You've got a flooring quote in hand and something feels off. Maybe it's more than you expected. Maybe it's hard to compare to the other quotes because the line items are described differently. Maybe the retailer was a bit pushy and you're second-guessing the whole thing. Here's how to work out whether the number in front of you is fair — and what to do if it isn't.
The most common reason quotes feel expensive
Most flooring quotes that seem high are high for one of three reasons: the product specification is genuinely premium and the price reflects it; the scope includes preparation and removal work that other quotes don't; or the per-m² rate is simply above market. The problem is you can't tell which without knowing what you're comparing.
A quote for 100m² at $14,000 could be excellent value for a 0.7mm wear layer engineered hardwood with full subfloor prep, or it could be genuinely overpriced for entry-level hybrid SPC with no removal included. The total number tells you nothing without the line items behind it.
Australian market rates in 2026
Here are the competitive market rates for quality products in Australia. If your quote is significantly above these, it warrants a closer look:
Hybrid SPC supply: $32–$78/m² depending on quality tier
Hybrid SPC installation: $26–$38/m²
Engineered hardwood supply: $85–$160/m²
Engineered hardwood installation: $35–$52/m²
Carpet removal: $4–$8/m²
Tile removal: $15–$35/m²
If your supply rate for hybrid SPC is above $90/m² or your installation rate is above $45/m², you should be asking questions — or getting a second quote.
What to check in your quote
1. Is the product specified? A quote that says "hybrid flooring" without naming the product and manufacturer is impossible to verify. Ask for the specific product name, manufacturer and wear layer thickness.
2. Are supply and installation separated? Some quotes bundle everything into a single per-m² rate. Ask for them separated. This is the only way to compare rates meaningfully across quotes.
3. What preparation is included? If the quote includes carpet removal, subfloor levelling and moisture barrier, a higher total price may be entirely justified. If another quote is cheaper but excludes these items, the comparison is misleading.
4. Is there a waste allowance? A standard waste allowance is 7–10% of your measured area. A quote based on exact floor area with no waste will leave you short on material.
The fastest way to check
Upload your quote to our Quote Checker. It extracts the product type and rates from your quote — PDF, photo or screenshot — compares them against current Australian market rates, and gives you an instant independent assessment. It flags what's missing from the spec, what the pricing assessment is, and what questions to ask before you sign.
It takes about 60 seconds and it's free.
What to do if your quote is above market
Don't immediately walk away. First, go back to the retailer and ask: "Can you walk me through the pricing on this quote? I want to understand what's driving the cost." A professional retailer will do this willingly. What you hear in response tells you a lot about who you're dealing with.
If the explanation is satisfactory — the product is genuinely premium, the prep scope is extensive, the installation team is high quality — the price may be justified. If the response is evasive or the retailer becomes defensive, get a second quote.
Use our Quote Checker to upload your quote and get an instant independent view.