Actively Raining Thoughts-Room Service Home Staging

How much does flooring cost? Which types cost more? Which cost less?

Now, of course, these are loaded questions, but I get this question often. I always hesitate to give per square foot prices because they vary so much and for so many different reasons...as you'll see.

Originally posted at Which types of flooring cost less and which types cost more

 

For example, let's take hardwood floors ... the cost depends on what species and grade of hardwood. It depends on whether it’s solid or engineered. It depends on how wide the planks are. Prices can vary based on installation method (nailed vs. glued vs. floated as well as whether it’s prefinished or unfinished hardwood). The cost depends on whether or not you have plywood subfloor. It depends if we need to do rip up and what surface we are ripping up (carpet or hardwood or tile). It depends if your floor is level and whether we need to do floor prep. Further, prices can vary on whether it’s a small, mid or large size area.

 

In addition, I don’t like giving per sq ft prices because customers will measure their room and do the multiplication and think that’s the price. But, they don’t realize that they need to account for many other factors including waste, acclimation delivery, transition pieces, whether we replace the base molding on the walls or just add shoe molding. As you can see there are MANY factors.  

 

Also, many customers can be misled when they go to a store as they just see the cost for the materials. These prices usually do not include the labor nor the other factors I just mentioned above. So, I have many customers that mistakenly think some surfaces cost less. Please bear in mind that these are generalities, so it does depend on which item you select and the conditions of your floors. Also, this can vary a based on your geography. But, for the most part, these generalities should hold for Northeast, Mid Atlantic, Mid West. It is likely that the prices for tile are a lower in some of the warmer climates - especially in the South, West and Southwest.  

So, here's a look at flooring prices from least expensive to most expensive – factoring in labor + material:

Carpet: In general, carpet is the least expensive surface. So, if you really need to save money, this is the way to go. The labor on carpet is lower and you can certainly find some less expensive carpets, especially when it comes to basement carpet.

 

That being said, carpet more than any other surface varies the most in price. As you get into much softer nylons, or multi-colored carpets or wool carpets, the prices increase and are sometimes even more expensive than hardwoods. But, as a general rule, carpet will usually cost you less than any other hard surface.  

 

 

 

Laminate – Laminate flooring is usually more expensive than carpet but less expensive than hardwood. The materials for laminate are less expensive and labor is lower. In addition, pending on the conditions of the current floor, sometimes, you can install laminate directly on top of what’s there.so this reduces cost of rip up and haul away.  

 

 

Hardwood flooring – I really do prefer hardwood flooring over laminate, but it does cost more. (It’s usually worth it since in the long run, it will usually last longer). Oak and bamboo tend to be the lower cost hardwoods. Adding hardwood to your home not only looks great (and most people prefer), but it also improves the value of your home, so it is a great investment. Oh, and it’s easier (and less expensive) to clean and maintain.

 

 

 

 

 

Tile flooring – In general, tile is the most expensive surface to install. That’s because it’s the most labor intensive. This is often a surprise to customers because they’ll see tile in Home Depot and think, wow, this is less expensive than I thought…and, that’s true…the material is not that expensive…it’s the labor that drives the price on this one.  

 

 

 

 

So don’t be fooled by looking at the material cost. It takes much longer to lay tile and it's rip it out and haul it away. When it comes to bathrooms, there are a whole slew of other costs that come along with this. Usually when you tear up the walls, you need to resheet rock (and/or add durarock for the showers). Often a mudjob is needed for the floor and the shower. Oh, and don’t forget about the cost of a licensed plumber for toilet & sink removal as well as replacement of the shower pan.  

 

So, the costs for tile flooring really do add up. Tile is clearly the best choice for the bathroom, but just be aware that there are a lot of costs there. For regular floors (such as kitchens and entryways), tile will usually cost more. In warmer climates, tile is more popular, so the labor costs are a bit lower – same amount of labor – just more competitive rates.  

 

I hope this is helpful in providing some guidelines. As I mentioned, the prices will vary based on your circumstances and which material you are evaluating. This is another reason I like to go to customer’s homes. When I do, I can give them the prices for many different items and different surfaces so they can see the full price difference among their choices.  

If you live in Westchester NY and would like some guidance on your flooring, give The Flooring Girl a call at 914-937-2950.

View Westchester Flooring in a larger map

Which types of flooring are less expensive? Which types cost more?

