The Importance of comparing flooring estimates - apples to apples - Westchester NY

It's usually a good idea to get multiple estimates. Most of my customers get 3. When you get multiple estimates, it helps ensure you get competitive pricing (because let's face it, not everyone is as honest as you would hope). Also, it's important to make sure you have someone you feel comfortable with and for some jobs (ones that are less straightforward), you may want to speak to mutliple people to get opinions on the best solution.

But, even when there are straight forward jobs, there are plenty of times that you may not really be comparing apples to apples, so it's important to clarify your expectations and ask questions.

In my opinion, refinishing hardwood floors in Westchester is a fairly straight forward job...and, on the surface, it should be relatively easy to compare estimates. But, even so, I've realized that many customers don't understand why there might be differences in price. (Of course, I always try to educate my customers so they make an informed decision).

On Tuesday, I was surprised at my customer's reaction when I gave her the estimate of $2,800. She had this look on her fact that said "what the heck?" I probed further and she told me that she had another estimate for only $1,600. I was floored by this...because my rates are very competitive and even though most customers get 3 (or more) estimates, I tend to win a majority of them. I was puzzled for a bit, questioning if I had mismeasured (which of course I hadn't). I then explained the process, and in so doing, I realized that we were NOT comparing apples to apples.

My estimate was for sanding and refinishing the whole apartment; the other estimate was to sand & refinish 2 rooms and buff the other 3 rooms. I was glad that I probed further, because when I re-estimated this way, my estimate was about the same as the other one, and I even included some minor repair work that the other person didn't catch.

So, when you are comparing estimates for refinishing hardwood, here are some questions to ask so that you can fairly compare estimates:

- Is the job scope the same? Confirm the area(s) to be done. Is furniture move included? Is there any carpet removal? (And, are they hauling it away?)

- Are you looking to go natural (less expensive) or add a stain color (more expensive)?

- How many coats of polyurethane are included?

- Is the polyurethane oil based or water based? You can read more about the pros and cons on oil vs. water based polyurethane in this blog post.

- If you have pine (or maple) floors, did they include a conditioner? A conditioner is needed to help open the pores to absorb the stain better.

If you have vastly different estimates for refinishing hardwood floors, chances are there is a good reason for it. So ask questions, so you understand and feel comfortable with the decision you make.

When you're looking to refinish your hardwood floors in Westchester NY, give The Flooring Girl a call at 914-937-2950 and I'd be happy to give you a free estimate and walk you through the process.