Budgeting for new floors goes beyond the square footage price. Essential categories include the flooring material, matching moldings, and necessary underlayment. Don't overlook the labor costs, which can vary based on subfloor conditions. Set aside a contingency fund of 10-15% of the total project estimate to cover unexpected subfloor issues or material wastage during installation.
Ask an ExpertBuying and Budgeting
What budget categories should I include in flooring?
A comprehensive flooring budget should include the cost of the materials, subfloor preparation, underlayment, professional installation labor, trim, transition pieces, and potential disposal fees for existing floor coverings. Always include a 10% buffer for waste and unforeseen repairs.