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Shopping for a new floor can be confusing, and frustrating if you are not prepared. To help you shop for flooring we have developed a shopper's list. Before visiting a flooring store, print out this page.

• Before making a trip to your local flooring store:
  • Draw a simple outline of the room(s) and where the room entrances are located.
  • Carefully measure the room(s) you want to cover with new flooring. Use a metal measuring tape and write down both the width and length of the room(s). Be sure to include closets and any other areas that will need flooring.
  • Make a note of what are the adjoining rooms and what flooring is currently in those areas.
  • Make a note about how much natural sunlight enters the room, which direction the room faces, and any sliding patio doors.
  • If possible, make a note of what is under the existing flooring? (Sometimes if you have an forced-air heating system with in-floor heating ducts you can pull up the heat vent cover and look inside to get an idea as to what is really underneath your existing flooring.)
  • Decide what you want done with existing baseboard and moldings.
• Think about answers to these questions to help you select the right floor for your needs:
  • How much traffic does this room get each day?
  • What is the room used for?
  • How many children and pets do you have?
  • Do you have a certain color in mind?
  • What are your personal expectations for the flooring? How long do you want it to last?
• Be sure to ask if the price quoted includes:
  • all subfloor preparation
  • all installation costs
  • removal of existing flooring, if needed
  • moving of all furniture and appliances
  • all necessary materials for installing your new floor.
• Ask about the installers:
  • Are they independent mechanics, or do they work for the store?
  • Ask who's insurance covers installation errors?
  • Ask if all the installation materials are the manufacturer's recommended products, so the warranty will not be voided.
• Before choosing a floor have the salesperson review with you the manufacturer's warranty information as well as the manufacturer's care and maintenance procedures. Keep a copy of both brochures for your reference.
• Be sure to get all quotes in writing, including amount of flooring needed, and a rough diagram of how they will install the flooring and where all seams will fall.
• Be sure to understand who is responsible for removing toilets, portable dishwashers, and any other fixed room fixtures.
  If the flooring store has a web site, you may want to checkout their site to give you some idea of what kind of store they are.
• Always get all product information in writing including the manufacturer's name, product name, style, color, and how the product will be installed.

  Text on this page © 2002 Elias Wilf Corporation