10/26/2026
Sometimes saving money on flooring ends up costing you twice as much!
Here’s a perfect example of something we run into more often than you’d think.
We were recently called out to replace a failing luxury vinyl plank (LVP) floor. Once we started removing the flooring, we discovered a couple of pretty significant issues with the previous installation.
First, the installer failed to use the required v***r barrier over the concrete slab.
Second, and just as concerning, they installed the new flooring right over old thinset left behind from the previous tile installation! The concrete hadn’t even been properly prepared before laying the new flooring.
For those who don’t know, LVP requires a properly prepared, flat substrate. Leaving behind ridges and uneven areas can put unnecessary stress on the locking joints, eventually leading to movement, separation, and flooring failure.
And moisture protection? That’s not something you just skip when the flooring manufacturer requires it!
Here’s where I really want homeowners to pay attention.
We completely understand wanting to save money on home improvements. Flooring is a big investment, and nobody wants to spend more than they have to.
But we regularly meet homeowners who hired unlicensed installers thinking they were saving a substantial amount of money.
What’s surprising is that when we find out what they originally paid, sometimes it was actually MORE than what we would have charged! Other times, it was only slightly less.
Now they’re paying to have their flooring removed, the underlying issues corrected, and new flooring installed all over again.
I’m not saying every unlicensed installer does poor work, or that having a license automatically makes someone a great contractor.
But I do think there’s a misconception that hiring a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor means you’re automatically going to spend significantly more money.
That’s simply not true!
My advice? Before you make a decision based on price alone, get a quote from a reputable licensed contractor. Ask questions about floor preparation, moisture protection, installation methods, and workmanship warranties.
You might be surprised at how competitive the pricing really is.
The cheapest installation isn’t always the best deal, especially when you have to pay for it twice.
At Gray’s Flooring Services, we believe in doing things right, even the things you’ll never see once the flooring is installed.
We’re a family-owned, licensed, bonded, and insured flooring contractor, and we’d love the opportunity to earn your business!
Gray’s Flooring Services
AZ ROC #350881
Serving San Tan Valley, Queen Creek, Florence, Gilbert, Chandler, and surrounding communities.
