Flooring Installation: Before | During | After

Now that you’ve selected your new flooring, we will schedule your professional installation. To make this installation as smooth as possible, we have prepared a general pre-installation checklist. Here you’ll find general guidelines that should be followed prior to the installation of your new flooring. If needed, we will provide you with a customized list of responsibilities in your proposal as not all guidelines will apply to all projects.

Please note that Floors Etc. typically recommends that flooring work is done after all other trades have completed their work.

  • If you have a preference for the direction of the pattern or layout of your flooring, you will need to discuss it with us prior to finalizing your project plans. Custom patterns and/or layouts can require additional material.
  • Baseboards and moldings, in most installations, can be left in place, but we cannot be responsible for any damage that may occur.
  • Complete other remodeling projects in the room, such as wallpapering or painting, before installing new flooring.
  • Remove all breakable items from the project area and detach and store wiring from TVs, stereos, and computers.
  • Remove all hanging objects in the area of installation.
  • Disconnect and move electronics, appliances or computers.
  • We will need access to a location to store and cut flooring materials.
  • We will need access to electrical power in the installation area.
  • If your installation requires sanding, it is a good idea to cover all cupboards and furniture in the area.
  • Empty the contents of china cabinets, closets and the like. Remove all furniture and other objects and materials from the project areas.
  • In some cases, Floors Etc. will move the furniture for you for an added cost. If there is a large amount of furniture to move and/or store during the Floors Etc. process, we suggest contacting our trusted partner, Richard Jensen Moving Company.
www.floorsetc.pro/RichardJensenMoving
  • We recommend that all painting is complete before we begin the installation process.
  • Rooms and closets that will be resurfaced must be emptied (at least the lower racks) prior to the arrival of the installation crew.
  • Relocate any valuable items near the area of installation.
  • Determine who will remove and safely dispose of existing flooring.
    • This is typically included in the price of your proposal as a Floors Etc. responsibility.
      • We recommend allowing us to do this, as it can be a time consuming and messy task.
    • If you prefer to remove your present floor covering, we ask that you please do it at least one day prior to scheduled installation to allow for cleanup and floor preparation.
  • If you are removing old carpet:
    • Vacuum the old carpet to avoid the possibility of airborne dust and dirt.
      • After the old carpet and cushion are removed, vacuum the subfloor as well.
    • Please remove tack strips and pull the staples out of the floor from the original pad.
    • If you plan to dispose of the debris, please ensure that you make plans to do so responsibly
      • Check for carpet recycling options in your area.
    • If you plan to have Floors Etc. dispose of the debris you removed, please communicate this to us in the planning stages so we can plan.
      • Please note there will be a disposal charge.

BE AVAILABLE
  • Be prepared to be available the day of installation in case the installation crew has questions.
  • Because it is difficult to estimate the length and circumstances of each job, we may not be able to give you an exact time of arrival – however, most large jobs start in the morning between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m.
    • We ask for your flexibility – we promise to keep you apprised of any unforeseen schedule changes.
KEEP YOUR LOVED ONES SAFE
  • Our installers will use a variety of tools and techniques that can make the work area hazardous.
    • Please make sure that everyone – especially your children – including the furry ones – are kept out of the work area on installation day(s).
TAKE TIME FOR A WALK-THRU
  • Prior to the completion of the installation, please take the time to walk through the job with us. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and be clear on any final details. This is also a good time to make a punch list of anything that you believe needs our attention.

When new flooring is installed, there’s always the possibility that the doors may no longer close properly. Don’t worry – Floors Etc. will talk to you about whether or not this is likely to happen during your on-site consultation.
  • If your new flooring changes (lowers) the surface height at your exterior door (e.g.: due to tear out; change from soft surface to hard surface; etc.), you might be faced with a gap at the base of your door. If this happens, we suggest you contact our trusted partner, Hoelscher Weatherstrip Mfg. Co.
  • If your new flooring surface sits higher than your previous floor (e.g.: thicker carpet; hard surface installed on top of existing floor; etc.), your interior doors – bedrooms, closets, etc. – may not close properly and may need to be shaved down. If this happens, we suggest you make arrangement with a qualified contractor or carpenter to provide this service after the installation of your new floor.

TAKE TIME FOR THE FINAL WALK-THRU
  • Once the installation has been completed, thoroughly inspect your flooring and bring any concerns to our attention immediately.

Floors Etc. Pro Tip
Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation is complete. If necessary, this will be your responsibility – our Team is excellent, and the need for this is rare, but these things do happen…

CLEAR THE AIR
  • If you are sensitive to odors, good ventilation should be established.
    • Some of the chemicals used in flooring process can linger after installation – please be prepared to provide the room with adequate ventilation.

In addition to ensuring that you get a beautiful floor, we also promise to treat your home like it was ours.
We take extra care to protect everything.
We always remove and properly dispose of all trash after completing the project.

When your flooring project is complete, we try to leave any work areas in the same (or better) condition than when we began. We do ask that you note the exclusion noted in each proposal:
PROPOSAL EXCLUDES
      • General housekeeping and touch-up painting.

 

We have special responsibilities on our Sand and Finish jobs.

Is It Dry Yet?

Just because your newly finished floor FEELS dry doesn't necessarily mean it's ready for you to walk on it - let alone put your furniture and rugs down. Finishes have to DRY and CURE before you can safely begin activities on your floors.

To learn more about Dry Time and Cure Time
visit our Sand and Refinish page