Flooring is a big investment and proper installation is key. Skimping on installation materials and tools will quickly eat into your DIY savings.
Start with a well-prepared subfloor. This includes sanding high areas, filling low ones and making sure the floor is flat. It’s also important to open several boxes of product when laying floors to ensure a good mix of grain patterns, features and colors.
1. Shop Around
One of the most important things you can do before beginning a DIY flooring project is shop around. This not only helps you find the best prices, but it also ensures you’re getting the highest-quality materials possible for your money.
As you shop, consider the specific qualities you require from your new floors. For example, if you live in an area with high humidity levels, look for flooring materials that can resist warping or buckling. If you have kids or pets, you’ll want something durable that can withstand frequent foot traffic and scratches. Finally, consider the style of your home and choose a flooring material that reflects that. For instance, natural wood floors offer traditional appeal, while vinyl or laminate offers modern flair.
Once you’ve shopped for the best prices and chosen your flooring, it’s time to start planning. First, make sure to get your floor professionally measured. This step is crucial, as it will help you avoid costly mistakes down the line. Epoxy floor is more durable, offering a long-lasting solution for high-traffic areas like garages. It’s also helpful for determining how much material you need to buy. This will save you money on unnecessary purchases and help you stick to your budget. Also, remember to factor in any additional costs associated with flooring prep and tools and equipment.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Haggle
Once spring cleaning is over and the warmer weather has arrived, it’s time to start thinking about summer home improvement projects. For many homeowners, updating their flooring is one of the first steps. Choosing to DIY your floor installation can save you money, get the job done sooner, avoid scheduling delays and disruption caused by contractors, and ensure that your project goes off without a hitch. Read on to learn five crucial things you should know before getting started.
3. Take Your Time
Flooring is a difficult project to take on yourself, especially if you have never done it before. The best way to save costs and avoid frustration is to take your time. Plan out a few days or even a week for the job, and don’t feel pressured to get it done in one day. If you start to feel overwhelmed, give yourself a break and come back to it later.
Also remember that professional floor installation may cost more upfront, but it can save you a lot of headache in the long run. Professionals have the experience to install flooring quickly and efficiently, which can minimize disruption in your home. They can also provide warranties and guarantees, which can protect you in case something goes wrong during the installation process.
Another cost to consider when thinking of DIY flooring is the costs associated with preparing your subfloors for new materials. Depending on the materials you’re installing, this can be significant and could eat into your savings. For example, if you are removing carpet and laying tile on top, there will likely be some leveling or prep work to be done. If you need to rent equipment, this will also add up to your overall cost.
4. Get the Right Tools
The type of flooring you choose plays a huge role in your installation costs. For example, wood floors are a cost-effective option, but they will have different pricing depending on the types of wood and length of boards you want to use. Other factors to consider include the durability of the material and how it will work in your home (for example, some wood flooring can warp if used in areas with excessive moisture). It’s also important to get your floor professionally measured so you know exactly how much product to purchase.
Once you’ve determined which type of flooring you would like to install, it’s time to shop around. Look for local overstock, reuse, and remnant retailers to see if you can find discounted materials. These stores often stock flooring and other building materials that have been purchased by other companies or left over from previous jobs. This means you’ll be able to find the styles and colors that you want at a fraction of the price.
It’s also a good idea to make sure you have the proper tools for your DIY project. Skimping on the right tools could void your product warranty and may lead to unnecessary expenses down the road. For example, if you’re installing cork flooring, it’s essential that you have a tile saw and other quality tools for cutting the material. Additionally, you’ll need a tapping block and last-board puller for installation, but if you’re resourceful enough, you might be able to fabricate these tools yourself.
DIY projects can be a great way to save on your flooring installation costs, but it’s not for everyone. Unless you’re an experienced and skilled do-it-yourselfer, the process of installing your own floors will take significantly longer than a professional would. Moreover, you’ll likely need to clear your schedule to complete the project.
5. Plan Ahead
Flooring is a huge job, and it takes time to do well. While it may be tempting to do everything all in one day, that’s not a good idea unless you have the experience and the knowledge. If you don’t, it can lead to mistakes that will eat into your savings. In addition, it can lead to a lot of disruption in your home and can be stressful.
To avoid this, try to take your project in chunks and do it over a few days or weeks instead of trying to complete it all at once. This will help you stay on track and save money on materials, labor, and equipment. Additionally, it will give you the chance to learn from your mistakes and prevent them from happening again in the future.
Lastly, make sure to shop the in-stock inventory of any store where you plan to buy your new flooring. This can save you a lot of money as stores purchase their materials in bulk and pass along some of the savings to their customers.
Another way to save costs on your flooring is to look for alternative materials like reclaimed wood. This can give your home a unique and customized look that will stand out from the rest.
