Jan 22, 2026
Why “Free Estimates” Aren’t Always Free
That free estimate might cost you more than you think. Here’s what to watch for.
Every flooring company offers “free estimates.” It’s industry standard. But here’s the thing: some free estimates come with strings attached.
We’re not saying all contractors are shady. Most aren’t. But enough of them use the estimate as a sales tool rather than an assessment tool, and homeowners end up feeling pressured, confused, or stuck with a quote that doesn’t reflect what they actually need.
Here’s how to tell the difference.
The Sales Pitch Disguised as an Estimate
Some contractors treat the estimate visit as a sales call. They’re not there to assess your project. They’re there to close a deal.
Signs you’re getting a sales pitch, not an estimate:
- “This price is only good today.” Real prices don’t expire at midnight. This is pressure, not honesty.
- They recommend the most expensive option without asking about your budget. A good contractor asks what you’re looking for, then gives you options.
- They spend more time selling than measuring. If someone talks for 45 minutes and measures for 5, their priorities are backwards.
- They can’t explain why something costs what it costs. Vague answers mean they’re making it up or hiding something.
- They push financing hard. Financing can be helpful, but if it’s the first thing they mention, they might be more interested in the sale than the solution.
What a Real Estimate Looks Like
A genuine estimate is an assessment. The contractor should be trying to understand your project, not convince you to buy something.
What you should expect:
- Questions about your needs. What rooms? What’s your timeline? What’s your budget? Do you have preferences on style or material?
- Actual measuring. Square footage matters. So does the condition of your subfloor, doorways, transitions, and any obstacles.
- Honest assessment. If your subfloor needs work, you should hear about it now, not on installation day. If a cheaper option would work fine, a good contractor will tell you.
- Clear, itemized pricing. You should know what you’re paying for: materials, labor, removal, prep, trim. Not just one big number.
- No pressure. A real estimate is information. You take it, think about it, compare it, and decide when you’re ready.
The Hidden Costs of a “Free” Estimate
When an estimate is really a sales pitch, you pay in other ways:
Your time. A high-pressure visit can last hours. That’s time you won’t get back.
Your peace of mind. Feeling pressured in your own home is stressful. You might say yes to something you’re not sure about just to end the conversation.
Your wallet. If you sign up for something you didn’t need, or pay more than you should have, that “free” estimate just cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Your trust. Bad experiences make it harder to trust the next contractor, even if they’re legitimate.
How We Do Estimates
When we come to your home, we’re there to assess your project. That’s it.
We’ll measure. We’ll look at your subfloor. We’ll ask what you’re hoping for and what your budget looks like. Then we’ll give you a clear, written quote that breaks down exactly what you’re paying for.
If we think you don’t need new flooring, we’ll tell you. If a repair would work, we’ll say so. If you’d be better off waiting six months, we’ll mention that too.
We don’t do “today only” pricing. We don’t push you toward the most expensive option. We don’t hang around for two hours trying to close a deal.
You get the information. You decide on your timeline.
Questions to Ask Any Contractor
Before you schedule an estimate, ask:
- “How long does the estimate visit usually take?” If they say an hour or more, ask why. Measuring and assessment shouldn’t take that long.
- “Will I get a written, itemized quote?” If not, walk away.
- “Is this price good for a specific time period?” Honest pricing doesn’t expire tomorrow.
- “What’s included, and what might cost extra?” Subfloor repair, furniture moving, old flooring removal. Know what’s in the quote and what isn’t.
The Bottom Line
A free estimate should be free. Free of pressure, free of games, free of hidden agendas.
If someone comes to your home and you feel like you’re being sold to rather than helped, trust that feeling. A good contractor doesn’t need high-pressure tactics. They let their work and their reputation speak for itself.
That’s what we try to do. Get in touch when you’re ready, and we’ll give you a real estimate, no strings attached.
Vinyl Flooring Jacksonville: Honest flooring. Done right.
More Details