The best flooring installation is a smooth one — and a lot of that smoothness comes from good preparation. Here's what to do before our crew arrives so the job goes efficiently and your home and belongings are protected throughout.
1. Clear the Rooms
Furniture needs to be out of every room being floored before installation begins. This means sofas, beds, dressers, dining tables — everything. Installers work around furniture when absolutely necessary, but it slows the job, increases the chance of damage, and creates uneven installation conditions.
If you can't move large pieces yourself, ask us in advance — many installers offer furniture moving as an add-on service, but it needs to be arranged ahead of time.
2. Remove Area Rugs, Curtain Panels, and Fragile Items
Area rugs need to come up so the subfloor can be inspected and the new floor can go underneath. Low-hanging curtain panels can get in the way — consider removing them or tying them up. Remove any fragile décor from rooms adjacent to the work area — vibrations from nailers and saws travel.
3. Check Doorway Clearances
New flooring adds height. Interior doors may need to be trimmed — typically 1/4" to 1/2" — so they clear the new surface. Our installers can trim doors as part of the job; let us know which doors you're concerned about beforehand so we can plan accordingly.
Pro Tip: New flooring typically raises your floor height by 3/8" to 3/4" depending on the product and underlay. If you have appliances with tight height clearances (dishwashers, refrigerators), check before install day.
4. Acclimate the Product First
For hardwood and some engineered products, the flooring needs to sit inside your home for 48–72 hours before installation. This allows the wood to adjust to your home's temperature and humidity — preventing movement after installation. If we're delivering product in advance, stack it flat in the rooms where it will be installed.
5. Ensure Access and a Clean Work Path
Our crew will be carrying flooring materials, tools, and equipment in and out throughout the day. Ensure there's a clear path from the entry to the work areas. Move vehicles from the driveway if possible so our van can park close to the entrance.
6. Plan for Dust and Noise
Flooring installation involves cutting — and cutting creates dust. We use dust-minimizing techniques and clean up after ourselves, but some dust migration is unavoidable. If you're sensitive to dust, plan to be elsewhere during installation. The noise level is significant — nailers and saws are loud — so plan for pets and young children to be out of the home if possible.
7. Protect Adjacent Rooms
If we're not flooring adjacent rooms, close the doors or hang plastic sheeting to limit dust migration. Let us know if you have new paint or freshly refinished cabinets nearby — we'll take extra precautions.
On Installation Day
- Be present or available by phone when the crew arrives to walk through the scope
- Point out any subfloor concerns you've noticed — squeaks, soft spots, high spots
- Let the crew work without hovering — check in at natural break points
- Do a walkthrough before the crew leaves to ensure you're satisfied
Have questions about what to expect on installation day? Call us at (250) 860-7847 or stop in — we're happy to walk you through the process before your booking.
