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Once you've picked your floor, the next step is getting the house ready. None of it is hard, but a few hours of prep the week before can shave time off the job and spare you some headaches on installation day.
Clear the rooms
Empty the rooms getting new floors, including closets if they're part of the job. Take small items, lamps and anything breakable out first. Large furniture can be moved by the crew in many cases, but ask ahead so it's on the plan. Pianos, gun safes and aquariums need special handling and should be moved by a specialist.
Think about doors and trim
New flooring can be a little thicker than what you had, so some doors may need trimming at the bottom to swing freely. Baseboards and quarter round usually come off during the job and get reinstalled or replaced. If you've been meaning to swap old trim or repaint baseboards, this is the right moment.
Plan for appliances
If the kitchen or laundry is included, the fridge, stove, dishwasher and washer have to come out. Shut off water lines ahead of time or have a plumber disconnect them. Gas lines should always be handled by a licensed pro.
Let the wood settle in
Some flooring, especially solid hardwood, needs to sit in your home for a period before it goes down so it can adjust to the indoor temperature and humidity. The manufacturer sets the time. Keep the heat or air running at normal levels during this stretch.
Day of the install
Keep kids and pets away from the work area, since there will be saws, nail guns and cords. Make sure the crew has a clear path from the driveway to the rooms and a spot to set up a cutting station. Expect some noise and dust, and plan to be out of the room if the floor is being sanded or finished.
We carry stock on hand at our Coventry showroom, so many jobs can start the next day. Book a free estimate and we'll walk you through the prep for your specific rooms.
