For some homeowners who aren’t a professional flooring expert, a DIY floor installation is a great project to take on. Entryways, closets, laundry rooms, and other small areas can be suitable for homeowners to tackle themselves. There are reputable sources online that can help direct the do-it-yourselfer regarding materials, design, and installation. Some home improvement projects are straightforward, but what happens when that’s not the case? Fortunately, the team at Commercial Floor Services has seen it all, and we’re here to help you decide when it’s time to call a pro!
Unforeseen complications can be challenging to deal with the further a floor installation progresses, so it’s crucial to catch issues as soon as possible. In addition, any work done on a floor will affect that room’s usability while the project proceeds. Delays completing the floor can negatively impact daily routines and the floor’s integrity.
1: Know Your Ability
One of the first things to consider is your general familiarity with tools and building processes. Accurate measuring, among other skills, is critical to ensuring a good outcome, and these skills are second nature for a professional. Any prospective DIYer needs to understand these skills and have the ability to carry them out safely.
In addition, specific saws and other specialized equipment may be required. Even if a homeowner is comfortable using these, the equipment will still need to be purchased or rented. This cost should be figured into the final budget to determine if the project is financially feasible and will help you determine if it’s actually more affordable to call a professional flooring expert.
2: Daily Living
Another initial consideration is how the project will affect daily life. It is one thing to redo a floor in a closet or guest bedroom and another to take on a primary bedroom or kitchen. If the project is in an area that sees daily use, how would it affect everyday life if completion took longer than anticipated? It is convenient and more efficient to wrap up a flooring improvement as quickly as possible. Quick project completion will also leave less chance that something could adversely affect the floor’s integrity before it is finished.
When planning for a DIY floor installation, consider each step you will take and begin creating a timeline. It’s usually best to estimate more time per step than less, which can help a homeowner determine if they want to proceed. If the amount of time needed is more than a homeowner wishes to invest, this can signal the project will be better suited for a professional flooring expert.
3: The Unexpected
Sometimes, everything seems fine until the unexpected occurs, and it is often better to be ahead of the curve when calling a pro. This is due to a variety of reasons, including that professional installers will want to do as much of a project as possible themselves so that they can guarantee the end product.
The subfloor’s condition is one of the initial things that a DIY homeowner can assess to determine if a professional flooring expert would be more appropriate for the job. Water damage, structural weaknesses, high/low spots, and general cleanliness are all important to consider. There are many ways to address such concerns, but neglecting them can lead to severe problems and wasted time and money. An experienced installer will have industry-proven solutions for any issues you may encounter.
Some projects will prove too much for DIY, even for the most knowledgeable DIYer who has done thorough project planning and subfloor preparations. When this is the case, we encourage you to contact a trusted professional sooner than later to avoid unnecessary stress and loss of money. Commercial Floor Services has been a leader in floor installation for many years. We’re here for you when you decide to hand your new installation over to a professional flooring expert.
Stop by our Durango location or contact us by phone or email today!
