Flooring estimates are sent before any materials are ordered, usually after an in-home measure and a look at the subfloor. Clients typically compare two or three quotes, and they look at the price per square foot, what is included in prep and removal, and who supplies the material.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
Clients may count only the main room. Listing every room, closet, and hallway prevents a dispute about whether they were included.
Prices differ widely between product tiers. Naming the exact product keeps quotes comparable and confirms what the client chose.
State what leveling or patching is covered, and that more extensive repairs, such as replacing damaged plywood or fixing moisture problems, will cost extra.
Removing glued-down vinyl, tile, or multiple layers can double the labor. Specify what is being removed and who hauls it away.
These items are often assumed to be included. Listing them, or noting they are excluded, avoids a surprise at the end.
Moving heavy furniture and pulling appliances takes time and creates liability. State whether you do it or the client does.
Hardwood and some LVP need days to acclimate, and finishes need time to cure. Setting expectations explains the timeline and when the room can be used.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate or luxury vinyl plank installation (labor) | per sq ft | $2-5 |
| Hardwood installation, nail-down or glue-down (labor) | per sq ft | $4-9 |
| Ceramic or porcelain tile installation (labor) | per sq ft | $6-15 |
| Carpet installation (labor, with pad) | per sq yd | $5-12 |
| Hardwood sand and refinish (3 coats) | per sq ft | $3-8 |
| Removal and disposal of old flooring | per sq ft | $1-4 |
| Stair installation | per step | $40-150 |
| Baseboard or transition installation | per linear ft | $2-6 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Measure the rooms yourself rather than relying on the client's numbers or a floor plan. Round up for closets, doorways, and angles, and show the waste factor you are using.
Giving the client a laminate or LVP option, a mid-range engineered wood, and a solid hardwood option with the same scope makes it easier to choose and avoids a flat no.
Flooring costs can change between the quote and the order. Put a validity period on the estimate, often 14-30 days, and note that material prices are subject to change after that.
If you cannot see the subfloor condition, give a prep allowance and say that the final cost depends on what is found. This keeps your bid competitive without taking on the risk.
Most residential flooring installers give free estimates for standard jobs. For complex projects, commercial bids, or long drives, some charge a fee of $50-150 and credit it back if the client hires them.
Typically 14 to 30 days. Material prices and lead times change, and your schedule fills up, so a fixed validity period protects you.
It depends on how it is written. A fixed-price quote that the client signs usually acts as a contract. An estimate that says it is approximate allows for changes. State clearly which one you are giving and how changes will be handled.
Yes. Get a signed estimate or contract and the deposit first. Special-order flooring is often non-returnable, and you do not want to be stuck with product the client cancels.
Use the Flooring invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Flooring invoice template