Before you go to a flooring store:

Draw a simple outline of your room with:

• Room exits
• Adjoining room floors – type and color
• Windows
• Subfloor – what’s underneath (sometimes you can pull up an in-floor heating duct to see)
• Measurement – length and width, including closets

Bring with you to the store:

• Pictures of room scenes you like – or your own room where the new floor will be installed.
• Swatches – fabrics, paint chips, pictures, decorative pillows. These will help you match floors with your décor.

Questions the salesperson may ask you:

Durability/Performance

• Is there light or heavy traffic in this room?
• What is the room used for?
• Do you have children or pets?
• How long do you want this flooring to last?
• Is there a door to the outside in the room?

Style/Appearance

• Do you have a certain color in mind?
• What are the room's lighting sources?
• What types of furnishings do you have?
• What's the style of the room? Traditional? Contemporary? Rustic?
• What's the feel of the room? Casual? Formal? Somewhere in-between?

Questions you may want to ask the salesperson:

General Questions

• Estimate – do charges apply?
• Samples – Available to take home?
• Underlayment – What type is required?
• Warranties on flooring – What is offered?

About Installation

• What is the cost?
• What is the installation procedure?
• Who handles appliance and fixture removal and replacement?
• Who disposes of old flooring?
• Are new moldings, wall base and toe kick required?
• Will the new flooring add height to the room?
• Are installers certified?