Flooring shopping tips Flooring links: Floor cloths/mats Laminate/vinyl Rugs/carpets Tile Tips/techniques Wood Shopping for a new floor can be confusing, and frustrating if you are not prepared. To help you shop for flooring we have developed a shopper's list. You may want to print this page and use it as your flooring check list. Before making a trip to your local floor covering store: Draw a simple outline of the room(s) and where the room entrances are located. Carefully measure the room(s) you want to cover with new flooring. Use a metal measuring tape and write down both the width and length of the room(s). Be sure to include closets and any other areas that will need flooring. Make a note of what are the adjoining rooms and what flooring is currently in those areas. Make a note about how much natural sunlight enters the room, which direction the room faces, and any sliding patio doors. If possible, make a note of what is under the existing flooring? (Sometimes if you have an forced-air heating system with in-floor heating ducts you can pull up the heat vent cover and look inside to get an idea as to what is really underneath your existing flooring.) Whenever possible take along any furniture, wallpaper, and drapery fabrics from the room(s). Decide what you want done with existing baseboard and moldings. Think about answers to these questions to help you select the right floor for your needs: How much traffic does this room get each day? What is the room used for? How many children and pets do you have? Do you have a certain color in mind? What are your personal expectations for the flooring? How long do you want it to last? If you get quotes from several stores be sure the prices quoted include: all subfloor preparation all installation costs removal of existing flooring, if needed moving of all furniture and appliances all necessary materials for installing your new floor.