BLOG How to Prepare Your Home for a Floor Installation Feb 20, 2025

When you're preparing for a floor installation in your home, whether it's hardwood, laminate, or any other type of flooring, organization and planning are key. Minnesota Floor Sanding & Installation has been helping homeowners transform their spaces for years, and we've learned a few things along the way about how to make the process as smooth as possible. Here are some essential tips to ensure you are ready for your upcoming floor installation.

Firstly, clear the space. Before the installation team arrives, you'll need to remove all furniture and items from the rooms where the new flooring will be laid. This step is crucial because it allows the installers to work efficiently without any obstructions. Consider renting a short-term storage unit if you don’t have enough space in other areas of your home to store your furniture.

Next, focus on the details of your existing flooring. If you have carpets, these will need to be removed. While some flooring companies handle this task, checking with Minnesota Floor Sanding & Installation beforehand ensures that you're not caught off guard with any additional charges. If you're handling this yourself, carefully remove and dispose of, or recycle, the carpet and padding to prepare the subfloor for new flooring.

Pay attention to the baseboards and trims in your rooms. Depending on the type of flooring you choose, such as wood floor installation, some adjustments to your baseboards may be necessary. Removing baseboards before installation could prevent damage and allows for a clean, seamless look once your new floors are installed. You can carefully pry them away or again, check if the installation team offers this service.

Don’t overlook the doorways. If your new flooring is thicker than what you currently have, it may affect how your doors function. You might need to have them trimmed, which can usually be done by a handyman. Ensuring your doors can open and close properly after installation will save you time and frustration after the new floors are in place.

Controlling temperature and humidity is another critical step, particularly for hardwood flooring installation. Wood is susceptible to expanding and contracting with changes in climate, so aim to maintain a consistent environment in your home. Ideal conditions are a relative humidity of 30% to 50% and temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This creates an optimal setting for the wood to settle in, minimizing movement after installation.

Remember the utilities. Make sure all appliances connected to gas, electricity, or water are safely disconnected and moved from the area. This ensures that everything is safe during the floor sanding and installation process. After installation is complete, reconnecting and testing your appliances should be part of your checklist.

Lastly, set aside some time to plan your days while your flooring team is working. Typically, installations can take several hours to days, depending on the project scope. Organize alternative arrangements if necessary, especially if work will continue into typical meal times or overnight.

By following these preparation tips, you ensure a more efficient and stress-free floor installation experience with Minnesota Floor Sanding & Installation. With careful planning and clear communication with our team, you’re one step closer to enjoying the stunning floors of your dreams.