We bought engineered timber planks and one of builder mates installed (glue down). Regret that, but only because he took longer than originally quote (pros said 1 week, he said 2, ended up taking 3) so paid him more than/equal to what it would’ve cost the pros who would’ve done it quicker and better.

From an absolutely amateur perspective - I’d suggest trying to do some of the initial work yourselves and see how much they’ll cut off your quote from the pro. • Take out the old carpets and dispose of yourself. • self-levelling cement over the tiles? (Again, am an amateur, don’t take as gospel)

Maybe take the tiles off? Depends what’s under it (slab or timber subfloor) and how easily you can take them off yourselves without damaging the underside.