Congratulations! You've chosen your perfect flooring, and installation day is approaching. At Evermore Floors, we've completed countless installations over our 30+ years in the business, and we know that proper preparation makes all the difference. A well-prepared space ensures a smooth installation process, protects your belongings, and helps us deliver the quality results you deserve.
Here's your complete guide to getting ready for installation day.
Clear the Room Completely
Remove all furniture, decorations, and personal items from the rooms being floored. This includes:
· Furniture and beds
· Rugs and mats
· Wall hangings and artwork
· Curtains or blinds (if they touch the floor)
· Plants and decorative items
· Electronics and cables
While we can work around some items, a completely clear space allows our installers to work efficiently and reduces the risk of damage to your belongings.
Check Your Subfloor
If you have access to your subfloor, check for any obvious issues like loose boards, squeaks, or moisture. Let us know if you notice anything unusual. Proper floor preparation is crucial for a long-lasting installation, and we'll address any concerns before we begin.
Arrange Pet Care
If you have pets, plan to keep them in a separate area of the house or arrange alternative care for installation day. The noise, activity, and open doors can be stressful for animals and may slow down the installation process.
The Day Before Installation
Vacuum and Clean Thoroughly
Give the rooms a thorough vacuum and clean. Remove any debris, dust, or dirt from the existing floor. This helps us assess the subfloor condition and creates a cleaner working environment.
Remove Old Flooring (If Applicable)
If we've discussed removing your old flooring as part of the project, confirm whether this is included in our scope of work or if you're handling it yourself. If you're removing it, ensure this is completed the day before installation.
Clear Access Paths
Ensure clear pathways from your driveway or street entrance to the installation area. Our installers will need to bring in materials and equipment, so remove any obstacles like:
· Outdoor furniture
· Potted plants
· Children's toys
· Vehicles blocking the driveway
Protect Adjacent Areas
If possible, cover nearby furniture or doorways with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect against dust. While we take care to minimize mess, some dust is inevitable during installation.
Installation Day Morning
Do a Final Walk-Through
Before our team arrives, do one last check:
· Are all rooms completely clear?
· Are pathways accessible?
· Have you removed items from closets in the installation area?
· Are pets secured?
Be Available for Questions
Plan to be home when our installers arrive. We may have questions about your preferences, need access to certain areas, or want to show you something that requires a decision. You don't need to be present the entire time, but being available by phone is helpful.
Ensure Utilities Are Accessible
Make sure we have access to power outlets for our tools. If we're working in multiple rooms, we may need outlets in different areas of your home.
Special Considerations by Flooring Type
Carpet Installation
· Remove all tack strips from previous carpet installations (unless we're handling this)
· Ensure the subfloor is clean and level
· Remove doors that swing into the room if they'll interfere with new carpet height
Vinyl, Hybrid, and Laminate Installation
· If possible keep your home at a consistent temperature (ideally 18-24°C)
· The subfloor must be completely level and smooth
Engineered Timber Installation
· Allow timber to acclimate in your home for at least 48 hours before installation
· Maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels
· Ensure the subfloor is dry, clean, and level
What to Expect During Installation
Understanding what happens during installation day helps you prepare mentally and practically:
· Noise: Installation involves cutting, hammering, and power tools. It will be noisy, especially during subfloor preparation.
· Dust: Despite our best efforts to contain it, some dust is inevitable. We recommend keeping doors to other areas closed.
· Limited Access: You won't be able to use the rooms being installed during the process.
· Timeline: Installation times vary by room size and flooring type. We'll give you an estimated completion time, but unexpected issues can cause delays.
After Installation
Wait Before Moving Furniture
Depending on your flooring type, you may need to wait before moving furniture back:
· Carpet: Can usually be walked on immediately
· Vinyl and Laminate: Can typically be used right away
· Hybrid: Usually ready immediately
· Engineered Timber: May require 24 hours before heavy furniture is placed
We'll provide specific guidance based on your flooring choice.
Ventilation
Open windows to ventilate the space and help any adhesive odors dissipate. This is especially important for glue-down installations.
Inspection
Walk through the completed installation with our team. Check for any concerns and ask questions about care and maintenance. We want you to be completely satisfied with your new floors.
Questions? We're Here to Help
At Evermore Floors, we pride ourselves on providing personalized, pressure-free service. If you have any questions about preparing for your installation or concerns about the process, don't hesitate to reach out to Gary or Jenna. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, we've seen it all and can provide expert advice tailored to your specific situation.
Proper preparation ensures your installation goes smoothly and your new floors look beautiful for years to come. We look forward to transforming your space!
Contact Evermore Floors today to schedule your free measure and quote, or to discuss your upcoming installation.