Before You Remodel, Read This: 5 Flooring Mistakes That Cost Orlando Homeowners Thousands

The Hidden Pitfalls of Home Remodeling

You’ve chosen your paint colors, picked your countertops, and maybe even lined up your contractor. But if you’re like most homeowners, you’re about to overlook one of the most expensive—and most important—parts of your remodel: your floors.

Flooring mistakes are sneaky. They don’t always show up right away, but when they do, they can mean thousands in repair costs, headaches with contractors, and a whole lot of regret.

At Modano Floors, we’ve seen it all—from warped planks in new luxury homes to cracked tiles in high-end kitchens. If you’re planning a remodel anywhere in Orlando or Central Florida, read this before you make your next move.

1. Choosing the Wrong Material for Florida’s Climate

Florida isn’t kind to floors. Between high humidity, heavy rain, and constant temperature swings, even the most beautiful floors can fail if they’re not built for our environment.

Common mistake: Homeowners choose solid hardwood or cheap laminate because it looks great in a photo—but in Florida, moisture is the silent killer. Within months, boards can swell, warp, or buckle.

Smart fix: Choose flooring that’s designed for moisture resistance.

• Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) and waterproof laminate are ideal for humid homes.

• Porcelain tile stands up to moisture and heat without cracking or fading.

• Ask about AC-rated durability and moisture warranties before you buy.

Your flooring should be as climate-proof as your air conditioning system—especially in Orlando.

2. Ignoring Subfloor Prep and Installation Quality

Even the best flooring will fail if what’s underneath isn’t right. Many homeowners (and even contractors) skip proper subfloor prep, assuming a quick install saves time.

Reality check: Poor prep causes uneven surfaces, loose tiles, squeaks, or gaps between planks. That “quick install” can end up costing you double.

Pro tip:
✅ Always make sure your subfloor is clean, level, and moisture-tested.
✅ Use certified installers familiar with Florida homes (many older ones have concrete subfloors that require special adhesives).
✅ Ask your supplier—like Modano Floors—to recommend verified installers.

3. Picking Flooring Based Only on Looks

We get it—everyone wants “Pinterest-worthy” floors. But a photo can’t tell you how a surface feels underfoot or how it holds up to daily life.

The problem: You fall in love with the wrong texture or finish. That trendy matte oak might look amazing in photos but will show every footprint and paw print.

Better approach: Visit a local showroom where you can see, touch, and walk on the materials under real lighting. Our Modano Floors showroom in Orlando helps homeowners compare realistic samples before committing.

Function should come first, followed by aesthetics. The right flooring should look good and live well.

4. Underestimating Maintenance and Longevity

Cheap flooring is never really cheap. It might save you up front, but the long-term costs can quietly drain your budget.

Examples:

• Low-quality laminates peel or bubble after a few steam cleans.

• Soft hardwoods dent easily from furniture or pet claws.

• Carpet retains moisture and odors in humid Florida air.

Long-term winners:

• Waterproof vinyl and tile require minimal upkeep.

• Engineered hardwood offers a luxury look with more resilience.

When it comes to flooring, “set it and forget it” materials will save you thousands over the years.

5. Not Planning Transitions and Room Flow

One of the most overlooked details in remodeling is flooring flow—how each room connects visually and physically.

Common issue: Mixing too many flooring types or ignoring transition pieces creates a disjointed look that cheapens the design.

Fix it before installation:

• Map your flooring layout and plan transitions between rooms.

• Stick to 1–2 flooring types for visual harmony.

• Use thresholds or trims that match the color tone of your floors.

Our designers at Modano Floors help homeowners plan these details early—saving both money and headaches down the line.

The Smart Homeowner’s Checklist

Before your remodel starts, ask yourself:

• Is this flooring rated for Florida humidity?

• Has my subfloor been moisture-tested and leveled?

• Will it handle kids, pets, and daily wear?

• What’s the warranty or service policy?

• Have I seen full-size samples in person?

If you can’t answer “yes” to all five, it’s time to talk to an expert.

Don’t Learn the Hard Way

Remodeling should be exciting—not expensive. With the right flooring and a reliable local partner, you can enjoy beautiful results that last for years.

📍 Visit our Orlando showroom to explore flooring built for Florida living—elegant, durable, and ready when you are.
📞 (407) 753-1132
👉 modanofloors.com

People Also Ask (FAQ)

Q1: What’s the best flooring for humid climates like Orlando?
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and porcelain tile are top choices. They’re waterproof, low-maintenance, and can handle humidity without warping.

Q2: Can I install hardwood floors in Florida?
Yes—but choose engineered hardwood instead of solid wood. Engineered boards resist humidity better and last longer.

Q3: How do I know if my subfloor is ready?
It should be clean, level, and moisture-tested. Uneven or damp subfloors cause most installation failures.

Q4: Is it cheaper to buy flooring online or from a local showroom?
Local showrooms often match online prices—and you get expert advice, fast availability, and guaranteed quality.

Q5: How long should quality flooring last?
Depending on the material:

• LVP: 15–25 years

• Tile: 20+ years

• Engineered hardwood: 15–30 years

Proper installation and maintenance make all the difference.