Decorating Tips

What to Know Before You Shop for Flooring

You have made the decision: your home is ready for beautiful new flooring, and you can’t wait to race to the nearest retailer and make your selection. But before your enthusiasm carries you away, there are a few things you should consider so that your purchase is one you will be pleased with for years. By doing a little homework before shopping, you can assure yourself that your flooring choice will be just what you want (and need) for your home.

First, draw a simple outline of the room or rooms where the new flooring will go, noting all the entrances and windows. Carefully measure the room - both width and length - and be sure to include any extra areas that will need the floor covering, like hallways and closets. Remind yourself of what is in the adjoining rooms and how they are used. Also make a note of how much natural light the room receives, and which direction the room faces. If possible, determine what is under the existing flooring,

Have the completed "look" in mind. You may want to take along samples of paint, wall covering, drapery fabrics or room accessories, as well as photographs of the room. This will assist you in making a flooring choice that is just the right match, and steer you away from those options that are beautiful in the showroom, but wrong for your home!

Decide what you want done with existing baseboards and moldings. Also, make a note where electrical and telephone outlets are located, and where heating and air condition ducts are placed. This will assist your retailer in explaining the methods and costs of installation.

Ask yourself -- and answer honestly -- about your plans for the use of the room. How is the room used? How much foot traffic does it receive? Do you have pets or small children that will use the room? How long do you expect the flooring to last? How much are you prepared to spend? By having these considerations in mind, your flooring retailer will be able to direct you to those choices that are right for you.

Be willing to shop. Even if the first sample you see seems to be the perfect choice for your home, give yourself the luxury of checking with other retailers and look at other flooring options. If you get quotes from more than one store, make certain they include all the costs (and the same costs) that may be part of your flooring purchase, including sub-floor preparation, installation costs, removal of existing flooring, moving furniture and appliances, and all materials necessary for installing your new flooring. What seems to be a bargain may become a more expensive proposition if all the costs are not included in the bid, and you want to compare apples to apples then when evaluating the total investment you will be making in your flooring.

It’s a good idea to keep a checklist while you shop. Don’t trust yourself to remember all the above items, and don’t be shy about referring to the checklist when working with your retailer. Your preparation will help them assist you in selecting flooring for your home, and you will have the added satisfaction of knowing your beautiful new floors are "right" for you.