Top Questions to Ask Before Buying New Flooring in Seminole

Hi everyone! Joshua Given here, owner of Given Flooring in Seminole, Florida. Buying new flooring is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your home, affecting everything from your daily comfort to your resale value. Yet, many homeowners rush the process, focusing only on color or price per square foot. Here in Florida, that approach can lead to major regrets down the line. You need to be prepared with the right questions—questions that specifically address our unique combination of humidity, sun exposure, and traffic. I’m here today to make sure you are armed with the knowledge you need, and the questions to ask when choosing a floor that will look great and last a lifetime here in Seminole.

Question 1. How will this material handle Florida’s humidity and moisture?

This is the non-negotiable question. Our subfloors are exposed to perpetual moisture, and the air is thick with humidity year-round. You need to know if the material is merely water-resistant or truly waterproof. Water-resistant is fine for a quick spill, but waterproof, like Porcelain Tile or Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), is necessary to handle the constant environmental moisture and potential leaks without warping or buckling. Specifically ask if the core of the product is wood-based fiberboard or a rigid, composite material that won’t absorb water. For any wood product, ask about the manufacturer’s recommended Relative Humidity (RH) range—if they recommend a range you can’t maintain without a whole-house dehumidifier, move on.

Question 2. What is the actual total cost, including installation and prep?

The price on the tag is rarely the final price. You need a comprehensive quote to avoid surprises. Ask: “Does this quote include subfloor preparation, the cost of underlayment or a moisture barrier, trim and molding replacement, and the removal and disposal of my old flooring?” Often, the materials that are best suited for Florida’s climate, like LVP or tile, require special prep to manage moisture or level the concrete slab. These costs can add up quickly, but they are crucial for a successful, long-lasting installation. Never forget to factor in these required extras.

Question 3. Is this floor rated for my specific traffic and lifestyle?

Think honestly about how you live. Do you have dogs or young children? Is the room an entryway where sandy feet land every day? If so, you need high scratch resistance. For LVP, ask about the thickness of the wear layer—a good Florida home needs at least 20 mil. For tile, ask about the PEI rating, which measures its scratch and abrasion resistance (a rating of 4 or 5 is generally ideal for high-traffic residential areas). Don’t be fooled by beauty; a floor that isn’t durable enough for your lifestyle is a maintenance headache, not an investment.

Question 4. How long does the installation take, and what is the warranty?

The timeline is important for planning your life. Ask for a realistic estimate of the installation duration, including any required time for the material to acclimate to your home’s humidity before the planks are laid. More importantly, ask two critical warranty questions: First, what is the product warranty on the material itself? Second, does the installer provide a separate labor warranty on their work? A strong labor warranty shows confidence in their craftsmanship, which is just as important as the quality of the material, especially in a challenging climate like ours.

Choosing the right floor for your home isn’t just about picking the color you like. It’s about asking these hard, practical questions that ensure your new floors are built to handle the real life of a Seminole home and installed with care.

Until next time, this is Joshua Given reminding you that the foundation of a beautiful home is a beautiful floor.