Hardwood Flooring - Carpet - Tile/Natural Stone - Laminate - Refinish Hardwood - Backsplashes

Debbie Gartner, President and Owner

"The Flooring Girl"

Floor Coverings International Westchester County

You can download our free flooring guide.  Or, visit our flooring selector - 2,000 options.

We install hardwood floors, carpet and runners, tile flooring. Call us for a free estimate 914-937-2950. 

"We bring the store to your door."

If you enjoyed what you are are reading, feel free to  to my blog.

WC19920-H07, HIC619252

The Most Dangerous Item In Our Homes...      
     53% of household fires can can be traced back to electrical problems. Fire deaths are generally higher when portable heaters and other small appliances are used. Many of these fires can be traced back to the misuse and abuse of extension cords.

     Extension cords are one of the most dangerous items we bring into our homes. Overloaded circuits, poor maintenance, improperly sized for application, trip hazards and overheating are a few of the many among perils associated with these items. 

     The attached photo is a classic example why insurance companies classify extension cords as a fire safety hazard. The home owner used an extension cord that was designed and rated for light duty use such as lamps and other "light duty" appliances to run the air conditioner unit. Depending upon the size or tonnage of the unit, these can pull any where from 12 - 15 continuous duty amps which severely overloads the capacity of this light duty cord which is rated for 5-7 continuous duty amps.

For Your Own Safety
    •    Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
    •    Frayed or cracked wires cause fires. Replace them immediately.
    •    Replace any electrical tool if it shocks, overheats, shorts out, or gives off smoke or sparks.
    •    Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters.
    •    Be mindful of electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
    •    Only buy electrical products evaluated by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or other Nationally recognized lab.
    •    Keep clothes, curtains, and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all space heaters.
    •    If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
    •    Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons, and hair dryers.
    •    Use safety closures to "child-proof" electrical outlets.
    •    Use electrical extension cords wisely; never overload extension cords or wall sockets.
    •    Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

This posting and the contents herein are the intellectual property of Michael Thornton of Complete Home Inspections, Inc. providing home inspections for Brentwood, Nashville, Davidson and Williamson County TN. This post is a contribution to the ActiveRain Real Estate Network.

For all your inspection needs in the Brentwood, Franklin & Nashville TN real estate markets

Call us today:

Complete Home Inspections, inc.

The guys with the hats...

615.661.0297

Brentwood, TN

Scan the QR code below for business card info

 

Five Tips to Make Your Charlotte Home’s Bathroom Greener

No, this isn't about painting your bathroom walls green or adding green tile to your bath!  We’re all into being as 'Green' as possible these days.  Everything from recycling to lighting, we do everything that we possibly can to save our beautiful earth. We’ve considered ways to save in our kitchens but, what about our baths?  Let’s look at a few ways that you can make your Charlotte home’s bathroom more eco-friendly.

Here are some tips on saving water and more in your home baths:

• Turn down the water heater. Hot water heaters use nearly 20 percent of the average Charlotte home’s energy. Most manufacturers preset hot water heaters at 140 degrees. Reducing water temperature by 10 degrees saves 3 to 5 percent in energy costs. In most cases 120 degrees is perfectly comfortable.
• Fix the toilet. A leaky toilet wastes unimaginable amounts of precious water. In addition, toilets made before 1990 use an average of 3.5 gallons with every flush.  (Low-flow models use as little as .8 gallons.) But you don’t have to replace your toilet to save. To retrofit an old toilet, opt for this free fix and save ½ gallon per flush: Fill an empty 2-liter bottle three-quarters full with sand or stones; fill the rest with water and place it in the tank as far from the valve as possible.
• Don’t use commercial drain cleaners.  Common drain cleaners contain lye, hydrochloric acid and trichloroethane—toxins that corrode the plumbing in your Charlotte home’s bathroom and linger in the water supply. For a safe alternative, use this easy method: Pour ¼ cup baking soda down the drain followed by ½ cup vinegar. Cover tightly until the bubbling stops and flush with a gallon of boiling water. Repeat if necessary.
• Replace or upgrade your old faucet. Faucets account for more than 15 percent of indoor household water use, so reducing their flow (by up to 30 percent) with WaterSense-labeled products will amount to huge savings. If you don’t want to replace your old faucets, you can achieve the same water savings with very inexpensive faucet aerators.
• Use recycled toilet paper.  According to Greenpeace, Americans could save more than 400,000 trees if each family bought a roll of recycled toilet paper—just once.

Want to buy a home that already has a green bathroom? I can help. Give me a call today at (704) 491-3310 or email me at Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com.

