through
• A premium finish that traps moisture on the surface
• Enhanced stain and soil protection that wears 2x better than standard polyurethane
• 4x more scratch resistance than ordinary polyurethane finishes
• 30% more dent resistance than MDF laminate

Though laminated wood is one of the most durable, easy-to-maintain flooring materials available, there are a few things you should know about cleaning laminated wood that will keep your floors looking great long-term:

USE DOORMATS

One of the easiest ways to keep your floors clean is to prevent your family, pets and guests from tracking in dirt, leaves and other outside debris. Use doormats on either side of commonly used doors to trap dirt and dust before they can hit your floors.

DRY MOP DAILY

Despite your best efforts, dirt, dust and pet hair will still find their way onto your floors. Keep a microfiber dry mop handy and give your floors a quick once-over daily. This is also an important first step before a deeper clean so you don’t grind in tiny particles.

CLEAN WITH A DAMP MOP MONTHLY

NOVO floors are waterproof, but you should still avoid soaking them. Instead, use a damp microfiber cloth or well-rung mop with a manufacturer-recommended cleaner or homemade solution of one teaspoon of clear, unscented dish soap mixed with one gallon of hot water.

AVOID VACUUM BEATER BARS

If you choose to vacuum instead of using a dry mop, make sure your rotating beater bar is switched to “off” to prevent accidental scratching and dulling of your laminated floors’ surface. Also avoid floor scrubbers, steel wool and other abrasives that could void your manufacturer’s warranty.

ADDRESS SPILLS & ACCIDENTS QUICKLY

Wipe up drips, spills and pet accidents as soon as you see them. Spot clean according to your manufacturer’s instructions or use a gentle homemade cleaner (one teaspoon of clear, unscented dish soap to one gallon of hot water) as needed.

GET MORE FLOORING MAINTENANCE TIPS

Want more tips for keeping the floors throughout your home looking great? Visit our blog for flooring care tips, tricks and more.

If you’re shopping for custom hardwood floors – or recently had them installed – and looking for maintenance and cleaning tips to keep them looking like new, you’re in the right place.

CLEANING CUSTOM HARDWOOD FLOORS

It’s fast and easy to care for your new CANTO COLLECTION floors. Just follow these three steps:

Step 1: Vacuum

Vacuum regularly with the beater bar switched off to remove dust, dirt and other debris, prevent scratches and protect the finish of your wood floors.

Step 2: Clean

After you’ve gently removed surface debris, spray a manufacturer-recommended cleaner on a microfiber mop and wipe in a back-and-forth motion along the length of your floorboards.

Note: Wash the mop cover after every 300 to 400 square feet of cleaning. If you’re cleaning a large surface area, this might mean using more than one mop cover per cleaning.

Step 3: Dry

Flip your microfiber mop to its dry side and dry your custom hardwood floors using the same back-and-forth movement.

CLEANING PRODUCTS & TECHNIQUES TO AVOID

When cleaning your CANTO COLLECTION hardwood floors, do not use wax, vinegar, home cleaning products, non-manufacturer-recommended wood cleaners or any oil-based soaps, as they can damage or fade your floors’ finish or leave a greasy film. Do not use steam cleaners. Wring out your mop well so it’s damp, not wet, when it hits your floors.

CARING FOR MICROFIBER MOP COVERS

Wash your mop cover the same way you’d wash cotton towels. Never use fabric softener sheets or liquid when washing mop covers, as they’ll leave a greasy film on the surface of your floor, even when the mop covers are “clean.”

HOW TO CLEAN SPILLS & STAINS

Spills

Quickly wipe the wet area with a dry cloth or absorbent paper towel. Clean the surface with a cloth and manufacturer-recommended cleaner.

Sticky spots or grease stains

Spray manufacturer-recommended cleaner on a cloth, apply to the stain and rub. Rinse the cloth and wring it out, then wipe the surface. For stubborn stains, repeat with a mix of one part water and one part isopropanol (rubbing alcohol).

Rubber or shoe marks

Dampen a cloth with manufacturer-recommended cleaner and rub the stained area.

Ink, tar, crayon and other stubborn stains

Wipe with a cloth lightly soaked with manufacturer-recommended cleaner. If needed, apply a small amount of paint thinner or lighter fluid to a dry cloth and rub the stain. Wipe with manufacturer-recommended cleaner to eliminate residue.

GET MORE FLOORING MAINTENANCE TIPS

Want more tips for keeping the floors throughout your home looking great? Visit our blog for flooring care tips, tricks and more.

Whether the process of picking your new floors is your first major home project or the latest in a long line of renovations, it’s a major investment.

You’re not just shopping for the hardwood, carpet or luxury vinyl plank that fits your taste and lifestyle. You’re also searching for a fair price, as well as the peace of mind that comes from choosing a flooring partner you can trust to enter your home and do the job well.

