5 Key Questions to Ask About Luxury Vinyl Flooring​ Installation

Homeowners love luxury vinyl flooring because it strikes a balance between versatility and affordability. But when you have plenty of options to choose from, deciding on the right contractor is crucial to planning a project you’ll be proud of.  Here are five questions to ask your local flooring contractor about luxury vinyl flooring.

1. What type of vinyl flooring would you recommend for my house?

There are different types of vinyl flooring—including sheet vinyl, click-and-lock flooring, luxury vinyl planking (LVP), and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). Luxury vinyl flooring tends to be the most popular because of its affordability and durability. A local flooring contractor can help you find the best match. When selecting the right style for your home, consider these factors:

• Does the vinyl flooring suit your lifestyle?

• How does the vinyl flooring impact your room’s design? 

• Will the new vinyl flooring match or complement the existing flooring?

2. Who will purchase the vinyl flooring materials? 

Your contractor needs to know whether or not you’ve already purchased the flooring materials—and that decision is up to you. The cost of vinyl flooring is usually between $5 to $12 per square foot. Note that you can save money if your contractor has trade discounts with certain manufacturers. If you’re matching existing flooring and know the style and brand of your existing floor, you may want to purchase the flooring yourself. 

3. What do you need to know about the room where the vinyl flooring will be installed?

The layout of your rooms is something your flooring installer will want to know in advance. This includes highlighting obstructions such as cabinetry or a kitchen island, as well as the dimensions of the room and any nooks and crannies. Outlining the parameters can help them understand how much flooring to buy and gauge the size of the job before giving you a quote. 

4. What kind of prep work do you need to do, and is it included in the price?

Before your contractor can install sheet vinyl flooring, they’ll need to prep the space. This could include moving furniture (which they may want you to do in advance to avoid extra charges) and removing the old flooring. You should anticipate that the area may need repairs to the subfloor or mold testing if you’re replacing flooring because of water damage. This can change the scope of the project and the price.

5. When can you start work, and when will it be completed?

You’ll need to discuss a timeline with your installer. You won’t be able to use the affected part of the floor while it’s under construction. Discuss what will happen if there are delays or the project hits a snag.