How to Get Your Home Ready for a New Floor Installation

After evaluating the many benefits of replacing your home’s floors, you’ve finally decided that it’s time to invest in something new. The samples have been reviewed, the perfect material has been chosen, and, now, installation day is almost here.

The excitement is building, but so is a looming question: How do you prepare? We’re glad you asked! While our flooring experts will take care of the majority of the floor installation prep, there are several steps you can take to ensure a smooth, hassle-free process. 

Preparing your home for new flooring doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. And remember, we’re with you every step of the way. At Rockwood Home, our goal is to make the process smooth, easy, and even enjoyable, so you can focus on the excitement of seeing your new floors come to life.

Here’s a closer look at how you can prepare your home for a professional flooring installation:

Finish All Other Renovation Projects First

One of the best flooring installation tips we can give homeowners is to complete any other renovation projects in the room or area first. This is because many remodeling projects involve a significant amount of dust, debris, and even moisture that could damage your new flooring if they’re done after installation. By finishing these tasks before the big installation day, you’ll keep your floors in perfect condition in the long term.

Clear the Area of Clutter

When getting your home ready for new flooring, you should clean the area in which the work will be done. Remove all rugs, décor, electronics, shoes, and toys from the space, so the installers have easy access to the floor. If you’re installing new flooring in multiple rooms, consider placing everything in the garage or a temporary storage unit.

If the flooring is being installed in a bedroom or living room, make sure you confirm ahead of time with your flooring installer whether or not they will help with moving large furniture. If not, take apart any large pieces that may be difficult to move and place them in another area of your home.

Make a Plan for Pets and Children

Having a plan for your pets and children for the day of installation is an important step, as the process of laying floors can involve noisy machinery, sharp tools, and workers moving around the house, which could be frightening or dangerous for small children and pets.

Consider arranging for someone to look after your children or pets during the installation. If that’s not an option, keep them occupied in a separate area of the house to keep them safe.

Additionally, before installing flooring, make sure that any pet food or water dishes are relocated from the installation area, and that any pet bedding or toys are stored in a safe spot. This will help ensure that the workers have an easy time moving around and will also protect your pets from potential hazards.

Make Sure the Temperature and Humidity Are Right

Flooring materials, especially hardwood and laminate, are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. That’s why it’s important to ensure that the room is within the optimal range for installation.

For hardwood flooring, the recommended temperature range is usually between 60-80°F, with humidity levels of 30-50%. Make sure your heating or air conditioning system is running as usual and that any windows are closed so that drafts do not interfere with the installation process.

Disconnect Gas Appliances and Electronics

If you have gas-powered appliances, such as stoves, ovens, dryers, or water heaters, in the area where the new flooring will be installed, it’s essential to turn them off and, if necessary, disconnect them. The installation process may involve moving heavy equipment, which can unintentionally damage or disrupt gas lines. If you’re unsure how to safely disconnect these appliances, it’s a good idea to consult a professional while getting ready for new floors.

In addition to gas appliances, it’s a good idea to unplug any electronic devices, such as televisions, stereos, or computers, that are located in the area where the new flooring is going to be installed. Unplugging these devices will ensure that they won’t be accidentally bumped or turned on and off improperly. Make sure you also store them in another room or part of the home prior to installation to protect them from dust.

How Long Will the Flooring Installation Process Take?

When they’re preparing for a new floor installation, many homeowners want to know how long the entire process will take. With Rockwood Home, most installs can be completed in just 1-3 days, depending on the home’s square footage and flooring type.

For example, a single room will naturally be completed faster than an entire level of your home. Likewise, materials like tile may require extra time for grout and sealant to cure, while click-lock laminate or vinyl can often be installed more quickly.

When you schedule a free, in-home consultation, our team will provide a more precise timeline for your specific project so that you can make the appropriate arrangements ahead of time.

For a Seamless Flooring Installation, Call Rockwood Home!

Your floors lay the foundation for the rest of your home’s design. That’s why it’s crucial to trust the installation process to professionals who can get the job done right. Whether you’ve chosen hardwood, tile, laminate, or luxury vinyl plank flooring, our experts at Rockwood Home are here to ensure that your new floors are installed perfectly and with the utmost care.

We offer expert advice on top-quality flooring products to suit your home’s needs and help with every step of the installation, from removing the old floor and prepping the subfloor to applying the finishing touches (like sealing hardwood or applying grout to tile flooring). Above all, remember that you’re not alone in this process. From the first consultation to the final walkthrough, Rockwood Home is right there with you. Our mission is to take the stress out of flooring installation and make it a truly enjoyable upgrade for your home.

If you want a superior finish for your home’s new flooring, contact the Rockwood Home team in Pasco, WA, and Fruitland, ID, today.