There’s no better way to build confidence in your selection by reading what other customers have had to say about their experience. Here are a few of our favorite 5-star reviews from happy customers:

A CURATED COLLECTION OF KID- AND PET-FRIENDLY FLOORING

“They gave us freedom to think things out and were incredibly patient. Honestly, the floors are stunning! The house looks brand new and so bright. They did an amazing job! Being OCD, I seek out imperfections or mistakes, but they made none. They even cleaned the floors with a pup-friendly cleaner! We love them, our pups love them, and we can’t refer [to others] enough. We will never go through anyone else. 100/10. Amazing!!!” – Elizabeth H.

No pushy sales team here! We want you to love your new floors – and the process of choosing them. We’re here to help, but we also give you space to pick your floors without pressure.

From real hardwoods to carpet, LVP to tile, we’re proud to be Charlotte’s go-to destination for quality, affordable, kid-, cat- and dog-friendly flooring.

KEEP READING

3 Things That Make MyNewFloor.com Different

LOW, ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING AND 0% FINANCING

“After shopping around for over a year to match the flooring I had already downstairs, the team was able to find a similar option that looks great. I am so glad I went with them. The pricing was up-front and they offer a 12-month, no-interest financing option. The team arrived on time, moved our furniture, completed the work thoroughly and quickly, and moved the furniture back all in one day. The team followed up and was great. Would definitely recommend!” – R. M.

When we say our pricing is all-inclusive, we mean it. No surprises. No hidden fees. No unexpected upcharges. The result: competitive pricing and 0% financing that makes it easy for you to budget for your project.

There’s more to flooring estimates than meets the eye. When comparing, look out for hidden fees, add-ons and other surprise costs that can quickly blow your budget.

KEEP READING

6 Key Questions to Ask When Comparing Flooring Estimates

CERTIFIED INSTALLERS WHO CAN TROUBLESHOOT THE UNEXPECTED

“Not one terrible thing to say about this experience. I LOVE MY NEW FLOORS! Their quality of flooring is top notch, even the LVT I put in my bathrooms. The install on the stairs was troublesome, but it wasn’t MyNewFloor.com’s fault. Once they got the right tread for the stairs, it came together magically. I’m definitely returning to them when it’s time for new carpet in the bedrooms!” – BJ W.

Why leave your flooring installation to our certified installers? Because they’re pros who’ve seen – and can efficiently troubleshoot – it all. This reduces the risk of delays, extra costs and potential damage to your home.

All of our certified installers have at least five years on the job, and extensive training that helps them troubleshoot unexpected issues quickly, accurately and professionally.

KEEP READING

6 Reasons to Have a Pro Install Your Floors

A WORRY-FREE EXPERIENCE FROM START TO FINISH

“Great experience from the start, from picking materials at the showroom all the way through [the] final walkthrough. Very communicative, always prompt, very competitive pricing.  We bought a fixer-upper and, of all trades we hired, MyNewFloor.com stood out as the easiest to work with. Great product, great service – would definitely recommend.” – Allyn J.

We know home projects can be stressful, which is why we work hard to put our customers at ease from the time they walk through our door to the time we walk out of theirs.

The process of picking out new floors doesn’t have to feel complicated. We’re here to help make it easy and worry-free.

KEEP READING

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing New Flooring

DELIVERING A 5-STAR FLOORING EXPERIENCE IS WHAT WE DO

“I researched multiple flooring companies and MyNewFloor.com had the best price. Not only that, their service is top-of-the-line. I had them install LVT in the entire downstairs of my house, then recommended them to my father, who had carpet installed and he loves it. My neighbor also took my reference for her LVT and had a great experience. I also used MyNewFloor.com to install floating flooring in my fiancee’s house and it turned out beautifully. Finally, MyNewFloor.com installed carpet in the upstairs of my house and I love it. Great company and easy to work with.” – Nathan C.

We aim to make every step of your flooring experience easy. Nothing makes us more proud than when our work results in your recommendations to neighbors and friends, and opportunities to work with you again.

KEEP READING

South End Showroom Reviews

Blakeney Showroom Reviews

SHOP OUR CURATED COLLECTION

Ready to find the flooring that’s right for your next project? Contact us to schedule your free estimate with a professional flooring expert, or shop our curated collection of hardwood, laminated wood, carpet, LVP and tile now.

So you’re ready to shop for new flooring, but you’re 30 seconds into your Google search, already overwhelmed and not sure where to start.

We’ve been there.

MyNewFloor.com makes it simple to shop for new floors with our curated collection of hardwood, laminated wood, pattern and texture carpet, luxury vinyl plank and tile hand-selected for performance and value.

