Redoing parts of your home can be incredibly exciting. You’re probably thrilled to see your humble abode in a brand-new light. And while most homeowners would go for a kitchen remodel or a living room uphaul, it’s your floors that can transform your space entirely. A recent report showed that 64% of people felt increased enjoyment in being indoors after their hardwood flooring was installed.
But like everything else, flooring installation is expensive and time-consuming, meaning you must do your homework in advance. What look are you going for? What’s your budget? Are you already married to the idea of hardwood floors, or is there room for other options? There’s a lot to consider!
Your flooring remodel does not have to be a nightmare scenario. While things can go south, knowing what could happen and understanding how to prevent issues are keys to a successful project. That’s what we’re here to help with!
Watch Out for These 6 Flooring Installation and Remodeling Mistakes
Ready to start ripping up your floors? Take a quick break and check out these six flooring installation and renovation mistakes that can cost you a fortune down the line.
1. Falling for a Cheap Price Tag
Sure, everyone loves a good bargain. But there’s a significant difference between getting quality materials for a reasonable price and pinching pennies.
When it comes to new flooring, you get what you pay for. Consider working with a reputable flooring installation company to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. We recommend doing a bit of research before deciding on a contractor.
- Read customer reviews and see if there’s a historically poor service trend.
- Check whether they are transparent about their prices and policies.
- The business must be fully prepared for any mishaps on your property.
- A solid warranty is a no-brainer.
- The company must have a wide selection of flooring choices.
Remember, you’re not saving money if you have to replace your floors in a few years. It’s best to splurge on good flooring upfront, so you can enjoy them for a long time.
2. Measuring Incorrectly
Not everyone’s good with a measuring tape, and that’s fine! However, you don’t want to take any chances with your flooring measurements. One minor mistake can cost you much more in materials, throwing your entire budget off track instantly.
Instead of testing the waters DIY-style, hire a flooring services provider to take on the work right from jump street. With a professional contractor handling all the nitty-gritty details, you can kick your feet up and enjoy your new floors post-installation.
3. Choosing Trends Over Quality
It’s easy to love a hyped design style or color palette. But before you invest large sums into a trendy floor, take a few moments to consider your likes, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Do you see yourself in the same home with a checkerboard floor laminate twenty years later?
A trendy floor can limit your design choices. What’s ‘in vogue’ now might seem outdated in five years, meaning you’ll have spent all this time and money for nothing. Also, if you’re planning to move houses, remember that a potential buyer may neither appreciate the floor nor be willing to pay for flooring remodeling.
We recommend you pick flooring designs that stand the test of time. Classic, elegant floors are timeless and can blend in with multiple interior styles.
4. Gunning for an Unrealistic Timeline
We understand you want your flooring installation done as soon as possible. However, rushing through such a detail-oriented project will likely result in costly mistakes. While you might find it hard to remain patient, the last thing you should do is pressurize the installers by gunning for an unrealistic time for your project to be complete.
Unexpected issues can push back the finish date, or you may have to wait for several days to move furniture back on your new floors. Give yourself and the contractors enough time to finish the project comfortably.
5. Making Poor Installation Choices
DIY flooring installation is a great idea- only if you’re handy and trained in what to do and when. That said, many homeowners underestimate the sheer complexity of a DIY flooring project. Here are a few common instances of incorrect flooring remodeling.
- Applying tile directly into the concrete: the shifting sub-layers can crack the new tiles during curing.
- Using single-layer subfloors for natural stone: the layers might crack under pressure when you don’t add a double plywood subfloor.
- Rushing the curing process: skimping on curing time can eventually damage your floor.
- Choosing the wrong starting point: leaving the trickiest areas of the installation for last means you’ll have less room to work and a tighter margin for errors.
- Not using glue: it’s ideal to stick three/four start layers and three/four finishing rows of flooring with glue. Doing this can prevent shifting during sanding.
These seemingly tiny missteps can lead to big problems later. That’s why you must trust an expert with your flooring installation, even if you have the skills to do it yourself.
6. Choosing the Wrong Flooring Materials
Different rooms in your home require varied flooring materials. For example, carpet, hardwood, or porous stones in the kitchen or bathroom are a huge no-no. Instead, you can choose from newer and more durable materials like waterproof vinyl flooring.
Your choice of flooring should match the purpose and intent of each room. That’s the key to ensuring a long-lasting return on your investment.
The Bottom Line
Redoing your floors can seem daunting. You might be nervous about all the mistakes you’ll make along the way. However, learning about some of these regrets in advance can help you sidestep them with ease. We hope these six flooring remodeling mistakes can help you avoid falling victim to the same issues.
At OMG Kitchen & Bath, we understand the role your floors play in influencing your home’s aesthetic. That’s why our flooring experts are here to help you select the best floors for every room. We also oversee your entire flooring installation project from start to finish, so you have nothing to worry about. Give us a call today to know more!