A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth flooring installation. Over the years, I’ve noticed that the homes best prepared ahead of time almost always have the fastest, least stressful project days. Here’s the simple checklist we share with homeowners throughout Valley Village, Valley Glen, and the rest of the San Fernando Valley before their installation begins.
In this article: a practical five-step checklist to prepare your home before flooring installation day arrives.
Step 1: Clear the Space Completely
Before flooring installation begins, furniture, rugs, and personal items need to be cleared from the work area. We let homeowners know exactly what needs to move so there are no delays once the crew arrives.
Step 2: Plan for Pets and Kids
Installation involves tools, materials, and an active work area, which isn’t ideal for curious pets or young children. Planning a safe space for them elsewhere in the home, or arranging to be away during the busiest hours, keeps everyone comfortable.
Step 3: Protect Nearby Rooms
Dust and foot traffic can extend beyond the immediate work area during flooring installation. Closing doors to adjacent rooms and covering nearby furniture helps minimize any spread, especially in open-concept homes.
Step 4: Confirm Parking and Access
Crews need reasonable access to unload materials and tools, so confirming driveway or street parking ahead of time helps installation day start on schedule, especially in neighborhoods with limited street parking.
Step 5: Ask About the Timeline for Walking on New Floors
Different materials have different curing or settling times before they can handle full foot traffic. Knowing this ahead of time helps you plan your household’s routine around installation day rather than being caught off guard.
The National Wood Flooring Association recommends confirming these preparation details with your installer in advance, since even small oversights can add unnecessary time to a project.
Why Preparation Makes Such a Difference
A well-prepared home allows installers to focus entirely on the flooring installation itself, rather than working around obstacles. This often means a faster project completion and a smoother experience overall for everyone involved.
Serving Valley Village, Valley Glen, and the Surrounding Valley
We provide this same checklist to every homeowner throughout Valley Village and Valley Glen before their project begins, because a little planning upfront consistently leads to a better installation day experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove baseboards before flooring installation?
In most cases, this is handled as part of the installation process, though we’ll confirm specifics during your consultation.
How far in advance should I clear the room?
Ideally, the space should be clear the day before installation to allow for a smooth, uninterrupted start.
Can I stay in my home during flooring installation?
Yes, most homeowners remain in the house, though keeping pets and children away from the active work area is recommended.
What if I forget to move something before installation day?
Let your installer know as soon as possible so the schedule can be adjusted with minimal disruption.
Prepare for a Smooth Flooring Installation
If you’re in Valley Village, Valley Glen, or anywhere in the San Fernando Valley, we’re happy to walk you through everything you need to know before your project begins. Request a free consultation, or visit our Canoga Park showroom on Google Maps.
IDN Hardwood and Carpet Superstore
7947 Canoga Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91304, United States
818-888-8051
