I'm going to be installing new flooring in a recently purchased condo in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. Right now the floors are carpet on top of precast concrete flooring (not sure if there's a subfloor or not.) So, I figure floating an engineered floor is my best option. It's our first place, and we only plan on being there for a few years, so wear should be pretty low.

Since this is our first place, money is a little tight. I don't want to put in anything cheap, but I'd like to keep my costs down (same thing for everybody, I'm sure...) I just want to get a good value product, I guess. Our price point is in the $3-$5 range.

I've found a few brands that seems like they've gotten some good reviews on this site: Somerset, Mullican, and Award. Does anyone have any strong feelings on any of these? Are there any that I'm missing? I really don't want something cheap. If there isn't anything worth buying, I would rather just spend the same amount on higher-end laminate (which I'd rather not do.)

Finally, A question on buying: What is the most affordable way to purchase? Each of the websites for these products have links to dealers for their specific product lines, but, if there is an online or wholesale option that is going to save me some cash, I would be more than willing to check it out. Can I haggle prices with these dealers? How do most people buy?

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

Any of those are quality flooring. I'd ask a local guy if he could match the online price before buying online. Some manufacturers will not actually warranty the produst if sold online, the etailer must do all the work. Ken knows more about that than I do.