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Pros and Cons of DIY Flooring Installation
Some homeowners love DIY projects, and others hate them. While they are often cost-effective alternatives to calling in a professional, sometimes DIY projects are bigger headaches than they are worth. Is DIY flooring installation a good idea? Let’s look at the pros and cons.
Advantages of DIY Flooring Installation
As with every DIY project, there are several pros that make the idea tempting.
Cost
Cost-effectiveness is the driving factor behind every DIY project. First, you don’t have to pay any labor fees. Since you are your own manual labor, your only cost is in materials. Additionally, you are free to look for great deals on flooring. If you install hardwood floors, you even have the option of doing your own staining and finishing. This advantage alone can make “doing it yourself” look like a great idea.
Flexibility
Many homeowners are drawn to the ability to fully customize their own home. While most professionals will do anything you want them to do, it is a nice feeling to know you can change your mind on a whim and lay your flooring exactly the way you want to lay it without having to communicate it to anyone.
Scheduling
Another advantage of installing your own flooring is that you wait for no man and no man waits for you. You have full freedom to finish the project in two days or in six months. Many homeowners enjoy not having to wait on contractors or professionals to get the job done.
Disadvantages of DIY Flooring Installation
Are there any disadvantages to installing your own flooring? Unfortunately, yes. There are two sides to every coin, and there are cons as well as pros to every DIY project.
Time
As already mentioned, you are free to make your own schedule if you choose to install your own flooring. However, if you don’t have prior experience laying flooring, it might take you a little longer than you think. The primary danger of any DIY project is that work, relationships, and other obligations will pull your attention from the project, and before you know it, months have passed. If you want to install your flooring yourself, try carving out a specific time frame to accomplish the task.
Material Management
In addition to time consumption, you have to keep track of your materials and mess throughout the project. Tools, nails, glue, and rough sections of flooring tend to take up space, making your house feel cluttered and uncomfortable.
Danger of Messing Up
Every DIY project is a learning process, but the danger of DIY flooring installation is messing up and having to re-start. Ultimately, a bad mess-up can cost you more money than just hiring a professional in the first place. That’s why we recommend leaving major projects to experienced companies rather than risk losing your investment.
No Insurance
Last, but certainly not least, hiring a company to install your flooring provides you with peace of mind. With a DIY project, the pressure is all on you. With an honest, reputable company, it’s on them to deliver excellent service. If they mess up, it’s their job to fix things.
Not All Flooring is Created Equal
Remember that installation difficulty varies significantly based on the type of flooring. For example, measuring, cutting, installing, and finishing a hardwood floor takes more time than laying linoleum. Before you dive head-first into a DIY project, evaluate the process from beginning to end, and decide whether or not the workload is worth it to you.
Which Flooring Type is Right for You?
Still not sure what type of flooring you want installed in your home? Remember, you don’t have to stick to one type. Carpet on the stairs, tile in the kitchen, and hardwood everywhere else is perfectly acceptable as long as you love it! If you’re having a difficult time deciding, consult a professional who will help you choose a flooring that meets your needs as a homeowner.
Dalton Flooring has been doing business as a carpet and flooring store in Southgate for 40 years. We also have a new location in Rochester Hills, MI. Whether you visit our store or choose to have samples brought to your home for a Free In-Home Estimate, we have a range of flooring designs and products to help you achieve your desired goals.
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