Should you lay your own flooring?
New Zealanders are known for being incredibly self-reliant and handy around the home. Many Kiwis will do their own home repairs and upgrades whenever possible instead of bringing in a professional.
This can include everything from repainting the living room to building a deck to putting down their own vinyl flooring.
When it comes to flooring, there are a number of pros and cons that come with ‘doing-it-yourself’. Before embarking on your own flooring project, carefully consider these pros and cons to ensure you make the best decision for you and your future flooring.
Pro: It can save money
Hiring any kind of professional is an investment. You pay for their experience, knowledge, and time, and generally, the more experience, knowledge, and time it takes to do a job, the more it costs.
When you do your own carpeting of flooring at home, you can save money.
Con: You might not get the finish you’re after
There are some tasks that resourceful Kiwis can do at home, and do quite well. However, unless you have a good knowledge of the task at hand and the skills you’ll need to complete it, DIY won’t necessarily result in the same finish as you might expect from an expert.
Whether its a bump in the carpet, vinyl that doesn’t feel smooth underfoot, or edges that pull up from the wall within a few months, there are lots of little ways that these projects can have a sub-par result.
Pro: You will learn new skills
Undertaking any DIY is a great opportunity to learn new skills and refresh old ones.
Depending on the task at hand, you might find the best way to remove old carpet without damaging the floor underneath, or you might improve your skills in ensuring the floor is perfectly smooth before laying down vinyl.
Whatever the case, doing DIY around the home can be an exercise in trial and error, and learning. You may be able to use these skills again in your own home, or help a friend or family member in need in the future.
Con: It takes time
One of the biggest benefits of employing a professional is being able to save your precious time off work.
Laying down any kind of flooring takes time, especially if you’re not experienced and don’t quite know what you’re doing every step of the way. This can mean more than one weekend spent totally on your flooring project, sometimes even redoing parts if you didn’t get it right on the first go.
When you hire a professional, they can often complete the work while you’re at your own job, so you get to keep your weekends for yourself and skip the stress.
Pro: You can be proud of your efforts forever
Every time you stroll across that soft carpet or smooth vinyl, you can be proud of your efforts and know that your own hard work has paid off.
Everybody enjoys being able to do a little DIY around the house, especially when you get to share your successes with others.
Con: You will need to invest in professional tools
Even if you save a little money by not employing a professional, you will still need the same tools they have to complete the job.
From a linoleum knife to a crowbar for removing carpet staples and other tools such as a carpet seam roller, bonding iron, carpet tape, and trowel, there are numerous implements that you’ll need to complete the job.
These expenses can eat away at any cost savings you might make by doing the job yourself.
Calbeni Flooring is an expert carpet and vinyl flooring company based in Wellington. When you’re looking to have new flooring laid and would like a professional to ensure a polished finish (and much less stress and time on your part), contact us for a free quote.