What about you?

Understanding what you need from a flooring and installation purchase is probably the most important part of the process.  Everyone wants to get the most value for their money- although each person's needs directly alters their definition of value.

For instance- A landlord might perceive floor covering as a depreciable throw away item for a rental unit. The landlord will most likely not be able to control the product's use and maintenance, making the performance and longevity of the product highly questionable. Naturally, in order to obtain the most value, he or she will most likely be looking for the least expensive product coupled with the least expensive installation.

Although for his or her primary residence, the same landlord may have a very different outlook.  He or she may desire a rare, exotic or reclaimed hardwood, precious stone, or unique natural fiber carpet. This person may be looking to enhance their life style by designing their surroundings to fit their aesthetic needs. In this case, the least expensive of anything will not come close to providing any type of value.

I think most of us fit somewhere in-between when it comes to our needs and perception of value. There is one common denominator that remains constant no matter what your needs might be. Quality installation directly and exponentially affects the performance and longevity of your floor covering. Have you ever bought something bran new that had a scratch, dent or chip right out of the box? That's the feeling buying the cheapest installation will get you. What happens when the thing goes caput right after the warranty expires? That's all too common, and many feel the product may be designed that way. That's how your typical flooring installation is designed.

I'm not saying the highest price is the answer, by any means. There are price gougers and crooks roaming the streets freely. I'm saying- understand what you are getting for your money. Don't be typical, interview independent, licensed flooring installation contractors and be very wary of anyone that answers your questions with, "don't worry". Be in control of who you hire and hire them because you feel they understand and will be able to fulfill your needs.

Avoid the unknown. Do you really need to be wondering who's coming to your house to install your flooring? What's their attitude like, will you be able to communicate with each other, what type of skills do they have, are they operating legally, etc. etc.? That type of doubt causes stress and for the ever increasing investment we are required to make in flooring it is totally unnecessary. We all have enough stress in our life. The educated consumer is my best customer.

"The common law of business prohibits paying a little and getting a lot. It cannot be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better."

"There is nothing in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and he who considers price only is that man's lawful prey."

Quotes by John Ruskin- English critic, essayist, & reformer (1819 - 1900)