Home renovation projects can be challenging, especially changing up your flooring, which is a huge undertaking. Not only does it take time and effort, but you cannot leave room for errors. From selecting the right flooring to ensuring it is properly installed, a lot of things can go wrong.
At The Reno Superstore, we have seen too many homeowners (and flooring contractors) make costly flooring mistakes. So, check this list first and avoid making these common mistakes.
Common Flooring Installation Mistakes (And How to Stop Making Them)
Changing your flooring can dramatically improve your home’s ROI. But you will need to avoid making certain mistakes. Here, we learn how to avoid making them.
1. Not Budgeting Properly
This rookie mistake even happens to seasoned renovators. Flooring installation is about more than just getting the right flooring materials and installing them. There are several factors involved and these can quickly drive up the cost of your project when not properly monitored. These additional costs include installation charges, additional materials (like subflooring or mouldings), leveling the subfloor, underlayment, and transportation costs.
To properly understand how much you are looking to spend, ask your flooring installer about how much all supplies will cost. Also, ask for an estimate for your entire project before getting started.
2. Choosing Style Over Functionality
We all want our new space to look great, but focusing only on appearances is never a good idea. Flooring is something you use every day so it needs to work well with your daily activities and environment. So, when choosing any flooring, it is important to select a material that aligns with your lifestyle.
Pay attention to foot traffic, the moisture within the space, the usability of the area, and other such factors when making your choice. Need help? The experts at The Reno Superstore can help you choose flooring that aligns with your lifestyle and fits your budget.
3. Choosing Quantity Over Quality
Flooring is an investment and an indispensable part of your renovation. It is also expensive and should be considered with care. Since it needs to last, it is important to always choose quality flooring products from reputable manufacturers.
Never settle for a flooring product of lower quality out of necessity. Instead of compromising on quality, consider reducing the size of your project to make it more suited to your budget.
Also, never choose poor-quality products from dubious suppliers. Doing so reduces the life of your flooring and leads to flooring issues and recurring costs.
4. Not Checking the Condition of Your Subfloor
So, you have finally bought your favourite flooring and are set to start the installation. But have you checked that the subfloor is level? The subfloor is the surface upon which your new floor will be laid. Not checking its condition is a big mistake. You need to ensure that the subfloor is clean, level, and free of debris.
Installing brand-new flooring over a damaged subfloor will lead to uneven floors and issues down the road. Make sure it is clean and free of dirt before you start installing. Hire professionals to do the installation to ensure it is done well.
5. Using Incorrect Measurements
When changing your flooring, measuring it correctly prior to installation is a necessity, as a lot of things will go wrong if you don’t.
Measure the area of installation properly; this will help you buy the right amount of flooring product for the space. If you are not sure how to do it properly, ask a professional at The Reno Superstore to help you measure correctly.
6. Neglecting Flooring Transitions
Flooring transitions connect two different types of flooring to create a seamless look from one room to the other. They help provide a finished look to your space.
There are various types of flooring transitions available and it can get slightly difficult to choose the right kind. We suggest asking experts at The Reno Superstore to assist you in finding the right type of flooring transition for your project. What you pick will depend on the type of flooring you are using, so make sure to mention that to the salesperson.
Please note that some flooring, such as hardwood and laminate, is not suitable for certain transitions. So, it is best to start planning for transitions before installing new flooring to avoid expensive last-minute changes.
7. Not Considering the Area of Installation
In any flooring installation, it is very important to consider the area of installation. Just because you have hardwood flooring in the rest of your house does not mean it is a good idea to install it in your basement or laundry room.
Your basement is very different from your bedroom, just as bathrooms and kitchens are quite different from your living room.
Not considering the area of installation can lead consumers to choose the wrong flooring product, which can be costly. For instance, hardwood in your basement or bathroom won’t work as exposure to high levels of moisture will damage it. Moreover, the upkeep would be expensive and recurring, and the hardwood would eventually need to be replaced.
8. Not Hiring Professionals
Many homeowners try to install flooring themselves to save money. That’s understandable but not the best decision. Flooring installation requires significant skill and expertise, and mistakes are hard and expensive to fix.
Hiring professional installation services, such as from The Reno Superstore, has several benefits. Not only do they help you finish the project in a timely manner, but they also ensure that the job is done correctly the first time.
Installing new flooring is a great way to add value to your home and improve your lifestyle. However, doing it without understanding what you are getting into will cost you dearly in the long run. We hope you avoid these common flooring installation mistakes so you don’t have to pay for expensive fixes. To avoid surprises, take time to understand each aspect of your new flooring installation before you start. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment to get started on your project.