How to Charge for Laminate Floor Installation

Win the bid by charging enough to be fair while still making money.

Managing a flooring installation company isn't just about showing up and installing the flooring. Operating a business includes bidding the job and collecting payment. Before you issue a bid to a customer for a laminate flooring installation, accurately calculate all of your time and materials. Don't sell yourself short by underbidding the project. You might win the contract but it won't be worth the time and effort if you don't make any money. Issue a fair and honest bid so the customer will be treated well and you will be properly compensated for your time.

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the space where the linoleum will be installed. Multiply the two to get the total square footage.

2. Determine how much flooring material you will need. Add 10 to 15 percent for cuts and other scrap material. Multiply the amount of flooring material you will need by the cost per foot of the linoleum.

3. Add in the cost of floor rollers, tape, and adhesive. The total is your materials cost for the job. Don't forget about any fees you might incur for dumping old materials or scrap.

4. Estimate how long the installation will take. Add in set-up time for removing the old floors and prepping the sub-floor. If the job will take you several days, calculate the time for clean up and set up each day.

5. Set an hourly rate for your services. Multiply the hourly rate by how long you estimate the project will take. This is your labor cost.

6. Add the material and labor costs to reach the bid for the project. Create a bid sheet on your computer with all of the relevant information. The bid should include a phone number and address for your business. Also include how you would like to be paid. Print the bid sheet and deliver it to the customer.

Tips & Warnings

• Many contractors ask to be paid in multiple payments at various stages of the project. For something simple such as a flooring installation, ask for a deposit for materials and the balance upon completion of the project.

References

• Contractors Group: Lets Start Bidding