Dreaming of transforming your space with beautiful new floors? The anticipation is thrilling, but before the installation magic happens, a little preparation goes a long way. This ultimate checklist equips you with everything you need to do beforehand, ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience and a stunning end result. 

How To Prepare for New Flooring Installation 

Excitement’s brewing! New floors can breathe fresh life into any space. This comprehensive checklist dives deep into everything you need to tackle before the installers arrive. From clearing the space to creating an ideal work environment, we’ll guide you through each step, ensuring a smooth process and a flawless finished floor. Let’s get started! 

1. Remove All Breakables

First things first: protecting your precious possessions! Before you start home renovation in Stony Point or your area, it’s vital to remove all breakables from the room. This minimizes the risk of accidental damage during the process of moving furniture, cutting materials, and general installation hustle. Think artwork, lamps, mirrors, and any other treasured items that could easily be bumped or broken. Pack them securely in boxes or bubble wrap for safekeeping until you can admire them again on your beautiful new floors! 

2. Determine Who Removes Furniture, Appliances and Adds Subfloor 

Now, let’s talk about the heavy hitters: furniture, appliances, and the subfloor. Before installation day, determine who’s responsible for moving these items. Some installers include furniture removal in their service, while others might require you to handle it yourself. Clear communication is key! Additionally, consider the subfloor, the layer beneath your new flooring. Uneven floors or certain existing floor types might require subfloor installation for a smooth, stable base. Contact your installer beforehand to discuss their specific requirements and any potential subfloor needs. 

3. Disconnect Gas Appliances and Electronics 

Disconnecting gas appliances and electronics is crucial for a safe installation.  This might include your stove, oven, or refrigerator, depending on their location and the installer’s access needs. If you’re comfortable tackling this step yourself, ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Remember, safety is paramount.  However, if you have any reservations, consider hiring a qualified professional to handle the disconnection for peace of mind.

4. Determine New Floor Height 

New floors can add a touch of magic, but they might also affect your doorways! The extra thickness of the new material can impact door clearance. Before installation day, grab your trusty measuring tape and check the height of your doors against the thickness of your chosen flooring. If there’s a potential clash with existing floors, don’t worry! Solutions are at hand. Discuss possibilities with your installer beforehand to ensure a seamless transition between your beautiful new floors and existing doors. Extreme Precision flooring is a leading company for flooring installation in Stony Point that manages everything from start to finish. So, discuss with your installer in advance.

5. Remove the Doors

Next up: creating a smooth workspace for the installers. Removing the doors before installation day allows for easier maneuvering of materials and tools.  This open access minimizes the risk of scratches or dings on your new floor (and your doors!).  Before taking them off, label each door with its corresponding hinge location for a stress-free reinstallation later.  For particularly heavy doors, consider enlisting a friend or family member or a professional for a helping hand and ensure a successful flooring installation.

6. Remove the Baseboards 

Next on the floor prep do list: creating a clean work area for the installers. Removing the baseboards allows for a seamless installation process, giving them full access to the wall and floor junction. It  minimizes the risk of damage to the new flooring during installation.

For this task, you’ll need a hammer and a pry bar. To ensure a smooth removal and avoid any nicks to your walls, consider using painter’s tape. Simply apply a strip of tape along the wall where the baseboard meets the paint. This creates a protective barrier, giving you peace of mind while prying off the baseboards. 

7. Remove the Door Trim 

Removing door trim follows a similar process as tackling the baseboards. Here, the goal is to provide clear access for the installers and create a clean work surface. Utilize a hammer and pry bar, working carefully to avoid any damage.

Before detaching the trim pieces, label each one with its corresponding doorway. This ensures a stress-free reinstallation later. For intricate trim with elaborate details, consider taking pictures of each piece before removal. These reference photos become your allies during reattachment, ensuring everything goes back to its rightful place and your doorways maintain their full glory. 

8. Clean Out Closets and Storage Areas 

Closets and storage areas within the installation zone need some pre-love, too! Whether you are planning for a house addition in Stony Point, NY or need a new flooring, closet cleaning can save time. or Start by removing bulky items like boxes, luggage, or sporting equipment. This creates a clear workspace for them to maneuver materials and tools freely.

Here’s a space-saving tip: Before relocating your belongings, consider giving your storage units a good vacuuming. This eliminates dust and debris, allowing you to pack more efficiently in your temporary storage location. Maximizing space in your temporary storage translates to less clutter and a smoother transition back to your newly floored haven!

9. Provide Dust Control 

New floors deserve a grand entrance, not a dust bath! Implementing dust control measures when installing floors protects both your beautiful new investment and your indoor air quality.  During demolition, cutting, and general installation activities, dust can become airborne. To minimize this, drape furniture with dust sheets or plastic sheeting before flooring project starts. This simple step creates a barrier, preventing dust from settling on your furniture and soon-to-be stunning floors. Breathe easy and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a clean installation process.

10. Thoroughly Clean All Floors 

A sparkling, clean floor is the perfect foundation for your new installation. Dust, dirt, and debris can interfere with the adhesive process, so a thorough cleaning beforehand is essential. Grab your mop and favorite cleaning solution, and get scrubbing! For any stubborn grime or built-up residue, consider renting a floor steamer. These powerful machines provide a deep clean, ensuring a smooth and successful installation for your beautiful new floors. 

11. Prepare the Subfloor 

While the flooring installer will likely handle all repairs, some basic subfloor prep on existing flooring can save time and ensure a flawless installation. This might involve patching any holes or cracks you find in the existing subfloor. Additionally, uneven surfaces can be addressed by leveling them out with appropriate materials (depending on the situation).

Not sure if your subfloor needs attention? Don’t hesitate to consult your installer beforehand. Discussing subfloor prep with them ensures a smooth process and sets the stage for long-lasting enjoyment of your beautiful new floors. Installers can guide you through the right approach before new flooring or basement remodeling services. 

 12. Verify and Maintain the Proper Interior Temperature 

Believe it or not, temperature can play a role in how smoothly your new floors go in! This is especially important for certain flooring types, like wood flooring and vinyl. These materials can expand or contract slightly depending on the ambient temperature. To ensure a perfect fit and lasting beauty, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for ideal installation temperatures. Knowing this information beforehand allows you to take control. A simple adjustment to your thermostat or using space heaters/air conditioners (if needed) can create the perfect temperature zone for your installers to work their magic. 

13. Prepare a Cutting Area

The installation process involves precise cutting of materials. To safeguard your soon-to-be-stunning floors from scratches or nicks, designate a dedicated cutting area.  A sturdy workbench or a large sheet of plywood placed on a protected surface works perfectly.  Here’s a safety tip: ensure the cutting area is clear of clutter and electrical cords. This minimizes trip hazards and keeps the workspace organized, allowing the installers to focus on creating your dream new flooring.  

14. Secure Your Pets 

New floors are exciting, but for your furry companions, the installation process can be disruptive. To ensure their safety and avoid any unwanted surprises for the installers, it’s crucial to secure your pets during the project. Several options exist: boarding them at a trusted kennel, having a friend or family member watch them, or creating a safe, contained space within your house (like a bathroom or laundry room) with all their necessities. Here’s a tip for anxious pets: providing familiar toys or blankets in their temporary space can help ease their stress and make the separation more comfortable. 

Conclusion 

Congratulations! You’ve prepped for your new floor installation. This checklist empowered you to ensure a smooth process. Now, relax and get ready to be amazed by the beautiful transformation. 

Following these steps creates a stress-free experience and sets the stage for stunning new floors. Welcome the flooring installers with confidence, knowing you’ve prepared the perfect canvas for your dream. Happy flooring!