Best flooring contractors near Scotland, CT

You typically aren’t in any immediate danger if your floors are sagging, but that doesn’t mean you should leave them unattended. Sagging is likely a sign of underlying problems with the structure of your home, such as uneven subflooring or rotting joists. Have your floors inspected by a local carpenter as soon as possible to help you determine the type of repairs needed.

Whether you install flooring before or after kitchen cabinets depends primarily on the type of flooring you are using. For materials like hardwood, tile, and sheet flooring, the best practice is to install the flooring first. This ensures the cabinets are installed at the correct height and on a stable surface. However, you should not install cabinets on top of floating floors, such as laminate or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). These types of flooring need room to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Placing heavy cabinets on top can restrict this movement, potentially causing the floor to buckle and making the cabinets unstable. For floating floors, install the cabinets first and then lay the flooring up to them. Other reasons to consider installing cabinets before the flooring include saving money on materials (since you won't need flooring under the cabinets) and avoiding potential damage to your new floor during cabinet installation. Additionally, installing cabinets directly on the subfloor might prevent voiding your flooring's warranty.

The best flooring for radiant heat systems is tile, including porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone. These materials are excellent heat conductors, retain warmth well, and are waterproof, which prevents mold or rot in case of leaks from a hydronic system. Unlike wood, they do not pose a fire safety risk if the heating system overheats. Ceramic tile is a particularly popular choice as it is inexpensive, easy to install, and available in many styles, making it ideal for spaces like bathrooms. Other flooring types that work well with radiant heat include laminate, engineered wood, and vinyl. If you are installing radiant heating over a concrete slab, especially in a basement, it is advisable to install a vapor barrier first to prevent issues with moisture and condensation.

Experts advise that replacing carpeting can bring a 50% to 80% return on investment. However, new carpeting doesn’t necessarily add value to your overall home value. Because flooring value heavily depends on taste, it can be tricky to determine whether new carpet will increase your home sale price. Carpeting tends to be a renovation that increases overall comfort and aesthetics for your home, but it’s not a big factor in value.