Why is subfloor prep separate?
Uneven subfloor is the cause of most flooring failures. A visible prep line explains your price and shows that the failure cause was addressed.
Flooring · Free estimate sample
The general shape of a flooring estimate. Removal, subfloor prep, materials, installation, and trim kept separate — because subfloor is where flooring jobs go wrong and where cheap bids skip.
Common practice
Flooring customers see the boards. The estimate has to show what's under them.
Uneven subfloor is the cause of most flooring failures. A visible prep line explains your price and shows that the failure cause was addressed.
Material is the big number. Stating area and waste shows the material quantity wasn't padded.
Slab moisture is a test result, not a guess. Excluding mitigation until tested keeps it a priced change.
Before you send it
Flooring is mostly unlicensed as a trade, but contract and consumer rules apply.
General information, not legal, tax, or licensing advice. Requirements differ by state, county, and city and change over time. Confirm with your state licensing board and the local authority having jurisdiction before relying on any of this.
Estimator notes
Internally yes; on the document show categories and a total. Prep and trim distort per-foot comparisons.
Labor only, no material warranty, stated in writing.
Exclude asbestos testing and abatement. Don't disturb suspect material without a test.
List it as a line or exclude it. Never assume.