A Stress-Free Guide to Your Flooring Transformation
The day your new floors arrive is exciting! You’ve spent weeks browsing samples, comparing textures, and finally selecting the perfect fit for your home. However, we know that having contractors in your house can feel overwhelming. At Strait Floors, our goal is to ensure that from the moment you walk through our door until the final plank is laid, you feel "comfortable, relaxed, and welcome."
Preparation is the secret to a smooth installation. By taking a few proactive steps, you can help our certified flooring installers work efficiently and ensure your investment is handled with the care it deserves. Here is your essential checklist for a successful installation day.
Clear the Workspace
Our installers need a clear path and a clean "canvas" to work on.
Furniture Removal: Please remove all furniture from the rooms being floored. While some homeowners choose to move items themselves, we can discuss furniture moving services during your estimate.
Small Items and Breakables: Empty all bookshelves, china cabinets, and closets. Remove wall hangings and low-hanging curtains that might get in the way or gather dust during the process.
Clear the Path: Ensure there is a clear, unobstructed path from the entry point of your home to the work area.
Manage Your Electronics and Appliances
Modern flooring often runs under appliances, so plan ahead:
Unplug and Disconnect: Computers, home theaters, and stereo systems should be disconnected and moved to a safe area.
Kitchen Logistics: If we are installing in a kitchen, gas and water lines for stoves and refrigerators should be disconnected by a professional prior to our arrival.
Prepare the Environment
The "health" of your home's environment affects the longevity of your floor.
Temperature Control: For products like hardwood and LVP, the home’s HVAC system should be running for at least 48 to 72 hours prior to installation. This allows the material to "acclimate" to your home's specific humidity levels, preventing gapping or buckling later.
Dust Containment: While we use professional equipment to minimize mess, flooring installation is inherently a construction process. Consider covering nearby furniture in other rooms with plastic sheets and turning off your furnace/AC during the active work hours to prevent dust from circulating through your vents.
Safety for Pets and Children
A construction site is not a safe place for little feet or paws.
Secure Your Pets: The noise of saws and nail guns can be stressful for animals. For their safety and the efficiency of our team, please keep pets in a fenced yard, a separate room, or a boarding facility.
Communication with Kids: Explain to children that the work area is off-limits. There may be exposed subfloors, tools, or adhesives that could be hazardous.
The Strait Floors Promise
We pride ourselves on being the Washington area flooring experts. Part of that expertise is maintaining "constant communication." On the morning of your professional flooring installation, our lead installer will walk through the project with you to confirm the layout and answer any last-minute questions. We treat your home with the same respect we would our own.
Have questions about your upcoming project? Contact our team to walk through the details and ensure you're ready for the big day!
