Preparing for a New Flooring Installation
Replacing Flooring in Your Home: Key Information You Need
While some flooring installations can be tackled as a DIY project, larger jobs or those requiring a more precise touch are best left to professionals. We provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect when hiring experts for flooring replacement, including details on the process before, during, and after installation. Whether you're planning a carpet installation or another type of flooring project, we'll guide you through the preparation process to ensure a seamless and successful experience.Understand What the Project Entails
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Understand the Scope of Installation Work
Flooring projects can vary widely based on the type of flooring and the installer you choose. To ensure a smooth experience, it’s crucial to understand what’s included in your flooring quote before making a decision. Typical components of an installation might include:
- On-site assessment and measurement to evaluate your flooring requirements
- Minor floor preparation to ensure a level surface for installation
- Installing standard underlayment
- Flooring installation
- Transition installation
- Installing standard molding
- Products including fasteners, sealing tape, tile grout and standard transitions
- Removal of installation debris
- Product and labor warranties
Determine Which Products You Need to Purchase
Beyond your new flooring, there are additional products you may need to purchase to ensure a successful installation. While this list is not exhaustive and items may vary depending on the type of flooring, the specifics of the installation, and the condition of your subfloor, you might need to consider:
- Adhesives and specialty fasteners
- Subflooring materials
- Floor preparation materials such as leveling compounds, patching agents, and skim coat products
- Underlayment materials
- Molding
- Carpet padding and certain types of underlayment
- Certain types of transitions
- Delivery of the flooring and other products, particularly to a designated location
Identify Potential Additional Charges
Your flooring project might involve additional tasks beyond a standard installation. Your installer or installation specialist will guide you through any extra requirements and optional enhancements, ensuring these are included in your quote. Potential additional work could include:
- Removal of existing flooring, disposal, and any associated dump fees
- Subfloor preparation and repair
- Flooring Installation on stairs or landings
- Removal and replacement of furniture and appliances
- Disconnecting pedestal sinks
- Installation of certain types of underlayment
- Installation of specific types of molding
Understanding What the Project Doesn’t Include
Finally, be sure to identify any services that your installer does not provide. If these tasks are essential for a successful installation, you’ll need to either complete them yourself or engage another professional. Potential additional work might include:
- Structural modifications to your home
- Removing and reinstalling cabinets and vanities
- Moving large items such as pianos, waterbeds, safes, fish tanks, etc.
- Moving any electronics
- Disconnecting or reconnecting gas appliances, gas heating units, baseboard and wall-mounted heaters
- Painting and staining
- Reinstallation of pedestal sinks or toilets
- Removal or cutting back of glue-down vinyl flooring in homes built before 1986
What Happens Before, During and After a Flooring Project
Understanding the process at each stage of your flooring project can help you set realistic expectations and plan effectively, minimizing disruptions and delays. While procedures can vary depending on factors such as flooring type, subfloor condition, and your installer, here’s a glimpse of what you can anticipate.
What to Anticipate Before Installation
Before installation begins, you'll first select your flooring. Your salesperson will then schedule an in-home measurement to assess the installation area and identify any additional products required. Following this, you’ll receive a detailed quote for the work. Once you approve the quote, there may be some preparatory tasks you need to handle prior to installation. However, you often have the option to include some of these preparation services in your quote, allowing you to have the installer manage all necessary work.
Steps to Take Before Work Begins
- Allow the flooring to acclimate to your home's temperature and humidity, if necessary.
- Clear the installation area by removing items from floors, closets, and walls.
- Make sure there is a clear, unobstructed path to the installation area, free of any breakable items.
- Set up an outdoor work area with shade, level ground, and access to a suitable power outlet.
- Allocate a designated area for debris disposal.
- Ensure proper ventilation.
- If not included in the labor, turn off the power to the room and disconnect any appliances.
- Seal off adjoining rooms that are not part of the installation area.
- Remove floor molding if it is not included in the labor scope.
- Remove and trim doors as needed to accommodate the new flooring.
- Arrange alternative access to a bathroom or kitchen if either is involved in the installation process.
What to Anticipate During the Flooring Project
- When the installers arrive, you’ll confirm the installation area with them, and they will begin the work.
- The installation area will be restricted during the work, so please ensure that children stay away, and pets are securely contained.
- If included in your installation, the installers will remove the existing flooring.
- The installers will start the process of laying your new flooring.
- Occasionally, installers may identify additional work required, such as subfloor repairs. They will need to address these issues before proceeding with the installation, which may result in extra time and costs.
- Be prepared for noise and dust generated from cutting and installing the flooring.
- If your installation project includes additional tasks such as moving items or installing molding, the installers will take care of these as well.
What to Expect After Your Flooring Installation
- Once the work is finished, your installers will remove any debris related to the project.
- Depending on the installation, an installer may guide you through the rooms with the new flooring and explain any additional work that was required.
- You may need to complete some finishing touches to restore the room, such as reinstalling doors and replacing furniture and appliances, unless these tasks were included in your installation project.
- If the disposal of your existing flooring is included in your installation quote, the installers will handle its removal and disposal.
