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Quick Estimating
Whether you are out there making numerous low-ball offers or trying to put together a rough repair estimate, you need a quick, easy, and fairly
accurate method to estimate your floor covering costs. There are several rule of thumb methods to use that will generally produce the same results. Each of these methods should be accurate to within 5% of the actual
cost. It is important to remember that these shortcuts will address the floor covering only. They will indicate the cost of the materials and/or the labor, (vacant installation), and applicable sales tax. You will
need to estimate separately for needed sub-floor repairs to make the site suitable for new material installation.
METHOD ONE: SF x 1.30 = $$
If you know the total square footage of the property this method is the easiest to use. To determine the square
footage (SF), simply measure the outside dimensions of the house. Multiplying the length by the width will give you the square footage. A factor of 1.30 should be accurate to arrive at a single cost for combined
floor coverings at the builder or intro grade, i.e., carpet, padding, sheet vinyl, and professional installation. For example, if the subject property is 1,200 square feet (SF) of total living space the would be
$1,669.20 (1200 X 1.30 = $1,669.20). This cost figure of $1,669.20 will be a fairly accurate total cost for all floor covering materials, sales tax, and labor. (not including any extra-ordinary prep work to be
accomplished)
METHOD TWO: L x W / 8 = SY
This method is a little more complicated and takes additional time but is generally more accurate. This shortcut
will determine total square yardage, which will then be multiplied by the cost per yard for the material selected. Start by taking overall length and width measurements. Multiply these two figures to determine
square footage, then divide the footage figure by a factor of 8. The factor of 8 incorporates a fudge factor, which allows for waste and the fact that the carpet is not made exactly 12 feet wide. For example, to
determine the square yardage (SY) of a room size that is 12?x16?: 12 x 16 = 192 (SF) / 8 = 21.33 (SY). Next, simply combine the yardage figures for each area measured for the grand total. Multiply this figure by the
material and/or labor cost per yard to determine the estimate total. The quick and easy way to account for yardage on stairs is to simply add 4 square yards per each set of 6 steps.
DO-IT-YOURSELFERS
These same methods will generally apply, but for METHOD ONE use a factor of .75 (SF x .75 = $$). This lesser factor
accounts for the material cost when base grade (builder grade) products are used and does not include any labor costs.
Remember that these methods will give you a floor covering cost estimate but will not address the condition of the sub-floors. Carpet and pad is much
more forgiving and will cover some sub-floor irregularity. Sheet vinyl requires the sub-floor to be as smooth as new sanded underlayment grade plywood. A quick way to estimate the cost of new sub-flooring is SF x
1.50 = $$. The factor of 1.50 allows for materials and contractor installation.
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