How to Prepare for Your Flooring Installation Day
You’re ready to install new flooring inside your home. You have it picked out – you know exactly what you want. You’ve been budgeting for it for months – you have everything you need tucked into your bank account.
Have you thought about installation?
New flooring can be an exciting addition to any room in your home. But if you haven’t taken a few steps to ensure your house is ready for installation day, you might not be excited with the results.
We have some tips for you to ensure installation day goes according to plan. To ensure your home is prepared and ready for the day professionals arrive to install your new floors.
Tip #1: Finish Other Big Remodeling Jobs
How many other renovation projects do you have going on inside your home? Are you installing new cabinets in the kitchen? Ripping out an old tub in the bath? Or giving the walls a fresh coat of paint?
We suggest you tackle these big projects before you install your new floors. This prevents potential damage and wear to the new flooring from these other construction activities. This allows for a cleaner and more precise installation, avoiding issues like dust and debris that could compromise the flooring finish.
Tip #2: Consider Door Adjustments Beforehand
New flooring can change the landscape of your home. New flooring can result in a rise or drop in floor height, which often requires changes to your doors, baseboards, and trim.
Let’s say you once had carpet and are replacing it with hardwood. That can raise the floor height considerably. Your installation crew will need to remove baseboards and trim, and shave the doors so they can still open at the new floor height.
This is something to talk about when you’re purchasing your flooring so there are no surprises come installation day. In some cases, you might have this handiwork performed by another contractor before your new floors arrive, so it makes room for the new flooring before it’s installed.
Tip #3: Have a Designated Work Zone
No matter what kind of flooring the work team will be installing, you’ll have construction items before and during the installation.
Installing hardwood? It needs to cure and adapt to your house before it’s installed. That means the team will deliver the hardwood planks a week or two before installation day. Leave them set to acclimate to the inside of your home.
Then on the day, the work team will require tools and other supplies necessary to move throughout the day. From taking out the old floors to installing the new ones, the team can include several members, and require room to resize materials and keep their tools handy.
Depending on what room you’re redoing, and where it is in your home, a garage or driveway may be all they need to get the job done. If you’re renovating a larger portion of your home – the entire lower level – they may be there for several days, and need to store equipment overnight.
Be sure to remove obstacles between the work zone and new flooring space that could make the installers’ jobs that much more difficult.
Tip #4: Clear The Area
Don’t wait until installation day to move items from your room. Instead, fully prepare the areas where your new floors will be installed. You’ll need to:
- Remove all items from floors and walls
- Disconnect all appliances and electronics
- Move all sizable furniture, including couches, beds, pool tables, grand pianos, and exercise equipment
- Cover other items throughout the house to ensure they remain clean and unharmed
Your new floors will be installed from one corner of the room to another. Don’t forget to remove drapery that might be in the way or get dirty in the process. Closets will also be getting new flooring – be sure to empty those out so the installation team has access.
Tip #5: Keep Kids and Pets Safe
It’s possible to be excited about your new flooring … and forget about the process. This will impact everyone in your household, including your kids and pets. If you have the opportunity to schedule playdates or daycare, that might be suitable for this process. They will need to stay safely away from all rooms where new floors will be installed, including the work zone.
Tip #6: Block Out Enough Time On Your Calendar
Hosting a party the weekend after installation? It might be a good idea to speak with your team long before the process begins.
Are you prepared for mishaps? What if something goes wrong with the subfloor? It might take extra time to correct it. What if there is an issue with the flooring material? While every step is anticipated, it doesn’t always mean you won’t face issues along the way.
Many flooring installers will need access to your home throughout installation day. They may need to drop off materials or equipment in advance to ensure everything is there when they need it.
Build this time into your calendar. It’s easier if you’re available to consult with and answer questions rather than trying to find you. It can delay installation if you aren’t available to finalize decisions.
Tip #7: Communication Is Key
The best way to have a successful flooring installation is to be available to communicate openly from the moment you purchase your flooring until the installers drive away. If you have any special requests or questions at any time, it’s better to ask first and not run into snags later.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions before, during, and after the process. The team wants you to be happy with your new floors. The best way to do that is to fully understand the process.
Searching For New Flooring? Looking For Professional Installation?
We have the solutions for you. No matter what flooring you’re looking for, we’ll help you finalize your decisions, prepare your home, and be ready for installation day.
We want you to fall in love with your new floors in the store, and stay in love with them for years to come. How can we help you today?