A review of the costs and complications
It may seem logical that purchasing carpet by itself, as opposed to through a qualified flooring professional, would result in a lower cost. However, carpet is not a stand-alone product. There are many additional services and expenses required to complete an installation project properly. A lower price does not necessarily mean a lower cost.
A recent national survey confirmed the increased expense of carpet as an exclusive purchase and explored the origins of these costs. The survey examined several components of carpet installation ranging from material price to management time to simple cost per square yard.
UNDERLYING COSTS UNCOVERED
– Waste Reduction
A direct purchase requires a subcontracted installation. The survey
reveals that subcontractors often increase material estimates to make the
installation job easier. In other words, more carpet is ordered than necessary. In contrast, qualified flooring professionals incorporate on-site inspections and analysis to determine the correct quantity for the job and any anticipated contingencies. Overall, material estimates received from subcontractors were revealed to be two to three percent higher.
– Installation Costs
Surveys of installation prices have shown that the charge for installation by a subcontracted installer can be higher per square yard than when estimated as part of a qualified flooring professional’s package. There are two reasons for this. A full-service dealer who contracts for labor from an installer gets a better price than an end user who can only offer a one-time job. Also, a subcontractor who only provides installation will have to charge more per square yard because he is not realizing a profit on the materials which help cover overhead expenses.
– Management Time
A carpet installation project requires 6 to 12 hours of management time per thousand
square yards. This time is spent arranging deliveries, planning the installation, scheduling elevators or cranes, verifying material arrival, monitoring job site deliveries, overseeing actual
installation and inspecting the final work.
Surveys indicate that management experience has a direct impact on installation efficiency. Frequently, the difference in experience between a qualified flooring professional and the subcontractor hired by the end user can double the management hours necessary.
The difference in installation management experience between a qualified flooring professional and the end user’s personnel can double the management hours necessary for installation.
– Handling, Delivery & Warehousing
There are costs for handling and the possible redelivery of the product, including breaking down pallets and transporting the cartons and roll goods from the loading dock to the actual point of use utilizing specially equipped forklift vehicles. These expenses are included when a
qualified flooring professional handles the job, but not in a direct sale. Additionally, because
very few construction jobs proceed on schedule, the carpet often needs to be stored until the building is ready. When an end user assumes these responsibilities, studies show it can increase the cost per square yard.
While price is a significant decision-making factor, it is usually overshadowed by maintenance costs and expected lifetime of the product.
– Appropriate Product Selection and Layout
The correct product choice is an important cost-saving factor for the end user. Layout of the carpet is equally important. A professional takes the time to layout, present and approve seaming diagrams. The right flooring product can minimize maintenance costs and extend the time between carpet replacement. A proper site analysis can take into consideration current and pending regulation compliance and the specific effects of product construction, pattern, coloration, wear resistance and texture retention. The value of this contribution may increase product lifetime by as much as 50%. A conservative estimate of two to four percent increase in value.
– Life Extension
Proper maintenance will contribute years to a carpet’s life and considerable value to the end user. An extra year’s life for a carpet expected to last 10 years represents a 10 percent increase in value. A six-month extension on a 12-year expectancy is a four percent increase. A significant portion of a carpet’s value can only be measured after installation.
However, most subcontractors are involved exclusively in installation. Mills manufacture and supply the necessary product, but on-site assistance is not practical. Surveys indicate that qualified flooring professionals often provide recommendations and continuous service that assists the end user in maintaining the carpet’s appearance and performance over time. These services translate into extended carpet longevity.
– Additional Benefits
Professional dealers are also more experienced than the end user’s personnel at working
with contacts at the mills. They are familiar with the manufacturer’s support services, such as marketing services, post sales services and internal consulting. Understanding and utilizing these resources is important when complications arise.
Product choice is also extended with a professional dealer. These professionals work to find the best product and value from all available sources, not just the limited selection of one manufacturer.
In addition, professional dealers handle other aspects of installation from demolition and disposal through the final clean-up. In a direct sale these elements are added expenses. The combined value of additional services can range from .5 to 2.5 percent.
In a nutshell, qualified professional flooring dealers offer the one source accountability that addresses all of these concerns.
Hidden costs exist, and they can be significant. Overall, the facts indicate it is more cost-effective to purchase carpet from a reputable, qualified flooring professional.
– Total Value
In review, buying carpet alone may appear to save money, but in reality, may result in an additional $7.21 per square yard compared to price quotes from qualified flooring professionals. Obviously, these costs depend on many variables, ranging from product selection to the size of the job, unforeseen complications and geographic location. The key point, however, is that additional costs exist, and they can be significant. While every job may not incur all these expenses, close analysis indicates that most have at least $3.55 per square yard of additional costs. Therefore, a stand-alone quote of $20.00 per square yard may have a true cost of $23.55 to $27.21. Whereas a comparable quote from a qualified flooring professional is inclusive of all these costs.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FROM QUALIFIED FLOORING PROFESSIONALS
A professional flooring contractor works to the advantage of both the end user and the mill. The manufacturer produces a variety of quality products. But the professional contractor provides the knowledge and services that fulfill the additional costs and responsibilities of completing the job to the satisfaction of the end user.
1 . Customer complaints are reduced. The professional dealer follows the floor covering industries recommended installation procedures, using certified labor, current equipment and providing qualified project supervision.
2 . A qualified flooring professional assumes liability of the general contract and materials. The contractor executes all required documentation, including pay applications and lien waivers, and assumes responsibility and liability for the material as soon as it is shipped.
- A qualified flooring professional is familiar with and assumes responsibility for compliance with federal and local regulations. This includes OSHA, Hazcom, ADA, Health & Safety Regs and Erroc, among others.
4 . A qualified flooring professional plans for the installation to minimize complications. The contractor inspects the job site prior to installation, ensuring sufficient quantity of product is ordered and that the sub-floor is properly prepared and compatible with product requirements.
5 . A qualified flooring professional provides service, maintenance and local follow-up. This guarantees optimum performance and life extension of the product wherever it is installed.
6 . A qualified flooring professional has vested interest in the client’s long-term needs and satisfaction. Their relationship is based upon supplying unbiased, accurate information and service.
When something goes wrong, end users can feel isolated from distant floorcovering manufacturers who don’t have local experience or resources. Our focus is on the reliable and one stop service of an independent qualified flooring professional.