Which Factors Affect Flooring Installation Cost?

According to Forbes, the average hardwood flooring installation cost is around $8 per square foot. But what is the cost of installing other materials, and which factors affect the price?

Various factors determine flooring installation cost making it expensive or affordable. When choosing a flooring solution, you want something durable and one that can stand the test of time. There are various flooring materials that give you this experience.

Additionally, flooring is not a simple DIY project that you can attempt. It requires getting qualified contractors, and the cost is a key factor to consider. We are going to look at various factors that can affect the flooring installation cost.

What Can Increase or Decrease the Cost of Floor Installation?

1. Amount of Flooring Installation Work

A simple renovation that involves renovating old flooring surfaces is cost-effective. You can use techniques such as vanishing, deep cleaning, or sanding to make it look brand new. However, if you want to revamp your living space from drab to fabulous, it will probably take quite a lot of work.

This amount of work can increase the cost of installation. In addition, water damage or structural issues can affect engineered wood flooring installation costs. To avoid deeper problems later, such issues will need to be resolved. As a result, the installation cost may be higher as you will also need to buy new material.

2. House Type

Another factor that affects the installation cost is the type of house. You need to consider the house type as well as its special characteristics. There are different considerations for single-family homes without neighbors than those with some underneath.

A house with neighbors below has various constraints in terms of materials, unlike one without. You may need to check the regulations if you live in a condo. The regulations can cover soundproofing materials and specific materials, which can affect the average cost of the project. For example, the soundproofing materials will require additional costs.

3. Sub-Floor Type

Whether you are thinking about vinyl flooring installation costs or hardwood, you need to consider the surface on which the floor will be installed. There are two types of sub-flooring, concrete and wood products. It also determines the type of flooring material. Untreated concrete is ideal for vinyl, linoleum, or tiles.

If you are installing flooring prone to damage due to humidity, you need to treat the sub-floor. This can mean additional bamboo flooring installation costs. Proper treatment helps prevent damage. Additionally, the type of sub-flooring also determines the adhesive type, which will also influence the cost.

4. The Size of the Flooring Area

Many flooring installation companies will indicate the price range per square foot. Hardwood flooring installation cost per square foot has a higher range compared to other flooring materials. When renovating your house, it doesn’t mean that you are changing all the floors. Sometimes, you may be renovating one room in a specific area in the house. However, if you are renovating a larger area, the installation cost will also increase. It is a major factor to consider as it increases the cost tremendously.

5. Flooring Material

The best part about renovating your flooring is choosing the material. You have probably checked out the latest flooring trends, and you are dying to purchase these materials. However, if you are on a budget, you may want to stop and think critically about the flooring material you will choose.

Some of the types you can choose include vinyl, marble, ceramic, hardwood, tiles, or carpeting. Each of these materials has a different flooring installation cost per square foot range. The materials’ place of origin, transformation, special treatment, and others can affect the price.

Whether you will go for laminate flooring or basic carpeting, they will have a different impact on your renovation budget. The good news is, there are many options available. Manufacturers have improved the materials allowing them to have a wide variety of even affordable flooring options.

6. Labor Costs

As we saw earlier, flooring is not an easy DIY project that you can attempt. You need help from qualified contractors. After looking at the material cost, you also need to think about the labor cost as it’s the second-largest factor affecting the budget. A contractor will visit your home for evaluation to determine the amount of money to charge you.

The labor cost can increase if you need to remove the existing covering to make room for the new material. The size of the area can also increase the cost. The type of previous covering will also affect the labor. If it is labor-intensive, the cost will also be high. If you want to save money, you can try and remove old flooring yourself.

7. Flooring Style

Style matters in how your house will look after new flooring. It also affects the price. If your chosen style is trendy, the contractors will also have a high price for such a style as there is an increase in demand. Remember, style and quality may not always go hand in hand.

It is good to seek advice from contractors before choosing a style. It saves you time and money from having to go back to the drawing board after a few months. Do not sacrifice good quality for a passing trend. Remember, some trends quickly go out of style. If you want something long-term, you can choose classic styles.

8. Installation and Unplanned Expenses

Some people with some skills and a bit of knowledge have managed to install ceramic tiles by themselves to cut the cost. However, most people rely on contractors, which means it is necessary to include the installation cost after purchasing the materials. If you do not have the skills, faulty installation can cause problems later.

As such, it is good to ensure you hire competent floor installers. Like any construction project, you can have unplanned expenses such as buying extra floorboards or additional material. When budgeting, you need to set aside some money for these circumstances.

Various factors affect the flooring installation cost. For example, the cost of tile flooring and installation can be lower compared to hardwood. On the other hand, some materials and projects are labor-intensive driving up the cost. The type of the house and sub-flooring or underlayment can also drive up the installation cost. Keeping in mind all these factors can help you avoid a disastrous and expensive renovation.