What’s more, our design team will help you find your right-fit flooring based on your space, lifestyle, budget and more. Here are our top five things to consider to narrow your search:

FOR WHAT ROOM ARE YOU SHOPPING?

The first thing to consider when shopping for new floors is the room where they’ll be installed. While some spaces are a match for virtually any flooring choice, others have a more narrow selection of appropriate options.

Ask yourself:

• Is this a high-moisture or spill-prone area like a kitchen, bathroom or laundry room?
• Are dirt, mud and other outside debris frequently tracked into this space from outside?
• How often do you eat, drink or entertain in this room?

We start with a free home estimate to get the specs for your space. Then, our design teams in Blakeney, South End and Lake Norman* help guide you to the right-fit flooring for your room.

WHAT’S YOUR LIFESTYLE?

Yes, white carpet is gorgeous, as are mahogany-colored hardwood floors. But remember, this is reality, not Instagram. Do you have little ones (or a messy significant other) that might make it a headache to keep that white carpet clean? Will it drive you crazy to see every one of your golden retriever’s stray hairs stand out on your dark wood floors?

Things to consider:

• Does this area get a lot of shoes-on foot traffic?
• Do kids or pets spend much time eating, drinking or playing in this space?
• How much time do you have – or want to spend – keeping your floors clean?

Luckily, every selection in our curated collection is made with an array of benefits to stand up to everyday life, including moisture-, scratch-, stain- and dent-resistance.

WHAT’S YOUR DESIGN STYLE?

Are you creating an entirely new look for your space, or aiming to seamlessly transition from one room to another? Either way, our knowledgeable designers can help guide you through your selections so your floors not only fit your lifestyle and your budget, but also help bring your vision to life in a finished look you love.

Things to think about:

• What’s the look you’re going for – modern, boho, farmhouse, traditional?
• How do you want the room to feel – luxurious, cozy, approachable?
• Does your pick fit with the rest of your home? If not, are you good with that?

WHAT’S YOUR BUDGET?

As with any expense, it’s best to know your budget going in. That way, you can save time (and heartache) by focusing your flooring search on our curated selections that fit your price range.

That said, don’t assume having a budget limits your options. With our low, all-inclusive price per-square-foot, many of our customers find they’re able to afford flooring that exceeds their initial expectations.

When setting a budget and comparing estimates, ask:

• Who’s responsible for prepping and reassembling the space?
• Is demolition and removal of old flooring included?
• Does the quote include shipping and delivery fees?

DO YOU PLAN TO DIY OR HIRE A PRO TO INSTALL?

We know it’s tempting to try to save a few dollars by installing your new floors yourself. But flooring demo and installation can be tedious and often create unexpected challenges. Using an expert installer who’s seen – and can efficiently troubleshoot – it all can drastically reduce the risk of delays, extra costs and potential damage to your home.

When talking to your flooring partner about its installers, ask:

• Is there a minimum number of years of experience required?
• Are installers certified and insured?
• Do they receive ongoing training and support from flooring manufacturers?

LEARN MORE ABOUT MYNEWFLOOR.COM

Our curated collection, all-inclusive pricing and certified installers set us apart as the Charlotte region’s premier flooring company. Learn more about us.

*South End and Lake Norman by appointment only

Check out the recent Redfin article we were featured in: 21 DIY Kitchen Renovation Tips for a Makeover On a Budget.

Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular home improvement projects – and one of the most daunting. There are many things to consider during a renovation, from appliances and cabinets to flooring and countertops. They can also be expensive and time-consuming. Luckily, with some know-how and perseverance, you can complete your makeover quickly and on budget.

Read the full article here: 21 DIY Kitchen Renovation Tips for a Makeover on a Budget | Redfin.

If you’ve ever gotten multiple quotes for flooring (or any other home project), you know estimates can vary pretty dramatically. There are a lot of reasons for this, including product sourcing, availability and quality; how contractors staff and price labor; and other factors.

What’s more, there’s no one way contractors structure estimates, which means what’s included with one might be an add-on cost with another.

It can feel like a lot if you’re trying to compare apples to apples.

We think you have enough information to sift through when shopping for your new flooring, and you shouldn’t have to worry about hunting down hidden fees and add-on costs to understand the all-in price in your estimates, too.

That’s why we offer one low, all-inclusive price per square foot in every estimate. Our quotes include all the things you’d expect – and likely several things you don’t. When we say all-in, we mean it: all materials, expert installation, furniture removal, demolition and more. No surprises, no hidden fees – just high-quality, worry-free floors you’ll love, at one low price.

If you’re currently comparing flooring estimates or planning to do it in the near future, here are a few questions to consider:

DOES YOUR QUOTE INCLUDE FLOORING AND INSTALLATION?

Yes, it’s possible to save money by DIYing your installation, but doing so can be tedious and pose unexpected challenges.

