Replacing Flooring In a House: What You Need to Know
You can often save money by learning how to put in a new floor yourself, but sometimes it’s a good idea to hire a pro. If you want new carpet, you’re better off planning for a Lowe’s carpet install than trying to do it yourself and a large flooring install might take more time than you have. If you decide to hire a pro for a flooring project, it’s helpful to know what’s included, as well as what happens before, during and after the work. We help you plan so there are fewer surprises and less stress.
Know What the Project Includes
One of the first steps in setting your project expectations is understanding the work and products that are part of the job.
Even if you’re learning to install new flooring yourself, knowing this information helps you plan your purchases and project, and get the results you want.
Understand the Installation Work
Flooring jobs — and the products and work that are part of them — will vary depending on the flooring type and your installer. Make sure you know what a project includes before you accept a flooring quote. Common products and work that are part of an installation can include:
- Site assessment and measurement to determine your flooring needs
- Minor floor preparation to create a level installation surface
- Vacuuming or sweeping before installation
- Installing basic underlayment
- Installing the flooring
- Installing transitions
- Installing basic molding
- Products such as fasteners, sealing tape, tile grout and basic transitions
- Debris removal
- Product and labor warranties
Know Which Products You’ll Need to Purchase
In addition to the new flooring, there are some other products you’ll need to purchase for your installer to do the work. This isn’t a complete list, and the items can vary by floor type, the installation itself and the condition of your subfloor, but items you might need to purchase can include:
- Adhesives and specialty fasteners
- Subflooring panels
- Floor prep materials such as leveling, patching and skim coat compounds
- Underlayment supplies
- Moulding
- Carpet pad and some types of underlayment
- Some types of transitions
- Hardware and wax rings, as well as water lines for reinstalling toilets, if necessary
- Delivery of the flooring and other products, especially to a specific location in your home
Anticipate Additional Charges
Your flooring project may require additional work that’s not included in a basic installation. Your installer or installation specialist should be able to tell you what you need — as well as what you might want to include — and add them to your quote. Possible additional work may include:
- Mileage beyond the standard delivery range, toll fees, etc.
- Any necessary permits
- Removal of the existing flooring, disposal and any dump fees
- Subfloor preparation and repair
- Installation on stairs or landings
- Trimming room doors to fit the new flooring
- Removal and replacement of furniture, appliances and toilets
- Disconnecting pedestal sinks
- Installation of some underlayment types
- Installation of some moulding types
- Lead-safe practices, if necessary
Know What the Project Doesn’t Include
Finally, be aware of services that your installer doesn’t offer. If this work is necessary for an installation, you’ll need to do it yourself or hire another professional to handle it. This additional work might include:
- Structural changes to your home
- Removing and reinstalling cabinets and vanities
- Moving large items such as pianos, waterbeds, safes, etc.
- Moving electronics
- Disconnecting or reconnecting gas appliances, gas heating units, baseboard and wall-mounted heaters
- Painting and staining
- Reinstallation of pedestal sinks
- Removal or cutting back glue-down vinyl flooring in homes built before 1986
What Happens Before, During and After a Flooring Project?
Knowing what happens through each stage of a flooring project helps you set your expectations and plan so you can minimize disruption and delay. Procedures differ based on factors such as flooring type, the condition of your subfloor and your installer, but here are some ideas of what to expect.
What to Expect Before Installation
Of course, before installation you’ll select your flooring. Your installer will schedule an in-home measurement and assess the installation area and note the additional products you’ll need. Then you’ll get a quote for the work. Once you accept the quote, there is some prep work you may be responsible for before installation begins. Remember, you can often include some of this preparation in your quote so you pay the installer to do the work.
Someone 18 years old or older will need to be at home for the measurement and installation.
What You Need to Do Before Work Begins
- Provide space for the flooring to acclimate to the temperature and humidity in your home.
- Clear the installation area, including removing items from the floors, closets and walls.
- Ensure there’s a clear path to the installation area that’s free of breakables.
- Provide an outdoor work area with shade, level ground, a suitable outlet, etc.
- Designate a space for debris.
- Plan for ventilation.
- Turn off power to the room and disconnect appliances.
- Close off adjoining rooms that aren’t part of the installation.
- Remove floor moulding.
- Remove and trim doors as necessary for the new flooring.
- Make alternate arrangements for your family’s use of a bathroom or kitchen if either is part of the installation job.
What to Expect During the Flooring Project
- When the installers arrive, you’ll confirm the installation area with them and they’ll get to work.
- The installation area will be off-limits during the work, so make sure to keep children away and secure your pets.
- If your installation includes it, the installers will remove the existing flooring.
- The installers will begin installing your new flooring.
- In some cases, the installers may notice additional work that needs to be done, such as repairing a subfloor. They’ll need to complete these repairs before they can continue the installation job, so there may be additional time and expense.
- Expect noise and dust from cutting and installing the flooring.
- If additional work, such as moving items, installing moulding and trimming doors, is part of your installation project, the installers will handle this as well.
What to Expect After Your Flooring Project
- After the work is complete, your installers should clear any work-related debris.
- Depending on the installation, they may walk you through the rooms with new flooring and explain any extra work that was necessary.
- They may also provide maintenance tips and warranty information.
- There may be some finishing work you need to do to get the room back in shape, such as reinstalling doors, replacing furniture and appliances, etc., unless you included this work in your installation estimate.
- If disposal of your existing flooring is part of your installation quote, your installers will haul it away.
Get Inspiration for Your Space
We’ve got tools that can help you select flooring, visualize your changes and estimate your project costs. Plus, we have guides and tips on trends to help you plan your flooring upgrade.
