Ladies: We love shoes! There are all different styles, colors, quality, and of course, prices. When we go shopping, we have somewhat of an idea what we want to spend.
Guys: They love cars! There are different styles, colors, quality, and of course, prices. When they go shopping, they have somewhat of an idea what they want to spend.
If you call either a department store or a car dealership and ask the cost of shoes or cars, the sales person would inform you that they may be able to answer based on a “ball park” figure. However, they would recommend coming into their showrooms/stores to explain the different options. So is true with purchasing a floor.
Open and specific communication is essential to keep within budgets as well as purchasing products suitable for your home. Flooring has become a specialty as each and every home has its own set of variables. What may work for your neighbor, may not work for you.
Wood:
If the home is on a concrete slab, a solid ¾” thick floor will not work. (Cannot nail into concrete) If the home is on a radiant floor, not all wood floors will work. (Heat may affect as well as nail punchers) If they have large pets in the home, wood floor may not work (scratching). If temperature and humidity levels are not consistent in the home 365 days, wood floors may not work (expansion, contraction, or cupping). The range of prices on wood flooring is from $2.49 (engineered) to over $15.00 (exotic, hand scraped, solid products.)
Do you have pets? Are allergies a problem? Wood flooring may be right for your home.
Carpet:
If pets are present in the home, looped carpet may not be the best choice as snagging may occur. (Harming the animal with pulls in the carpet). If carpet with pad is desired for unheated areas, pad will not work (temperature change will affect a stretched installation). Plush carpet in a large room (may not be the best choice due to seaming.) If allergies or sensitivity to dust are a problem, carpet may not be the best option. (Carpet can hold embedded dust in the fibers.) The range of prices on carpet is from $.79 (Olefin Berber or low end plush) to over $10.00 sq. ft. (Wool pattern products)
Ceramic Tile:
If the homeowner has problems with their legs, ceramic tile may not be the best option in flooring- (Fatigue due to the hardness of the floor.) If long term maintenance is not available, ceramic tile may not be the best option (Upkeep on re-caulking as well as cleaning grout.) If purchasing due to increasing value of home, ceramic tile may not be the best option. (Ceramic tile due to substrate requirements may not be able to compensate the expense incurred for the installation.) The range of prices on ceramic/porcelain is $.99 sq. ft. (Close-outs or base grade) to over $8.00 sq. ft. (Modular, imports, and specialty items.)
Be prepared before you shop for floorcovering. Measure and bring a diagram of the room/rooms that are considered for replacing. Take a digital picture of the room so that the sales person has an idea for blending permanent choices such as kitchen cabinets or countertops. Field measurements are required to give estimates, but with having some information, ball park budgets can be established.
As you can see, there are so many options and variables involved with each and every job. The internet is a useful tool to obtain GENERAL information, but data is general-not addressing or knowing the users specific situations and conditions in the home. Independent specialty stores are the best source of valuable information. Buying over the internet product is also very risky and should be considered very carefully.
Who will help if there is a concern? Who can answer questions in the middle of the installation if there is a problem? How do I return if I do not care for my choice (as it looked different on the brochure?) How much will it cost to return the product, and how fast will my new selection arrive? (Company is coming in 1 week-HELP!)
Independent retailers live in your communities. We support your schools, civic organizations, and churches. We are there to help you with making the right choice for your investment-your home. With all the choices available as well as specific situations, independent retailers are needed-not only in the floor industry, but for every small business that has invested years of experience and study. We are America. Shop at local, independent retailers to get the “shoes or car” you are wanting with all the bells and whistles available to stretch your hard earned dollar.