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Almost every carpet outlet and carpet installation contractor will offer a free estimate for removing and replacing carpets as a promotional tool. Once the invoice is generated and the job is signed the breakdown of all costs does not include a line item cost for the estimate. So it would appear the customer received the bargain as advertised in the form of a free estimate.

However any business that employs and estimator or otherwise provides an estimating service will incur costs such as travel time, fuel and of course the administration of the formal estimate. Add to this the fact that businesses must realize a profit in order to remain in business and one would be prompted to question whether such an estimate is actually possible at no cost.

The answer is certainly no. There may not be a line item entry for an estimate however the costs associated with it are certainly covered by some means. Add to this the reality that not every potential customer that receives and estimate signs a work order agreement and it would be foolish to think any visit by an estimator is free. The customer is going to assume some portion of the estimating cost whether agreed on openly or not.

The only practical way to determine how much one is contributing to the estimating process is by shopping the individual services and materials separately. The costs of carpeting can vary from one locale to the next and it’s possible a contractor makes materials purchases by employing cost comparisons. This would certainly be a prudent business practice. In addition the cost of labor and a portion of equipment depreciation must be accounted for to some degree in a customer’s invoice.

The popularity of slate flooring in residential and commercial interiors as well as exteriors can be primarily attributed to its versatility and aesthetic appeal. An extremely sturdy stone product, slate forms a worthy alternative to wood as flooring material. Minute silt and clay particles bind under high temperature and pressure to form slate, giving the stone its monolithic texture. Slate is as smooth as plastic laminate and its ultra-fine texture gives this natural stone product its impervious nature.

Slate Flooring: Advantages

Due to its fine molecular structure, slate flooring is reputed to have several advantages over other kinds of flooring. It is generally preferred for maximum traffic areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and porches. These are areas that are also exposed to water spillages. Some of the features of slate that makes it a practical flooring option include:

* Slate ise moistur-, stain- and slip-resistant, guaranteeing a firm footing.

* This material is also bacteria and allergen resistant, and therefore reduces the risk of diseases at home.

* Slate is very affordable when compared to marble or granite, and with a distinctive surface, it is as beautiful as its alternatives.

* Not only is it resistant to dirt, but this type of flooring is also very easy to clean and maintain. Regular mopping with mild detergent is all it requires.

Apart from this, slate is easy to install and is available in an array of beautiful and subtle color variations that can enhance the appearance of any decor.

Slate Flooring: Caution

On exposure to water, slate flooring absorbs it quite easily. This causes the flooring sheen to fade quickly. To avoid this, ensure that the flooring is sealed with waterproof resin which prevents water absorption and fading. This will help maintain and preserve the appearance of the flooring material for a longer time period.