I installed Viny flooring on rental home. How to estimate labor?

[hameshatumkochaha]

Hi,

I installed Luxury Viny Flooring for our AZ rental home in the year 2022.  The labor I was quoted on then was $5 to $9 per sq ft!  Most quotes were texts on the phone; I did not keep record of all but can dig up a few.  Please inform:

1. Is there a standard rate for labor if owner does the work oneself on a rental property for large projects such as flooring remodel/upgrade? 

2. If not, what rate can I use? 

3. If I cannot find the old texts, can I get a few quotes now and use one of those as the rate? 

4. I am assuming that my labor put in is deductible as an expense for the rental property upgrade.  I cannot see why not; but if I am wrong, please inform me.  

Thanks

[ee-ea]

The IRS doesn't allow you to deduct personal labor as a business expense because you cannot pay yourself with after-tax dollars.   Deduuctions are for out of pocket payments.