Flooring installation is a major home renovation with multiple stages, and one of them is preparing your home for removal and installation. Many homeowners are understandably wary of this stage, since it’s really the only one that requires considerable effort on their part.
Like any home project, this process becomes much less stressful when you know exactly what you have to do. So, here’s how to prepare your home for flooring installation, broken down into a step-by-step format:
Box Up Small Items
Before the flooring company can install your new flooring, your existing flooring must be removed. This is often the messiest stage of flooring installation, which is why rooms need to be completely cleared out.
First, you’ll want to start by boxing up smaller and delicate items. Along with home decor, this could include lighting fixtures, mirrors, artwork, glass items, ceramic bowls, anything fragile or easily breakable. Additionally, you should remove any wall hangings, drapes, and pictures to protect them from dust during removal.
Remove Furniture from The Space
Next is the matter of furniture, and this stage depends on the flooring company you’re working with. Some companies may be able to move your furniture for you, no matter how large or heavy it is. If you’re installing flooring in every room of your home, the company may be able to shift certain pieces of furniture from room to room as they work.
However, the easiest thing to do (for both parties) is to remove all furniture from your home. Storage containers are very convenient for this purpose. If you’re having flooring installed in one or a few rooms (and you have lots of space in your home), you can move the furniture to other rooms.
Disconnect Gas Appliances and Electronics
If you’re installing flooring in a room with gas appliances (e.g. kitchen, laundry room), make sure that all appliances or large electronic items are disconnected. For some homeowners, this may be as simple as unplugging each item. If you have any questions or concerns, you can have your gas and electricity safely disconnected by a professional.
Clean Out Your Closets
When we talk about clearing out the entire room, that includes closets and storage areas. Make sure to remove any items from these areas in any rooms where flooring will be installed. If you are installing flooring in your kitchen, it’s also a good idea to empty the pantry and any surrounding areas (like the laundry room).
Close Off Nearby Rooms
Speaking of surrounding areas, flooring removal and installation can sometimes cause sawdust to spill into nearby rooms. So, any rooms that aren’t being worked on should be closed off to protect them from dust. You may consider using masking tape to seal the doorways into these nearby rooms, especially if you or your family has indoor allergies.
If you’ve never done a home renovation project like this, the idea of clearing out your entire home can be intimidating. Have no fear: The experts at Flohr are happy to walk you through each step of this process. So, when you’re ready to start planning your installation, give us a call. Preparing your home for flooring takes time, but you don’t have to do it alone.
