A little preparation makes installation day faster and keeps your belongings safe.
The week before
- Confirm the scope. Walk the rooms with your estimate and confirm where the floor starts and stops and how each transition will be finished.
- Arrange the air conditioning. Keep the house at normal living temperature and humidity. Many manufacturers require the flooring to be installed in the conditions it will live in.
- Check condominium requirements. Confirm approvals, work hours and elevator bookings.
- Plan for appliances. Refrigerators, ranges and washers may need to be disconnected and moved. Ask who is responsible for each.
The day before
- Clear small items, decor and anything fragile from the rooms.
- Empty closets that are receiving new flooring.
- Remove items from the tops of furniture that will be moved.
- Make sure the crew has parking and a clear path for materials.
During installation
Expect noise and some dust, especially if an old floor is being removed. Keep children and pets away from the work area. Plan for rooms to be out of use while they are being finished.
After installation
Follow the manufacturer's guidance on when furniture can return and when the floor can be cleaned. Put felt pads on furniture legs before moving pieces back. See our care guide.