What's the best time of year to redo your flooring?

Question:I'm seriously contemplating replacing my cheapo builder-installed carpet with hardwoods. I'd like to know what time of year the prices for the materials and installation tend to be best - as with all things, I assume there's a peak season when they charge a premium, and an "off" season when they have big sales. Anybody know?

Answers:
Redecorating in general tends to be centered around the holidays and drops off precipitously right after the New Year. With housing starts slowing you might be able to get a really good installer now for a good price. Remember a great product badly installed is worse than a mediocre product perfectly installed. One of the things a professional designer guards like a doberman is the list of really good installers. Try an independent flooring store in your area that has been in business for a long time. You can bet they have good installers. Good Luck!