Whether you're doing the flooring yourself or calling a professional, you'll need to know how to avoid making these common mistakes. Though DIYers are sometimes able to complete flooring projects successfully, mistakes will happen and a professional will need to fix them or redo the work. Read on to learn how to avoid making these mistakes and get the best flooring job possible! After all, you'll be living with the finished product for years to come! Cost of installing vinyl flooring Installing new vinyl flooring in a home is relatively easy, and it doesn't require a professional to do it. However, some factors may increase the cost, such as removing the old flooring. If you'd rather avoid this expense, you may choose to remove your furniture and use floorboards that are already in place. Another factor that may increase the cost of installing vinyl flooring is the cost of molding. For this reason, it's important to consider the following factors before starting the project. The cost of labor to remove the old floor will be between 35 cents and 75 cents per square foot (0.09 m2), depending on the type of flooring you choose. It will also depend on the area you're trying to cover. Some jurisdictions require that old floors be disposed of in different ways, which may incur additional costs. Preparation labor can cost several hundred dollars, and can even reach the thousands of dollars mark. Cost of installing laminate flooring Before determining the cost of installing laminate flooring, consider the square footage of the area. A room that is twelve feet wide, for example, will require approximately 144 square feet of flooring, and the total cost of labor and materials for a 12-foot room will be about $550. The same calculations apply for removing the old laminate flooring, which will cost about $400. A total cost of $1,590 to $4,690 is the typical range for ripping up carpet and installing new flooring. The cost of installing laminate flooring can vary based on many factors, including the size of the room and the design. Larger projects usually cost less, while smaller jobs may cost more. The time of year is also a factor in the overall price, as the cost of labor can be higher during peak seasons or during holidays. Depending on your specific needs, you can save money by hiring a contractor to complete the project on a less busy day or in the off-peak hours. Cost of installing hardwood floors Before you can determine the cost of hardwood flooring, you must first determine the type and size of the room. The cost per square foot of a standard 500-square-foot room ranges from $2,500 to $5,000. The price of engineered wood floors is slightly more expensive, ranging from $2,000 to $4,500. Other factors that affect the cost are the complexity of the design and the preparation of the underlayment. In addition, some contractors charge extra for delivery of materials. Hardwood flooring prices are also dependent on the materials used for installation. The cost is typically lower for prefinished hardwood flooring, while unfinished wood floors require finishing on site. Finishes can range from low-end polyurethane to high-end penetrating resin. Exotic hardwoods, such as red oak and maple, tend to cost more than softwoods. However, you can save money by choosing cheaper types. If you are not able to afford solid hardwood floors, you can opt for pine, red oak, bamboo, or red oak. These types of wood flooring have character and are less expensive than hardwood. Cost of installing carpeting When installing carpeting in a home, there are several costs you should be aware of. Most carpet installers do not take on replacing the baseboard. This may cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Likewise, floor vents in HVAC systems may need to be replaced. One of the largest expenses is the price of carpet padding. Thankfully, the process is now much easier than before, thanks to new tools and materials. Although you may be able to negotiate a lower cost if you decide to install the carpet yourself, you'll most likely pay the same price for the service. The cost of installing carpeting depends on several factors, including the type of carpet, material, style, and size of the room. Fortunately, there are several ways to get a good estimate. Listed below are the different factors that will influence the price of your new carpet. To get a more accurate price, find out what factors you'll need to consider before deciding on a new carpeting design for your home.