When you’re getting ready for a new floor installation, the excitement of transforming your space can sometimes be overshadowed by the necessary steps to ensure a smooth installation process. At Westbroad Flooring, we want to make sure that your experience is as hassle-free as possible. Preparing your home ahead of time is key to making the flooring installation process seamless for you and our installers.
Make Room for the Installation Team
One of the first things to keep in mind before the installation starts is that flooring installation requires space. This means moving any furniture and ensuring easy access to the installation area. It’s a good idea to clear out any items from rooms that are adjacent to the flooring installation as well. Creating space for the installers will help them move freely and efficiently as they work, which speeds up the entire process.
Our experienced team is always happy to help move furniture if needed, but taking care of this ahead of time can save everyone time and effort. If you’re planning to have other projects completed, such as window installation, consider doing this beforehand, so everything goes smoothly. Our team recommends starting with any larger renovations before the floors go in to avoid unnecessary damage to your new floors.
Proper Preparation for a Smooth Flooring Installation
Proper preparation is essential to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch. This includes thinking about things like HVAC systems, pets, and room temperature. The HVAC system should be functioning normally to maintain a comfortable and appropriate temperature for floor installation, especially for materials like hardwood, which can expand or contract with temperature changes.
It’s also a good idea to confine pets to another area of the home, both for their safety and to keep them out of the way of the installers. The easier it is for the installers to work in an open, organized space, the quicker the installation process can be completed.
Clearing the Path: Easy Access for Installers
Another important aspect to consider before the installers arrive is providing easy access to the areas where the flooring will be installed. Walkways, driveways, and any other spaces leading up to your home should be cleared. Ensuring there are no obstacles means our team can move materials and equipment in and out with ease. If possible, park your car in the garage or on the street to leave enough space for the team to access your home quickly.
Additionally, if the flooring store is delivering your materials, make sure there is a designated drop-off area, preferably close to the installation zone. This step makes it easier for the installers and reduces the time spent transporting materials across the home.
Installation Area Preparation
Before the installation starts, it’s essential to thoroughly clean the installation area. While we’ll always prepare the subfloor ourselves, removing dust, dirt, and debris will ensure that everything is ready for the flooring installation process. This is particularly important if you’ve recently completed any renovations, as construction dust can settle in unexpected areas. Vacuuming the subfloor or sweeping the space before we arrive can help prevent any delays.
You may also want to lay down drop cloths to protect any parts of the home that aren’t being worked on. This simple step helps keep other areas of your house clean and prevents any potential damage from heavy equipment or materials that might be transported through hallways.
Preparing for What Installation Involves
Each type of floor installation involves different steps, and depending on the material, some installations may take longer than others. Our experienced team will walk you through what to expect during the installation process, whether you’re installing carpet, hardwood, or tile. Knowing what’s involved can help you better prepare your home and plan for the duration of the project.
For example, if you’re getting hardwood floors installed, our team may need to take a little extra time to acclimate the wood to the environment in your home before installation begins. Other materials, like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or laminate, can often be installed much faster and with minimal prep.
Our team may also need to remove existing flooring before installing the new material. This is another reason why it’s important to move any furniture out of the room beforehand. Removing old flooring can create a fair amount of dust and debris, so having the space ready ensures the process moves along quickly.
Help Your Installation Run Smoothly
Flooring installation involves teamwork, and there are a few things homeowners can do to make it easier for our installers. For instance, double-check that all fragile items are packed away. Removing items from walls, especially if they are hanging on adjacent walls to the installation area, is a good idea. Vibrations from equipment may cause items to shift or fall, so better safe than sorry!
Additionally, if you are doing flooring in a kitchen or bathroom, make sure appliances or fixtures are disconnected before our installers arrive. Plumbing and electrical components should be secured or turned off to avoid any complications during the installation process.
Once the installers arrive, be prepared for some noise and foot traffic in and out of your home. While our team works hard to minimize disruption, certain tools are noisy, and there may be several trips made between the installation area and the outside.
Final Thoughts: Making it Hassle-Free
At Westbroad Flooring, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch customer service and quality installations. By following these preparation steps, you’re ensuring that the installation process is efficient and hassle-free. It’s always our goal to create the least amount of disruption possible while transforming your home with beautiful new floors.
Having a properly prepared space for the installers to work in not only makes the process faster but also ensures that the final result meets your expectations. If you have any specific questions about preparing your home, don’t hesitate to ask our experienced team for advice. Whether it’s moving furniture, checking your HVAC system, or handling the details of window installation in tandem with your flooring project, we’re here to help.