Customer Education Series Episode 1: How to Prepare Your Home for Flooring Installation

The Homeowner’s Guide to a Smooth, Stress-Free Floor Upgrade

Introduction: Let’s Set the Floor for Success

Picture this: you’ve scheduled a flooring installation, the crew shows up on time, ready to work… but the furniture’s still in the room, pets are running loose, and no one’s cleared the hallway.

Sound familiar?

For flooring pros, this kind of scene is more common than you’d think—and it can throw off an entire day's schedule. But here’s the thing: most homeowners aren’t trying to cause delays. They simply don’t know what “prep” really means.

That’s why we’ve created this guide.

Whether you're a contractor or an installer, this blog is a ready-to-share resource you can hand off to your clients ahead of their installation date. It breaks down exactly how they can prepare their home—and themselves—for a smoother, faster, and less stressful flooring job.

Let’s help your customers help you. (And avoid last-minute chaos.)

Why Prepping the Space Matters

Time Is Money—For Everyone

The average flooring installation takes anywhere from 1 to 5 days, depending on the material and square footage. But unprepared spaces can push those timelines back unnecessarily.

According to HomeAdvisor, unexpected delays can add up to 10–20% to project timelines and labor costs. For contractors juggling multiple installs, even a half-day delay can ripple across your entire week.

Better Prep = Better Results

Proper prep doesn’t just save time—it improves results. Clean, open workspaces allow for more accurate cuts, smoother transitions, and fewer accidental scuffs or scratches. The more your crew can focus on the floor, the better the final product.

Trust Is Built in the Details

When you proactively guide homeowners before installation day, it shows you’re not just a tradesperson—you’re a professional. And that builds long-term trust.

The Ultimate Pre-Installation Checklist for Homeowners

Let’s dive into the actionable stuff. Share this section with your clients to make sure they’re ready, and your job goes off without a hitch.

1. Clear the Room (Yes, All the Way)

Before installation day, all furniture, décor, rugs, electronics, and wall hangings should be removed from the work area. That means everything, not just the big stuff.

Why it matters: Installers need full access to the subfloor. Even a single chair left behind can slow things down or increase the risk of damage.

Pro tip: Recommend clients move furniture to a garage, basement, or other room not being worked on. If that’s not possible, suggest hiring a moving service for a day or two—some crews even offer this as an add-on service.

2. Empty Closets and Entryways

Closets and adjacent entry areas often get overlooked, but flooring typically runs into these spaces. Remind your clients to clear them out completely.

That means shoes, coats, storage bins, cleaning supplies—the works.

3. Unplug and Protect Electronics

If there are electronics in or near the workspace—TVs, game consoles, speakers, Wi-Fi routers—unplug them and move them somewhere safe.

Surge risk is real: Dust, movement, and accidental unplugging can cause damage. Better safe than sorry.

4. Create a Clear Path to the Work Area

Installers will be moving back and forth from the truck to the home, carrying heavy materials and tools. Make sure hallways, staircases, and entry doors are clear and wide enough to move through.

 This includes:

• Clearing shoes, boxes, or clutter in hallways

• Unlocking gates or doors

• Ensuring snow, ice, or mud is dealt with if working in winter months

  
  

5. Secure Pets (and Maybe Kids)

We love your furry friends—but they don’t mix well with heavy-duty tools and adhesives.

• Keep pets in a closed room, crate, or off-site if possible.

• Same goes for small kids. Power saws and curious toddlers don’t go together.

• Pro tip: If your client works from home, remind them that flooring jobs can get loud. It might be a good idea to plan errands, remote work from a café, or even a short getaway for the day.

  
  

6. Plan for Noise, Dust, and Limited Access

Homeowners are often surprised by just how much dust flooring jobs can create—even with dust collection systems in place.

 Suggest:

• Covering furniture in adjacent rooms

• Closing HVAC vents temporarily

• Sealing doorways with plastic sheeting if possible

Also, depending on the layout, certain parts of the home might be off-limits during the job, like kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms. Help them plan accordingly.

7. Understand the Timeline (And Be Flexible)

Even the most efficient crew can run into surprises: damaged subfloors, leveling issues, late materials.

A typical install can span:

• Laminate/Vinyl: 1–2 days

• Engineered Wood: 2–3 days

• Tile: 3–5 days (including grout drying)

• Hardwood: 3–7+ days (including acclimation and finish coats)

Make sure homeowners understand that start-to-finish time includes prep, install, and post-job clean-up. Setting the right expectations = fewer headaches.

8. Ask About Acclimation (for Wood-Based Products)

If installing hardwood, engineered wood, or some luxury vinyl, flooring needs time to acclimate to the home's temperature and humidity before install.

• Usually, 48–72 hours is standard.

• The home should be climate-controlled to avoid future expansion or warping. That means no turning off the HVAC, even if the house is empty.

9. Confirm Access and Parking

Will your crew need to park a large truck? Use a side entrance? Bring in pallets of material?

Encourage clients to:

• Clear a driveway or curbside space

• Inform neighbors if needed

• Unlock gates or remove obstacles

• Notify building management (for apartments or condos)

  
  

10. Final Walkthrough: Questions, Contracts, and Confirmations

Before the crew arrives, homeowners should:

• Reconfirm the scope of the job

• Double-check materials have arrived

• Address any concerns (e.g., floor height transitions, door trimming)

• Know who to call in case of questions

A 10-minute pre-installation call or visit can save hours of confusion later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Should I remove baseboards before installation?

It depends. Some flooring types, like vinyl plank or laminate, can be installed with baseboards in place, using quarter round to cover gaps. Others may require removal. Ask your installer ahead of time.

Q2: Can I stay in the home during installation?

Yes, in most cases—but be prepared for noise, odors (especially with glue-down products), and some limited access to rooms. For multi-day jobs, some homeowners choose to stay elsewhere.

Q3: Do I need to clean the subfloor?

No, your installer will handle subfloor prep. But removing debris or giving the area a quick sweep before they arrive helps them start faster.

Bonus Tips: Set the Stage for a Perfect Finish

• Take “Before” Photos: These are great for comparison—and social media if your client loves the end result.

• Communicate Special Instructions: Have pets? Sensitive furniture? Allergies? Better to let the crew know in advance.

• Label Breakables or Heirlooms: Let your installer know if anything nearby needs extra care.

  
  

Conclusion: A Little Prep Goes a Long Way

Flooring installation is one of the most transformative home upgrades, and with a bit of smart prep, it doesn’t have to be stressful.

When homeowners know what to expect and how to prepare, crews can work faster, cleaner, and more confidently. That means fewer surprises, better results, and happier clients all around.

If you're a contractor or field tech reading this, consider sharing this guide with your next customer. It's not just about protecting your schedule—it's about elevating the entire experience.

Because a smoother install isn't just easier for you—it's better for business.

Coming Next Week: Episode 2 – What to Expect During a Roof Replacement. Another homeowner-friendly guide your crew can share to set clear expectations and avoid surprises.