How much should I budget for LVP flooring in a Calgary duplex top and bottom?

For a complete LVP installation in both units of a Calgary duplex — top and bottom — budget between $12,000 and $25,000 total, depending on product quality, the condition of the existing subfloors, and whether you are doing both units simultaneously or in phases. Doing both units at once typically saves 10 to 15 percent on labour compared to two separate projects.

Let me break down the numbers for a typical Calgary duplex. Most Calgary side-by-side or up-down duplexes have approximately 700 to 1,000 square feet per unit, putting total flooring area at 1,400 to 2,000 square feet across both units. At current Calgary market rates for quality mid-range SPC rigid core LVP, here is the realistic cost structure.

Materials and standard installation at $5.50 to $7.50 per square foot for mid-range product: $7,700 to $15,000 for 1,400 to 2,000 square feet. This includes the LVP planks, underlayment (or attached backing), and standard floating installation. Old flooring removal at $1 to $2.50 per square foot adds $1,400 to $5,000 depending on what is currently down — carpet is cheapest to remove, glued-down vinyl or tile is most expensive. Subfloor preparation varies widely but averages $1 to $3 per square foot in the areas that need it. For a duplex, budget roughly $1,000 to $4,000 for levelling compound, plywood repairs, and moisture mitigation where needed. Trim and transitions — baseboards, quarter-round, T-moldings at doorways, stair nosing — run $3 to $6 per linear foot installed and typically add $1,500 to $3,500 for both units combined. Furniture moving adds $300 to $600 per unit.

For a Calgary duplex specifically, there are several factors that affect your budget and planning. If the duplex is a rental property, a 20-mil wear layer SPC product in the $5.50 to $7 per square foot range is the smart choice — durable enough for tenant use, waterproof for protection against tenant-caused water incidents, and available in neutral colours that appeal to a broad range of renters. If it is an owner-occupied duplex where you live in one unit and rent the other, you might choose a premium product for your unit ($7 to $9 per square foot) and a solid mid-range for the rental unit ($5 to $6.50 per square foot) to balance quality with budget.

Sound transmission is a major consideration for up-down duplexes. The Alberta Building Code and many municipal bylaws require minimum STC (Sound Transmission Class) and IIC (Impact Insulation Class) ratings between dwelling units. If your duplex has an upper and lower unit, the flooring system — including underlayment — must meet these sound requirements. Standard foam underlay may not suffice; you may need an acoustically rated underlayment like cork or specialized rubber that adds $1 to $2.50 per square foot but meets code requirements. Failing to address sound transmission can result in complaints, bylaw issues, and potentially having to tear up and redo the installation.

Here is a realistic budget summary for both units: Budget-friendly approach (12-mil wear layer, basic product): $12,000 to $16,000. Recommended mid-range approach (20-mil SPC, attached underlayment): $16,000 to $21,000. Premium approach (22-mil+ SPC, acoustic underlayment, upgraded trim): $21,000 to $25,000. These ranges include removal, prep, material, installation, and trim for both units. Find local flooring contractors experienced with duplex installations through the Calgary Construction Network at calgaryconstructionnetwork.com.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Calgary Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Allure Residential & Commercial inc
• Bracha Concrete & Coatings Inc.
• The Original Workshop
• One OAK Flooring
• WestAim Construction Ltd.