We recently moved to Central Pa. Our home was built about 10 yrs ago w/ hardwood floors in the dining room (213 sq ft) and kitchen (168 sq ft) as well as hallways to the garage and laundry room. The floors were site-finished and are approx. 3/4 in thick.

The foyer is approx 120 sq ft and has ceramic tile. The living room is approx 252 sq ft and has carpet. Small powder room has linoleum. There is also a breakfast area that 200 to 250 sq ft and it's carpeted.

I recently drove by an area new housing development that was in the early stages of construction and asked one of the siding crews who was doing the hardwood floors and they passed me the name of the company who later came out to our home and gave us an estimate for:

*new floors in the foyer, living room, powder room and breakfast areas where they'd site finish the wood.

*they'd also refinish the existing hardwood floors on the 1st floor so that the finish would match better.

*includes taking out the ceramic tile in the foyer as well.

The estimate was for $10,000 with $2500 up front. I just wanted to know people's thoughts on the estimate. Not sure if it's relevant, but the outfit clearly uses labor that is not english speaking and they do mostly commercial projects (they say they can knock our project out in 2 weekend days with a large crew).

We are getting another estimate this week but I thought we'd get people's thoughts on what else to ask and clarify up front. We were clear that we weren't trying to find the cheapest job just competent people who could get us a nice flooring result. Thanks for your thoughts ...

Approx. 650 sq.ft. of new floor ( need to add 5% for cutting/waste )
Approx. 450 sq.ft of refinishing
Demo tile, lino and carpet.
R&R toilet
What about baseboards/quarter round/trims?

IMO, the price sounds about right. In some parts of the country, the prices are lower. In other places, they're higher. You need to compare apples to apples when getting bids. Make sure everyone is bidding on the same amount of work. Ask all your questions BEFORE you hire someone and check references and licensing, if required.

The trims will be replaced etc. I'll also make sure the toilet work is specified as well. That's good to hear that the price is right. We certainly aren't tryign to find the lowest price (however, I don't want to be the victim of neighborhood pricing either).

Do you think the 2 day estimate is accurate?

IMO, there is a quality difference between commercial and residential flooring installations. And I think getting it done in two days is a pipe dream, unless he is refering to install only. With enough guys, in theory, one could do all the demo in one day and start the install; then complete it the next day. My problem with these types of companies is they are the wham, bam, thank you maam installers. Their prime concern is production and get the wood down, regardless of any problems that may exist. I think you should get other estimates from reputable flooring contractors in your area. Find ones that have been in business awhile, have references you can check on, have proper licensing and insurance and so on.

10 grand is an insane price for that amount of work. Definitely call around. Who gave you that estimate? Was it Empire? hoho

No, not empire. I think the group spends very little time working for homeowners. For the most part, they get hired by businesses as well as by developers to work on new residential construction.

So you think that's too much, huh. Honestly, the 1st hardwood expert my realtor recommended didn't want the ceramic tile demolition portion of the gig. I just figured it'd be fiscally inefficient to have to hire someone for the demolition and then someone for the hardwood floor installation. On top of that, I don't this guy did hardwood floor refinishing.

With all due respect, price is relative. In the area you live Chuck (in the south), the prices are definitely lower. However, the farther north and more metropolitan the area, the price goes up. There are some exceptions like around Boston. Here in N. California, SF Bay area, a 3/4" solid strip floors goes for about $12 a ft (including sanding/finishing) and refinishing for anywhere from $3.50 to $4.50. So:
650 x $12= $7,800.00
450 x $ 4= $1,800.00
DEMO(plus disposal) @ $950.00 minimum
This does not include trims, base, r&r toilet, subfloor repairs, dark or unusual stain colors, furniture moving, etc.
The HD here advertises 3/4" strip, installed and finished STARTING at $12.50 a ft. Refinishing STARTING at $4.50 a foot.

As I explained in my earlier post, pricing is relative. In that market, central PA and neighborhood, that price may be middle ground. Unless you are a contractor (legitimate) working in that particular area, it is hard to say what is a fair price.

The pricing I will not worry about now ... I've seen how people use the sq footage and build an estimate however the other standout issue in my mind is the estimated time. I've read threads on how long the stain and finish process takes ... is 2 days enough time? The guy who visited my home (twice) mentioned that they have machines to aid the drying ??? at least that's what I recalled him saying... I will also ask him about what type of moisture meter he uses (saw that on this site somewhere).

That is high for that area gary.. especially if they dont speak English .. i would be concerned with them destroying the old floor with the drum sander .. What type and brand of wood are they giving you ? If they bring the wood and start installing the same day , kick them out of your house .. there has to be other installers in your area you can check out ..

Presently the floors have Red Oak #1 with a clear (or no color) stain or something to that effect. I spoke with the head of the flooring company who installed the existing floors 10 yrs ago and he should be submitting an estimate in the next 2-3 days. 1 other guy my realtor recommended stopped in also (though he said the job would take 2 weeks!!).

Two weeks is about right for a high quality job.

Yes, I had 3 other experts come in to provide an estimate and to the man, all said about 8-10 business days.

Now I have to decide b/w oil v. water and if water what about "street shoe" ... lol. it's always something.