What to look for, what to question, and what should concern you in a Calgary flooring quote, from subfloor prep to warranty terms.
We've had clients come to us after accepting a quote that looked great on paper, only to be hit with add-on charges mid-project. The problem usually isn't dishonesty, it's that flooring quotes aren't standardized, and it's easy to compare two quotes that are actually describing two different scopes of work.
Supply vs labour, are both in the quote?
Some quotes include both material and labour in a single per-square-foot number. Others quote labour only and expect you to source materials separately. Neither approach is wrong, but you need to know which one you're looking at before you compare quotes from different Calgary flooring contractors.
The per-square-foot breakdown
A per-square-foot price needs context to be useful. A quote of $8 per square foot for tile installation could be a competitive rate for a standard bathroom, or a low-ball number that excludes subfloor prep, grout, and transition strips. Ask what specifically is included in the rate.
Subfloor preparation, is it in the quote?
This is the most common source of surprise costs in Calgary flooring projects. Subfloor prep, leveling compound, repairs to damaged subfloor boards, and moisture barriers are legitimate additional costs that vary from home to home. If a quote says nothing about subfloor, ask directly, what happens if prep work is needed, and what does that cost?
Demolition and disposal
Removing existing flooring and disposing of it costs money. Some Calgary flooring quotes include demo, many don't. Some homeowners handle demo themselves before the crew arrives, which is a reasonable way to reduce cost. If demo and disposal aren't mentioned, ask, it can add several hundred dollars if it catches you by surprise.
Warranty terms
A written workmanship warranty on labour is something every professional Calgary flooring installer should offer. It should cover defects in the installation itself, not material defects (those are covered by the manufacturer). Know the length and what it covers.
"A deposit is standard. Full payment before a single board is down is not."
Red flags in a flooring quote
A lump sum with no itemization. No mention of subfloor at all. No written warranty on labour. Full payment required upfront before work starts.
At G Modern, quotes are itemized by square foot, material, labour, and prep. If you want to see what that looks like, reach out.
