Getting a laminate or vinyl flooring quote might feel easy — choose a colour 🎨, get a price 💰, book the installation 📅.
But the truth is… the quality of advice you get upfront can make the difference between a floor that lasts for years ✅ or one that starts lifting, separating, creaking 😬 and failing way too soon.
Before you accept any quote, use this checklist ✅ to make sure you’re working with a flooring company that understands the product, the preparation, and most importantly… your warranty 🛡️.
✅ 1. What Type of Flooring Is Best for My Space? 🏠
Not every laminate or vinyl floor suits every room.
Ask the representative 👷♂️👷♀️:
- Is this floor suitable for bedrooms 🛏️, lounges 🛋️, kitchens 🍳 or offices 💼?
- Can it handle high foot traffic 🚶♂️🚶♀️?
- Is it safe for kids 👶 and pets 🐾?
- Is it water-resistant 💧 or waterproof 🌊?
A good rep will recommend the right option for your lifestyle — not just what’s on special 🛍️.
✅ 2. Is My Floor Level Enough for Installation? 📏
This is one of the most important questions you can ask ✅.
Laminate and click vinyl floors need a fairly level surface to prevent:
- joints opening over time ❌
- movement and “clicking” sounds 😖
- locking systems breaking 💥
- warranty problems later ⚠️
Ask:
- Will you check the floor levels before installing? ✅
- What is the allowed tolerance for floor levels? 📐
- Do you use a straight-edge or laser level to test the surface? 🔦
✅ 3. What Preparation Is Needed Before Installation? 🛠️
Floor preparation is where many flooring jobs go wrong 😬
Ask:
- Does the quote include floor preparation or is it extra? 💰
- Will I need screeding / self-levelling compound? 🧱
- Do you remove old flooring like tiles 🧩, carpet 🧶, or glued vinyl?
- Does the surface need grinding / cleaning / priming? 🧼
A professional company will explain prep clearly ✅ and not “surprise” you later 😅.
✅ 4. What Underlay Is Needed (And Is It Included)? 🧻
Underlay makes a huge difference to:
- comfort underfoot 👣
- noise reduction 🔇
- moisture protection 💧
- long-term durability 🏆
Ask:
- What underlay is recommended for this specific product? ✅
- Is the underlay included in the quote? 💰
- Does the underlay meet the manufacturer’s warranty requirements? 🛡️
⚠️ Using the wrong underlay can void your warranty — even if the flooring is premium.
✅ 5. Is a Moisture Barrier Needed? 💦
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of flooring 😟 especially on ground floors or damp areas.
Ask:
- Do you test for moisture in the subfloor? ✅
- Do I need a vapour barrier / damp-proof membrane? 🛡️
- Is this included in the quote? 💵
Skipping moisture protection can lead to swelling, lifting, and damage ❌.
✅ 6. What Skirting or Finishing Is Included? 🎯
The finishing is what makes your flooring look professional ✨.
Your quote should mention things like:
- skirting boards (new or existing) 🪵
- Scotia / beading ✅
- doorway trims 🚪
- expansion joints & transitions ➡️⬅️
Ask:
- What finishing is included? ✅
- Will you remove & refit existing skirting? 🔧
- Do I need new skirting for a cleaner look? 😍
✅ 7. Who Does the Installation — and Is It Guaranteed? 👷♂️✅
A great floor + poor installation = problems 😬
Ask:
- Do you use your own installers or subcontractors? 👷♂️👷♀️
- How experienced is your team with laminate/vinyl? 🏆
- Do you offer an installation guarantee? 🛡️
A confident flooring company will happily explain their process ✅.
✅ 8. How Do I Keep My Warranty Valid? 🛡️📄
This one is BIG ✅ because many warranties fail due to incorrect installation.
Ask:
- What must be done to secure the warranty? ✅
- Does the warranty cover installation-related issues? 🧰
- What can void the warranty (moisture, wrong underlay, poor prep)? ⚠️
A trustworthy company will ALWAYS protect your warranty from the start 🏡✅
✅ 9. What Is the Lead Time and How Long Will Installation Take? ⏳
Ask:
- Is the flooring in stock? ✅📦
- How soon can you start? 📅
- How many days will installation take? 🛠️
- When can we walk on the floor again? 👣
This helps you plan for furniture 🛋️, kids 👶 and pets 🐾.
✅ 10. What Do Your Google Reviews Say? ⭐
Before paying a deposit 💳 always do this final step:
✅ Search the company on Google
✅ Read reviews about:
- quality workmanship 🏆
- cleanliness 🧼
- reliability & timekeeping ⏰
- communication 📞
- after-sales support 🤝
Real reviews help you avoid bad experiences 😬 and choose a company you can trust ✅.
✅ Final Tip: Don’t Just Choose the Cheapest Quote 💰❌
A cheap flooring quote can become expensive later if:
- prep was skipped ❌
- levels were ignored 📏
- wrong underlay was used 🧻
- warranty becomes invalid 🛡️⚠️
A professional quote should include the right advice, proper preparation, and a long-lasting result 😍✅
📞 Ready for a Professional Flooring Quote?
At Visto, we believe flooring is a long-term investment 🏡✨
Our team will guide you properly, explain preparation clearly, and help ensure your flooring warranty stays valid ✅🛡️
📍 Serving Gauteng and surrounding areas
📲 Contact us today for your laminate or vinyl flooring quote!
