When it comes to installing new floors in your home, you may be tempted to save a few dollars and install them yourself. Before you commit to a DIY floor installation, there are a few things to consider so that you can properly ascertain whether doing it yourself will save you money or end up costing you more in the long run.
Things to Consider Before Installing Your Own Flooring
Time
The first thing to consider is your time. Installing your own floor can be a lengthy project, especially if it’s your first time doing it and you’re figuring it out as you go. If you have plenty of time to spare and enjoy an ongoing weekend project, the DIY route could be right for you. If you need a new floor pronto, you may want to consider hiring a professional who will get the job done and dusted in the minimal amount of time possible.
Equipment
Depending on what type of flooring you’re installing, you may need to invest in some particular pieces of equipment and supplies to properly get the job done. Buying every item you need for just one installation could quickly add up, but all of this is automatically included in the price of a professional installation. Consider whether the amount of supplies needed for your flooring type are worth buying for a one off job, or if it’s better to go with a fully equipped professional.
Experience
What is often worth the price of professional installation is the experience that comes with it. From the layout of timber or panel floors to the proper installation of carpet , experience can make the difference between a perfect end product and a disaster. If you have no idea what to do about fitting your flooring around tricky corners or what you need to lay underneath the new floors, it might be worth handing the job over to someone who does it day in and day out.
Insurance
One thing that’s particularly great about getting floors professionally installed is the insurance it comes with. If you are laying your own floors and you damage a panel or cut a floor board to the wrong size, you will be responsible for that cost. If a professional damages your flooring during installation, that damage is their responsibility.
At face value it may seem as if installing your own floors would save you money, but with the overall cost of equipment, repairs, and your own time adding up it may make more financial sense to hire a professional. Not sure what type of floor is right for your home? Check out our Flooring For Different Design Styles guide, or contact the Kawana Flooring team today! flooring installation