Wood Laminate Flooring

BattleRidge

Hey, I just got done building a 2 story garage with apartment for some folks, and i have done every aspect so far(i do framing, sheetrock, siding, and roofing, now they asked me to do their laminate wood floor, and since its -15 here and blowing I would like to stay inside. My question is is putting this flooring down fairly basic? Would a good carpenter figure it out real quick anyway? I have all the tools. And what would be a good price? I bid 1.80 a square foot since I am only going to work on it part time but I told them that was a loose estimate. Also they want me to build them shelves that are integrated into parts of the rooms. Would you just do an hourly rate then?

send_it_all

Yes, a good carpenter should be able to figure out laminate flooring installation pretty quickly. I think $1.80 is a bit low. I get $3.00-$3.50 for install alone, no tear-out, no base. That is in California. We might be higher than elsewhere.

You can build the shelves on a t&m basis if you want. I prefer to bid things like that and try to make a bit more profit. Do that before the flooring if it's in the same room. You don't want to put anything permanant on top of the floating floor.

Floordude

Ya, $1.80 a foot is really low for a business to make enough profit to actually make a decent living. Have not seen an install price that low in 15 years. $2.65- $3.50 down here competing with the illegals.

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BattleRidge

Well the deal is basically that I wil not be working on it full time. Just at night, since I have bigger fish to fry during the day. I went 1.80 because Lowes here said they would do it for 2.10. Since Im doing it all myself not having to pay anyone Im not too worried. So I decided since Its just extra cash that I would go semi cheap. And thanks for the info about the shelves I wouldn't have guessed that I should do them first.

3.50 for install alone? How lng would it take you to do 2 rooms that are basically just a square that add up to 1000 sq ft?

send_it_all

First off, it's bad for you and other legitimate contractors to compete with Lowe's or HD's installation pricing. They sub the work out to hacks who for some unknown reason agree to take what those stores pay them. Actually the unknown reason is volume. They like working their asses off to make a dollar rather than doing a good job for $10.00 and using some of the profit to advertise for their own work.

The job would probably take me two days to install as you described. Again, that doesn't include tear-out of existing flooring or moving furniture. I would probably bring a helper to lay the flooring and I would do all measuring and cutting.

Anyway, I don't see your reasoning for pricing lower because you're doing it at night. It costs you more in gas to do the job.

BattleRidge

Well I usually charge more for things that are my first priority, because your guarenteed to have my crew slam it out and be done probably faster then you expected. I took my lack of experience and decided I wasn't worth as much and that I would like to learn to become more proficient. You are probably right tho I shouldn't work to compete with Lowes but for me right now I need some interior work to keep my head over the water. 8 hours a day isn't covering things at the moment. Since I didn't know I guess it would take me 25 hours. So at 1800 bucks thats 72 bucks an hour, that seems like a fair wage to me. I usually bill out for 40 - 50 an hour.

Now I know whats more average, I kinda wish I found this site before yesterday. I will be sure to make changes on my next bid.

Angus

[quote=send_it_all;375531]First off, it's bad for you and other legitimate contractors to compete with Lowe's or HD's installation pricing. They sub the work out to hacks who for some unknown reason agree to take what those stores pay them. Actually the unknown reason is volume. They like working their asses off to make a dollar rather than doing a good job for $10.00 and using some of the profit to advertise for their own work.

Very, very true. Lowes charges $2.10, but be sure they will pay out less then that to the installer. So, you WILL get what you paid for. NEVER price something off of Home Depot or Lowes. Unless you like not paying your bills.

Depending on the layout, patterns, etc.. my subs charge me anywhere between $3.00 and $4.00 a square foot. My two cents.

master mason

I just finished a pergo floor about 400 sq.ft. I took up a 16x14 carpet and about 100' of base. I installed new base after floor.The homeowner bought all material. I charged her $2500 and she loved it and gave me an extra $100.NO PAINTING-I HATE PAINTING!!!!

BattleRidge

lol I waish I pulled that kinda money down. U guys must make like 300 Gs a year at least!! I'll remember to bid higher next time, and now that I have this site I can be more educated before I do so.

netoptions

Find out what other good independents are charging in your area, to get a better idea what to charge. Don't price with HD. They are under the gun right now anyway. As already said, they will hire anybody and then don't follow up. Lot's of complaints lately about shoddy work.

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Floordude

Baby steps, or you will get labelled the preadonna, too quickly. Especially if you subcontract a lot.

You should see the proposal a homeowner gave me from Lowe's that was for $25,000 to install a floating floor in two rooms, Family and Formal Dining, plus an easy set of stairs, totaling 854 sq.ft. That included the Bruce Woodlock flooring and under cushion. The labor alone was over $8000. It was all line itemed out, like we preach not to do. 25-lb of floor patch was $197, which I guess included the labor to spread it, even if it was needed or not, not to mention more then 25-lbs.

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Bozzy

I have installed tons of Lam. wood here in Omaha. The subs are paid 1.75 sq ft, and most retailers charge between 2 and 2.50. There is of course additional charges for any prep, undercutting, and transitions. I charge 2.00 as 90% of my work is by word of mouth, as I have been in business for 28yrs., with an impeckable reputation. I make a killing at this price as the product goes down very quickly. Proper estimating for prep is the key to making decent money.

Install tips: It is imperitive to maintain proper spacing around the entire perimeter of the floor to allow for expansion. You must undercut door jambs to get a professional look. You can rent a power undercut saw, but a sharp hand saw will work. Whenever possible I find it best to install baseboards first, then 1/4 round after installing the floor. It is easier to pull in the event you need to replace a damaged piece down the road. Once you get a few rows in, temporarily nail it in a couple spots where your trim will hide the holes. This will keep it from shifting as you install the rest. If you follow the instructions supplied with your particular product, you should have no problems .

Bozzy

Forgot to mention another key point. Make sue you get the product there and let it acclimate, most suggest 72hrs.