5 Ways Flooring Stores Are Ripping You Off
In a sea of big box retailers and flooring businesses in your city, it can be overwhelming deciding which one will actually give you the best value, especially when they are all offering various discounts and promotions. With 30 years of experience in the field, Flooring Direct Temecula breaks down the ways many of these "special promotions" are a little less special than they may seem.
1. Unhelpful Warranties
When a flooring company offers you a twenty-five year warranty, you're probably assuming that your laminate is going to be protected at no extra charge for a quarter of a century. It's just not that simple. Many flooring warranties merely guarantee the "water resistant" quality of their product, but they offer no protection when it comes to household pets scratching up your floors, or major stains left by children or family members. It's far more likely that a child will scratch your laminate with his toy truck in the next few years than it is that you will have serious flooding. Make sure that you read your warranty thoroughly to make sure that it offers you the protection you need and don't accept a higher price merely because the floors come with a warranty.
2. Deceptive Advertising
A well-known TV ad promises to "carpet your entire home for the cost of only one room!". Another offers free installation with the purchase of a specific flooring product. Having spent time working closely with these companies in the past, we can tell you that more often than not, these promotions go hand-in-hand with massive mark-ups on either the materials or the labor. Remember, no one works for free...
3. Hidden Up-Charges
Companies know that once they can get an installer in your home, delivering the flooring you've been waiting for, you're much more likely to accept last-minute fees and charges than if you'd known in the beginning. In large box stores, they will actually include (in small print), a statement saying, "there may be additional charges". More often than not, the installer will find more reasons to add charges to your final bill. Before you sign off on a deal, ask if you should expect additional charges and request clarification on what types of scenarios might require unexpected costs.
4. Unskilled labor
You likely assume that if you're buying from a respectable flooring company, your flooring will be installed by licensed professionals. Unfortunately, it's more common than you think that companies will use unlicensed installers or handymen rather than using professional flooring installers. Be sure to ask your sales rep. if all of their installers are licensed and even try asking for the name of your installer ahead of time, so that they understand your concern for the quality of the job.
5. Sales Reps with Little or No Knowledge About Flooring
Not to name any names, but we've all seen those TV commercials from big-name home improvement stores. They tell you that they are filled with "experienced associates who can answer all of your important questions!". While there are always exceptions, we all know that many employees in these stores are either too young to have any experience with home renovation or they are simply uneducated in proper procedures and quality. Avoid getting advice at these major retailers, and instead, try out a local flooring store, where you'll likely find men and women who specialize in flooring and have the experience to vouch for their knowledge.
If you're in the So-Cal area, check out Flooring Direct Temecula. We'll give you the best value in town without all of the gimmicks. Read some of our reviews on Yelp and our website!