Flooring Quotes: 5 Things Every Flooring Quote Should Include

Flooring Quotes: 5 Things Every Flooring Quote Should Include

Flooring quotes can look the same and still be very different. Two quotes for the same room can end up far apart once you see what each one leaves out. The good news is that every solid quote covers the same five things. This guide shows you what they are, what to watch for, and how to compare quotes with confidence.

Quick Answer: Every flooring quote should clearly list five things: the material and square footage, the underlayment, old floor removal, subfloor prep, and a labor warranty. The FTC says a written estimate should describe the work, the materials, the completion date, and the price [1]. If a quote skips any of these five, ask about it before you sign.

5 Things Every Flooring Quote Should Include

New floors can also pay off when you sell. According to the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, installing new wood flooring recovers about 118% of its cost at resale, and refinishing hardwood floors recovers about 147% [4]. With that much value at stake, the details in each quote matter.

1. Material and Square Footage

The quote should name the exact product, including the brand, product line, color, and thickness, not just “vinyl plank” or “hardwood.” It should also show how many square feet you are paying for. That number is usually a bit more than your room size, because installers need extra for cuts. Shaw’s installation instructions, for example, call for adding a 5% cutting allowance, depending on the layout. [2]

Watch for: Vague product names, or square footage that is far above your room size plus a small cutting allowance.

2. Underlayment

Underlayment is the thin layer that goes between the subfloor and your new floor. Depending on the type, it can add cushion, cut noise, or block moisture. Some floors come with a pad already attached, and others need a separate layer. Over concrete, moisture protection matters most. Shaw, for example, recommends a 6-mil plastic film when its floating floors go over a concrete subfloor. [2]

Watch for: A quote that says “underlayment” with no type named, or one that charges for a pad your new floor already has.

3. Old Floor Removal

Pulling up the old floor takes time, and hauling it away costs money. Your quote should say whether removal and disposal are included. Some new floors can go right over an existing hard floor if it is clean, flat, dry, and solid, but not over carpet [2]. Older vinyl tiles and the backing on older sheet vinyl may contain asbestos. The EPA says not to sand or scrape asbestos flooring, suggests covering it with the new floor when possible, and advises hiring only workers who are trained and accredited to handle asbestos.

Watch for: No mention of removal or disposal, or a plan to sand or scrape an old vinyl floor that has not been tested.

4. Subfloor Prep

The subfloor is the base your new floor sits on, and most floor problems start there. Many manufacturers set strict rules for it. Shaw requires subfloors to be flat within 3/16 inch over 10 feet, and concrete slabs must pass a moisture test before its flooring goes down [2]. Prep work can include patching, leveling low spots, or replacing damaged plywood. A good quote either prices this work or explains how it will be priced if problems show up once the old floor is removed.

Watch for: Words like “prep as needed” with no price. That is where surprise charges often hide.

5. Labor Warranty

Your new floor usually comes with a product warranty from the manufacturer, but that does not cover installation mistakes. Shaw, for example, says it is not responsible for failures caused by the subfloor or job-site conditions. That is why the installer’s own labor warranty matters. The quote should state how long the labor warranty lasts and what it covers. Get this promise in writing in the contract, along with every other promise the contractor makes. [1]

Watch for: A labor warranty that is only promised out loud, or one with no set length.

Flooring Quote Checklist at a Glance

Use this checklist to compare each quote line by line, based on FTC guidance and manufacturer installation requirements. [1][2][3]

This checklist is a general guide. Exact requirements for underlayment, subfloor flatness, and moisture depend on the flooring product, so ask to see the manufacturer’s installation instructions for the floor you choose.

Want a quick way to spot the best quote? Lay the quotes side by side and check each of the five items. The lowest price often turns out to be the one that leaves out removal, prep, or a real labor warranty.

More Tips for Comparing Flooring Quotes

Compare Quotes Line by Line

Match the product, square footage, underlayment, prep work, and warranty across every quote before you look at the final price.

Check the License and Insurance

The FTC advises hiring only licensed and insured contractors. Check the license with your state or county and ask for proof of insurance. [1]

Do Not Pay Everything Up Front

The FTC warns against paying the full amount up front and suggests holding the final payment until the work is done and you are happy with it. [1]

Measure Before You Talk to Pros

Know the rough size of each room ahead of time. It makes it easy to spot a quote that charges for far more floor than you have.

Ask each installer to check your subfloor for flatness and moisture before they give you a final number. A problem found after the old floor comes up is one of the most common reasons a flooring job goes over budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a flooring quote include?

It should list the material and square footage, underlayment, old floor removal, subfloor prep, and a labor warranty. The FTC also says a written estimate should include the work to be done, the materials, a completion date, and the price. [1]

Does a flooring quote need to include underlayment?

Yes, it should say whether a separate underlayment is included and what type. Some floors have a pad attached, and floors over concrete often need a moisture barrier. [2]

Can new flooring go over old flooring?

Sometimes. Some floating floors can go over an existing hard floor that is clean, flat, dry, and solid, but not over carpet. If the old floor is older vinyl that may contain asbestos, the EPA suggests covering it rather than sanding or scraping it. [3]

Why does the labor warranty matter?

Manufacturer warranties cover the product, not installation mistakes. Shaw, for example, is not responsible for failures caused by subfloor or job-site conditions, so get the installer’s labor warranty in writing. [2]

References

[1] Federal Trade Commission. (2025, December 10). How to avoid a home improvement scam. Consumer Advice. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-home-improvement-scam

[2] Shaw Industries. (n.d.). Waterproof wood flooring: Floating installation instructions. https://pdmsview.shawinc.com/api/dynamic-docs/pdfservice?id=10014

[3] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2026, June 25). Protect your family from exposures to asbestos. https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-exposures-asbestos

[4] National Wood Flooring Association. (2022, May 11; updated 2025, June 12). The joy of wood flooring. https://woodfloors.org/the-joy-of-wood-flooring/