Making sure your estimate includes installation by a pro team that has seen  – and can efficiently troubleshoot – it all can reduce your risk of delays, extra costs and potential damage.

WHO’S RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPPING AND REASSEMBLING YOUR SPACE?

Most flooring contractors will require you to roll up your rugs, move your furniture and otherwise empty the room before their work begins – and it’ll be on you to put it all back when they’re done.

We include this work standard on every all-inclusive estimate, and our team of certified installers will move your furniture and valuables with the same care as if they were their own.

IS DISCONNECTION / RECONNECTION OF APPLIANCES INCLUDED?

If you’re replacing old kitchen or laundry room floors, you’ll need to move large appliances like your refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer.

Here again, it’s important to understand whether this is your responsibility or whether your contractor will handle it – and, if so, if there’s an added price. If your appliances are natural gas, be sure whomever is moving them is licensed and certified to do so.

IS DEMOLITION INCLUDED?

Who’s ripping out your old carpet, pulling up the carpet staples, popping up those warped hardwoods or chiseling out that grimy tile?

Yes, most flooring contractors do demo work – and haul away your old flooring – but unlike MyNewFloor.com, most don’t include it in the quoted base price.

WHAT ABOUT SECONDARY MATERIALS AND THE LABOR ASSOCIATED WITH THEM?

This can include anything from prepping your space with tarp or plastic to keep demo dust to a minimum, to completing finishing touches like trim.

Talk to your potential contractor before you sign to make sure your definitions of a “finished” job are the same, and be clear on what’s included and what will cost you extra.

DOES YOUR QUOTE INCLUDE SHIPPING AND DELIVERY FEES?

These fees can be especially tough for homeowners to swallow now that, thanks to Amazon and other online retailers, free delivery has become the norm.

Note whether these fees are baked into your base price or listed as a separate line item. It’s also a good idea to ask whether materials will be shipped to your home prior to installation day (and if so, how early), so you can create space to store things if needed.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MYNEWFLOOR.COM

Our all-inclusive pricing isn’t the only thing that sets us apart as the Charlotte region’s premier flooring company. Learn more about MyNewFloor.com, our curated collection, certified installers and worry-free flooring guarantee.

If you have four-legged family members at home, we’re willing to bet you’ve done a bit of Googling on the best types of floors for dogs and cats as part of your flooring research.

Whether you’re shopping for hardwoods, laminated wood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or carpet, look for options that offer added durability, including:

MOISTURE-RESISTANCE

Protect your floors from water bowl spills, post-bath shake and sprays, and house-training mishaps with hard or soft surfaces that offer added moisture-resistance.

All of our hardwood and laminated wood products feature joints that keep water from leaking through gaps, and a premium finish that traps moisture on the surface to prevent penetration. 

The options in our luxury vinyl plank collection also offer water-tight joints and are built with an impenetrable, waterproof surface.

Prefer the cozy comfort of carpet? Check out our pattern carpet collection, which comes standard with a waterproof backing that prevents spills from seeping through to the padding and subfloor below, or our texture carpet collection, which features our SpillGuard moisture barrier padding at no extra charge.

SCRATCH-RESISTANCE

When it comes to shopping for durable floors for cats and dogs, locking out moisture is only part of the story. Also look for vinyl, laminate or other flooring that can stand up to your pup’s playtime zoomies, kitty’s cat scratches and other nail-related misadventures.

Here again, the hard surfaces in our curated collection are engineered with added pet-friendly benefits.

The products in our hardwood and laminated wood collections feature ScratchGuard technology, a premium finish that’s four times more scratch-resistant than ordinary polyurethane finishes.

Our LVP collection features even greater protection, with a premium finish that’s five times more scratch-resistant than an ordinary poly finish.

Finally, our tile products offer an enhanced aluminum oxide coating for added protection that provides superior scratch resistance to ordinary urethane finishes.

STAIN-RESISTANCE

Of course, we can’t talk about the most durable floors for dogs and cats without also talking about stain resistance. Instead of worrying about muddy paws, upset tummies and other pet-related spills, find a flooring choice that prevents stains from setting in.

We offer StainGuard technology across all products in our hardwood and laminated wood collections. This soil and stain protection is twice as strong as ordinary polyurethane.

This protection is even stronger in our vinyl plank flooring collection, which offers five times more soil and stain resistance than ordinary poly finishes.

Finally, both our pattern and texture carpet collections provide added stain resistance, so all you have to do is wipe things up and get back to the four-legged fun.

SHOP OUR CURATED COLLECTION

Ready to find the flooring that’s right for your two- and four-legged family members? Contact us to schedule your free estimate with a professional flooring expert, or shop our curated collection of cat- and dog-friendly flooring now.