Transform YourHome FromThe Ground Up.

Questions

Before you start.

Costs and timelines depend on your material, your square footage, and the condition of what is already down — so these answers explain what drives the number rather than inventing one.

• How much does new flooring typically cost?

  Flooring pricing depends on the material you choose, the square footage, the condition of the subfloor, how much old flooring has to be removed, and labour rates in your area. Rather than quoting a national average that may not reflect your project, we connect you with professionals who can measure the space and provide an estimate based on what your home actually needs.

• How long does flooring installation take?

  Timelines vary with the size of the area, the material, and how much preparation the subfloor requires. A single room is generally faster than a whole floor of a home, and materials that need acclimation, adhesive curing, or grout setting add time. The professional who measures your space can give you a schedule for your specific project.

• Should old flooring be removed first?

  Sometimes, and sometimes not. Removal is often recommended when the existing surface is uneven, damaged, moisture-affected, or would raise the finished height beyond what doors and transitions allow. In other situations a new floor can be installed over what is already there. A professional inspection of the existing surface and subfloor is what determines the right approach.

• What flooring works well for high-traffic areas?

  Homeowners frequently consider luxury vinyl, tile, and laminate for entries, kitchens, and hallways because of their wear surfaces, and hardwood or engineered wood where appearance is the priority. The right choice depends on moisture exposure, pets, children, and how the room is used day to day — worth discussing with the professional providing your estimate.

• What is the difference between laminate and luxury vinyl?

  Both use a printed design layer to reproduce the look of wood or stone. Laminate is typically built on a wood-based core, while luxury vinyl uses a plastic-based core, which is why luxury vinyl is more often selected for areas exposed to moisture. Construction, wear layers, and warranties differ between manufacturers and product lines.

• Can new flooring be installed over existing flooring?

  In many cases yes, provided the existing surface is sound, clean, level, dry, and the added height will not interfere with doors, appliances, cabinets, or transitions. Manufacturer installation instructions also specify which substrates are acceptable. A professional can confirm whether an overlay is appropriate in your home.

• How do I choose between hardwood and engineered wood?

  Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood throughout, while engineered wood bonds a real wood wear layer to a dimensionally stable core. Engineered products are often considered where a more stable construction is preferred, and solid hardwood where the ability to refinish repeatedly matters. Both are real wood on the surface, so the visible result can look very similar.

• How should I prepare my home for flooring installation?

  Generally this means clearing furniture and belongings from the rooms involved, arranging for pets and children to be away from the work area, making sure there is a clear path for materials, and confirming with your installer who is responsible for moving heavy items, removing old flooring, and disposing of debris. Your installer will give you a specific preparation list.

• Can damaged flooring be repaired instead of replaced?

  Often, yes. Individual boards can sometimes be replaced, lifting planks re-secured, squeaks addressed, and water-damaged sections cut out and patched. Whether repair is the better route depends on how widespread the damage is, whether matching material is still available, and the age of the floor.

• How long is a flooring estimate typically valid?

  That is set by the professional who provides it, and can be affected by material pricing and their schedule. Ask for the validity period in writing when you receive your estimate, along with what is and is not included.