Most flooring disputes in Australia come down to one thing: the homeowner and the retailer had different understandings of what was agreed. The quote was vague, the scope was unclear, and something expensive happened that "wasn't included." These ten questions, asked before you sign, close those gaps.
1. What is the exact wear layer thickness in millimetres?
Not "heavy duty", not "premium residential" — the number. A quality retailer answers this immediately. If they can't, they don't know their product. This number tells you more about long-term performance than any marketing description.
2. What is the full product name and manufacturer?
This allows you to look up the manufacturer's specification sheet independently. It also means the quote is tied to a specific product — not "equivalent" or "similar" if the original is unavailable at install time.
3. What preparation work is included in this price?
Ask specifically: what happens if the subfloor needs levelling beyond what's standard? What is the cost for that work? Subfloor surprises are the most common source of final costs exceeding the original quote. Knowing the scope upfront prevents disputes.
4. What is the waste allowance in the quote?
Standard is 7–10% above your measured area. A quote based on the exact measured area with no waste allowance will leave you short. If the retailer looks confused by this question, that's a signal.
5. Are supply and installation priced separately?
This matters for comparing quotes. If one retailer bundles everything and another separates it, you can't compare the numbers. Ask for both line items stated separately.
6. Does this quote include removal of the existing floor?
Carpet removal, tile removal, old vinyl removal — each has a cost. Some quotes include it, some don't. A quote that excludes removal is cheaper on paper but not in practice.
7. Who does the installation — your own team or subcontractors?
Both answers are acceptable but the follow-up matters: if subcontracted, are you (the retailer) responsible for the quality of their work? Is the installation covered under your warranty? Get this in writing.
8. What does the warranty cover and for how long?
Understand the distinction between product warranty (manufacturer's responsibility) and installation warranty (retailer's responsibility). A problem with the floor moving is an installation issue. A problem with the wear layer failing prematurely is a product issue. Both should be covered.
9. What is the payment schedule?
Reputable installers typically ask for a deposit (20–30%) with the balance on completion. Be cautious of requests for full payment upfront before work begins — this is a common feature of operators who are difficult to hold accountable once the job is done.
10. Can I speak to two recent customers?
A confident, professional retailer provides references without hesitation. Reluctance to provide references from recent customers is a significant warning sign. You're spending thousands of dollars — references are a reasonable request.
One more thing — check the quote
Once you have a quote with all of these questions answered, upload it to our Quote Checker. It will verify the product specification, compare the pricing against current market rates, and flag anything incomplete — in about 60 seconds.