The economy has forced us all to rethink the way we shop and how we spend our time and money. Here is an idea that might help jump start your shopping process for a new floor.  Take advantage of the free in home estimates that are being offered by many retailers.  Before you jump into your car, make a call to your local flooring retailer and inquire out about their in-home estimating services.   Flooring gets its personality from your home.  It is for that reason that we have found providing a free in-home estimate to be a very helpful service to our customers.   Things to consider are the room size, natural and artificial lighting, wall color, furniture, art and a host of other factors affecting the way flooring adapts to your space.  Being in your home allows the flooring retailer to offer suggestions about flooring that can stand up to your foot traffic and life style.  Pets, children and entertaining are all things to be considered when selecting any type of flooring. 

Be prepared when you make the call to a local retailer asking about scheduling an In-Home Estimate service.  Have this information in front of you so that you can expedite the process and assist them helping you make an educated flooring decision.

1.  What rooms and how many rooms are you re-flooring.
2. Know an approximate size of the rooms.  Quick measure is Width x Length.
3. What type of flooring are you considering for the area;   Carpet, Hardwood, Tile, Laminate….
4. Tell the flooring expert what you may have seen in the market place that you liked.
5. How many pets and children are presently in the home?
6. What you don’t like about your current flooring.
7. If you schedule a free in home estimate discuss some flooring options so that the retailer can bring samples in to your home. 
8. Must know what type of subfloor you have; concrete or plywood.
9. When would you like the project to begin?   Do you have an important party or event coming up that is sparking your need or want for new flooring.  

Please remember that there is a cost to the retailer – both in terms of time and money – to come to your home so be prepared for them to ask you qualifying questions before they schedule the appointment.

I offer the suggestion of an In-Home Estimate because it can become overwhelming in the retail store if you haven’t thought about your project.  Remember, you must have the measurements and subfloor specifics before you can get a price from anyone.  Of course, going into the retail store first is still the number one way to start the flooring process, so don’t feel weird if that is the way you prefer.  We just want to make sure you are considering all the options available to you.

Renee LeCroy is the Flooring Expert at Don’s Carpet One in Birmingham, AL.  For 18 years, she’s been the consumer’s in-store advocate, decoding the flooring industry and offering insider advice. Contact Renee via email