What a Written Flooring Scope Should List

Two flooring quotes for the same house can differ a lot because they include different things. A clear written scope protects you and makes bids easy to compare.

Must-have items

• Rooms included, with measured square footage per room.
• Exact material: brand, product line, species, width, thickness, finish, and color.
• Waste factor and who keeps leftover boxes.
• Removal and disposal of existing flooring.
• Subfloor prep: leveling, screwing down squeaks, moisture barrier.
• Install method: nail, glue, or float.
• Trim: baseboards, quarter round, shoe molding, transitions, thresholds.
• Stairs priced separately.
• Furniture and appliance moving.

Terms to look for

• Start date and expected duration.
• Payment schedule and deposit amount.
• Labor warranty and manufacturer warranty.
• How change orders are priced (for example, hidden subfloor damage).

Red flags

A single lump sum with no room list or product names, very high deposits, or no mention of subfloor prep.