As I sought advice on reasonable home improvement costs, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I was getting ripped off. I was looking to replace 40-year-old carpet with LVP flooring and update my stair casings, but the quotes I received were jaw-dropping. Were my expectations just out of touch with current prices?
The Quotes I Received
The flooring company wanted $16,000 for 1,100 sq ft of LVP flooring – a price that broke down into $667 for removing the existing carpet, $5,653 for installation, and $1,758 for new baseboards. Meanwhile, the stair specialist was looking at $3,300 for new handrails, iron spindles, and an MDF skirt board, with an additional $750 for staining the handrails. I was taken aback by the totals.
Diverse Opinions and Insights
When I shared my quotes with others, many chimed in with their own experiences – and the consensus was that I wasn’t being overcharged. One person had paid $40,000 for 2,400 sq ft of LVP, including three sets of stairs and 1,300 sq ft of carpet, while another had a handyman install 300 sq ft of LVP and baseboard for a mere $700. Some folks even suggested that I take on the flooring job myself to save on labor costs – a tempting prospect, given my DIY background.
- A common thread among the responses was that prices have skyrocketed – some jokingly referred to it as the “Biden recession” that’s got everyone talking.
- Others shared their own horror stories, like the $120,000 quote for siding a house in Tahoe – talk about sticker shock!
- Some suggested alternatives, like sticking with carpet on the stairs for safety and cost-effectiveness. It’s funny how a simple conversation can give you a fresh perspective.
Key Takeaways
My takeaway from all this was that, while the quotes I received were steep, I’m not alone in facing high home improvement costs. It pays to shop around, consider DIY options, and negotiate with contractors to get a fair deal.
For me, the next step is weighing the pros and cons of taking on the project myself. With my experience in DIY home improvements, it’s definitely a viable option – but I’ll need to think carefully about factors like my time, energy, and the potential outcome. Wish me luck!