New flooring: hardwood vs. LVP vs. tile, cost and permits
For Silicon Valley homes · Updated October 2026 · Sources below
Hardwood adds warmth and can be refinished, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) handles water well at a lower cost, and tile is the most water-resistant for kitchens, baths and entries. New floor finishes usually don't need a building permit. Old vinyl floors and their backing may contain asbestos, so don't sand or scrape them yourself.
The short version
- Floor finishes (carpet, vinyl, tile, wood) usually need no building permit
- Hardwood installed: about $6-$25 per square foot (national)
- LVP installed: about $5-$10 per square foot (national)
- Tile installed: about $5-$45 per square foot (national)
- Jobs of $1,000 or more need a CSLB-licensed contractor (C-15 is the flooring license)
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What it costs
- Hardwood floors, installed$6 - $25 per sq ft
- Luxury vinyl plank or tile (LVP/LVT), installed$5 - $10 per sq ft
- Ceramic or porcelain tile, installed$5 - $45 per sq ft
National figures - Bay Area labor usually costs more. Removing old floors, leveling the subfloor, stairs and trim add to the price.
Typical ranges from published cost guides - mostly national figures. Bay Area prices usually run higher. Your actual price depends on your home and the job, and a pro gives you the real number. Source: HomeAdvisor cost guide (national) (Jun 2026); HomeAdvisor cost guide (national) (undated, checked Oct 2026). Have a quote? Check it with the Quote Explainer
Hardwood, LVP or tile?
- Hardwood: warm and long-lasting, and solid wood can be sanded and refinished. Not the best pick for bathrooms or wet entries.
- LVP: water-resistant, easy on the budget and often floats over the old subfloor. Can't be refinished - worn planks get replaced.
- Tile: the best choice for wet areas and very durable, but it's hard and cold underfoot and costs more to install well.
- Whatever you choose, ask the installer to check the subfloor - most floor problems start with an uneven or damp base.
In Silicon Valley
- San José lists floor finishes such as carpet, linoleum and tile as exempt from a building permit. Floor sheathing (subfloor) repairs are only exempt up to 10 square feet.
- California's C-15 flooring license covers preparing surfaces and installing carpet, resilient sheet goods, resilient tile, wood floors and flooring. Ceramic tile also has its own C-54 license.
Questions homeowners ask
Do I need a permit to replace flooring in San Jose?
Usually not. San José lists floor finishes like carpet, linoleum and tile as exempt. If the subfloor needs repairs over 10 square feet, or the job includes plumbing or electrical changes, that part needs a permit.
Is LVP or hardwood better?
LVP handles water and pets well and usually costs less to install. Hardwood feels warmer, lasts for decades and can be refinished, which LVP can't. Many homeowners use hardwood in living areas and LVP or tile in kitchens, baths and laundry rooms.
How much does new flooring cost per square foot?
National cost guides put installed hardwood at about $6 to $25 per square foot, LVP at about $5 to $10, and ceramic or porcelain tile at about $5 to $45. Bay Area prices usually run higher, and removing old floors or leveling the subfloor adds to it.
Could my old floor have asbestos?
Older vinyl flooring and its backing may. The EPA says not to sand, scrape or try to level asbestos flooring, and to have removal done by people trained in handling asbestos. A flooring pro can often install over it, but get it tested before tearing it out.
Does a flooring installer need a license in California?
Yes, for any job of $1,000 or more in labor and materials. The CSLB flooring license is C-15, and tile work can also be done under a C-54 tile license. Look up the license on cslb.ca.gov before you sign.
Do you need a permit?
Usually no permit - this is finish work.
General guidance based on California's building code - your city can have stricter rules, and zoning, historic and HOA rules can apply too. Check with your city's building department before you start.
Check the rule for your cityQuestions to ask the pro
- What's your CSLB license number and classification?
- Is removing and hauling away the old floor included?
- How will you check and level the subfloor?
- Does the price include trim, transitions and moving furniture?
- What does the flooring warranty cover, and what voids it?
Before you sign, check the contractor's license at cslb.ca.gov. How to hire a contractor in California
Need a flooring contractor?
Tell us about the job in 2 minutes - free. We send it to one local pro at a time, never a crowd.
Related answers
Sources
- City of San José - When Is a Building Permit Required?
- CSLB - C-15 Flooring and Floor Covering classification
- CSLB - Licensing classifications
- CSLB - License requirement for minor work increases from $500 to $1,000 (AB 2622)
- U.S. EPA - Protect your family from exposures to asbestos
General information for Silicon Valley homeowners, not professional advice for your home. Rules and programs change - check the source, and have a licensed pro look at your situation.