Small business owners are faced with many decisions, both day-to-day and long-term. For those owners operating a storefront, restaurant, or some other type of physical location where customers are served, the appearance of the location is understandably important. A customer’s impression of a business can be swayed strongly in either a positive or a negative direction depending on how professional the location appears to be. Thus, business owners would be wise to invest time and money into making sure that their location appears respectable and professional to customers. Flooring is one aspect of a location that might not get as much attention as it deserves, but poor-quality flooring can lead the customer to form a negative impression of the business’s professionalism, and that leads to fewer sales. For a cash-strapped small business owner looking to make a good impression on the customer, flooring installation can seem like a project that would be relatively cheap and easy to complete as a DIY project. However, the DIY option isn’t suited for every business or location—there are lots of unpredictable factors that can cause problems later down the road, and investing in professional flooring installation services is generally a better idea for the small business owner. First, an obvious issue with DIY flooring installation is that for the average business owner, the results will be much more attractive and higher quality if a professional installation company handles the job. Unless the owner is already highly experienced with flooring installation, they simply won’t be able to match the quality of professional installation. The extra time required in a DIY installation also means that the business needs to be closed for longer than necessary—which means fewer sales. A professional installer will work much more efficiently, and complete the job more quickly. A professional flooring installation company is also much more knowledgeable in terms of selecting the right material for the business location. An owner going for a DIY installation might know that a wood texture is preferable, but is hardwood or laminate better for the location? Similarly, the owner might be set on tile, but should ceramic or porcelain be used? Does a restaurant owner understand the different types of vinyl tile, and are they knowledgeable about which would be best for the specific business? The professional installer can talk with the business owner, identify their needs, and offer suggestions on the best materials for the job. Finally, when operating a location where customers are served, getting the flooring right is an absolute must. Any dips in flooring quality caused by inexperience or a rushed job could actually lead to trips and falls, and in the worst-case scenario, customer injury. The average small business owner simply cannot afford to skimp on such an important part of their business location. Small business owners need to save cash wherever possible, so the idea of DIY flooring installation or replacement sounds like an attractive one. As with many business ownership situations, however, an investment in professional services is an investment in the future of the business, and flooring installation should generally be left to professionals.