Why is Queenstown harder to book than Dunedin?
Demand and housing: the Lakes have more work than trades most of the year, and many businesses are quoting weeks out. Putting your dates and flexibility in the request is what gets a usable answer rather than silence.
Does the quote include taking up the old floor?
Not always, and it is the most common gap between two flooring quotes. Uplift and disposal is real labour and a skip, so ask for it stated rather than assumed.
Does the subfloor need levelling?
Older New Zealand houses often need some, and hard flooring shows every dip. A good installer will check rather than quote blind, which is why the first visit matters.
Do I have to move the furniture?
Usually you can pay for it either way. Ask, because a house full of furniture that has to be shuffled room by room takes noticeably longer than an empty one.
How long before I can walk on it?
Carpet and vinyl are usually same day. Glued timber and anything with adhesive or finish needs curing time, so ask for the days the room is unusable rather than the days someone is on site.