Originally posted at www.iCharlotteRealEstate.com 

      

     

     Charlotte NC Real Estate and Homes for Sale in Charlotte NC    

Charlotte NC Real Estate on Facebook      

365 Things to Do in Charlotte NC  

Search Charlotte Homes for Sale     

Search Charlotte Neighborhoods

 

         

   

Disclosure of material contained within.

It's happened again...I've met/spoken w/ 3 people in the last week with closings mid week and planning to move in over the weekend and would like new flooring and refinishing work before they move.  This is next to impossible.

Don't forget the following when it comes to flooring (or refinishing hardwood floors).

• If you are installing new materials such as hardwood or carpet, don't forget about delivery time.  I usually allow 2 weeks.  Sometimes it comes sooner; sometimes it takes longer.  With unfinished hardwood, we can usually deliver within 2 days, but most other products take at least 1 week and usually 2 is a safe bet.
• If you are installing hardwood or laminate, it needs to be dropped off and acclimate for at least 2 days.  Most customers don't realize this.
  
• Don't forget that you have to coordinate schedules with your installers.  Most installers are not available tomorrow.  We usually need a week or so notice.  Sometimes we can fit things in a few days later, but not always.
• It takes time to do the work.  Some jobs can be done in a day; some take several days. If you are refinishing hardwood, it can often take 5 days or so, including drying time.  And, you need to wait 4 days before moving in furniture.  You can't rush the drying time.

Now, I understand that money is often tight and I also understand that closings often get pushed back and there are many valid reasons for the rush/need to leave where they currently are (e.g. someone else is moving into current home, they are renting and lease is up, pregnancy etc.).  I hear this all time, and I get this.

But, IF you are planning on doing renovations to the home, especially those that are better done BEFORE you move in (e.g. refinishing floors, putting in new floors, painting, etc.) it's best to plan ahead and make a conscious decision about move in dates. 

Many jobs are MUCH EASIER and less expensive if done before you move in.  Refinishing your hardwood floors is a perfect example.  Here's why.

• Refinishing hardwood floors requires that the floors are cleared - NO FURNITURE  on the floors duirng the entire process (which could last close to a week).  So, if you move in, you essentially need to move out again.  And, then back in again.  If you are going to do this work, it's an inconveniene; or, if you have the refinishing company do it, it will cost extra.
  
• If you are refinishing main areas, and/or areas that include bedrooms or block entrance to the bedrooms (e.g. steps), you will need to do this while you are away - either during a planned vacation or else stay with family/friends.
• Refinishing hardwood floors is often messy.  Yes, there are "dustless" systems (although nothing is 100% dustless), so it's better when you can do this before you move in so the dust doesn't get all over your stuff.  If you're sensitive to dust, it's best to do before you move in.  (And, then hire some to dust/clean which you prob. want to do before you move in, anyway).
  
• Refinishing hardwood smells.  Plain and simple.  It's a much better experience when you are out of the house (and much better for your pets).  Trust me.

So, often, refinishing hardwood floors AFTER you move in will be more inconvenient and cost you more money.  So, if you plan to do this, consider this and see if there are options to delay your move in dates (e.g. stay in current home longer, extend lease where renting, stay with friends/family, take your vacation before you move in).  You get the idea.  You may choose to move in early...but make the decision consciously.

Speak to a flooring company, such as Floor Coverings International, so that you understand what is entailed before it's too late. If possible, see if your real estate agent can let your flooring person into the house to measure and provide an estimate.  That way, not only will you be planning, but you have the option to pre-order the materials so they can be delivered right after closing and schedule the work.

For one of my customers, she is going to refinish one section of the home after she moves in (while they are on vacation at the end of the month)...But, she now knows to tell the movers where to put the furniture and where not to.  For another one of my customers, he will need to do the work after he moves in, and we will use prefinished hardwood so that they can still live there.  It only effects one room, but he knows not to put furniture in that room.

So, if you plan ahead, you can make smart decisions.

Hardwood Flooring - Carpet - Tile/Natural Stone - Laminate - Refinish Hardwood - Backsplashes

Debbie Gartner, President and Owner

"The Flooring Girl"

Floor Coverings International: Westchester NY/Stamford CT

You can download our free flooring guide.  Or, visit our flooring selector - 2,000 options for hardwood flooring, carpet, tile. Call us for a free estimate 914-937-2950. 

"We bring the store to your door."

WC19920-H07, HIC619252