Flooring Bid Qualifications and Exclusions
Qualifications and exclusions state what a flooring bid includes, what it assumes and what it leaves out. Typical items cover floor preparation and leveling, moisture testing and mitigation, attic stock, furniture moving, base and transitions, after-hours work and document conflicts. Clear qualifications protect the bid and make subcontractor proposals easier to compare.
Why qualifications matter
Two flooring bids for the same project can differ by thousands of dollars simply because one includes moisture mitigation and the other excludes it. Qualifications make your assumptions visible, so the general contractor compares like with like and you are not held to scope you did not price.
Common flooring qualifications and exclusions
| Topic | Example wording to adapt |
|---|---|
| Floor preparation | Includes minor patching up to [X] SF. Excludes leveling of floors outside specified flatness tolerance. |
| Moisture | Excludes moisture testing and mitigation unless listed as a separate line item. |
| Attic stock | Includes attic stock as specified in Section [09 xx xx]; quantities listed separately. |
| Furniture and equipment | Excludes moving furniture, equipment and casework unless noted. |
| Existing flooring | Excludes removal of existing flooring and abatement of hazardous materials. |
| Base and transitions | Includes rubber base and transitions at changes of finish as shown. |
| Working hours | Based on normal working hours; after-hours or phased work priced separately. |
| Document basis | Based on drawings dated [date] and addenda [1–x]. |
| Conflicts | Where plans and schedule conflict, this bid assumes [finish] pending clarification. |
Sample wording for illustration only. Adapt it to your contract, your company's practices and local requirements.
Turning document conflicts into RFIs
When a finish plan and schedule disagree, write the question with the sheet and room number, state the assumption your bid uses, and ask for clarification. CFE's takeoffs include questions written so you can forward them to the general contractor or design team. Learn to spot conflicts in how to read a flooring finish schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical exclusions in a flooring bid?
Common exclusions include floor leveling beyond minor patching, moisture testing and mitigation, removal of existing flooring and abatement, furniture moving, after-hours work and items not shown in the documents.
What is the difference between a qualification and an exclusion?
A qualification states an assumption or condition the bid is based on. An exclusion states scope the bid does not include.
Should attic stock be listed in a flooring bid?
Yes. If the specification requires it, list attic stock as a separate line so the owner and GC can see it.
Where do qualifications go in a flooring proposal?
Usually in a clearly labelled section after the price, listing inclusions, exclusions, assumptions and the document basis with drawing dates and addenda.
Should I list the drawings my bid is based on?
Yes. Naming the drawing set date and addenda protects you if later revisions change the scope after the bid.
Need this takeoff done for your next bid?
Send your plans and specs. Most CFE takeoffs are completed within 24–48 business hours of receiving complete documents.
Written by
Cristian Valcu – Founder & CEO, Commercial Flooring Estimating LLC
Cristian Valcu is a U.S.-based commercial flooring estimator with over 20 years of experience estimating with Callidus software in the commercial flooring industry. He is an expert in reading and interpreting floor plans, specifications and project-related information, and in producing full takeoff reports with quality material takeoffs based on all available bid documents.
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