You picked the perfect floor. The samples are on the table, the date is circled on the calendar, and then it hits you: what exactly are you supposed to do before install day? Couches, bookshelves, a pet who treats every stranger like a suspect... there's a lot to think about.
With Empire Today®, your flooring professional can explain the installation process and review preparation requirements for your project. Use this checklist alongside the instructions provided for your installation.
How Do You Prepare for Flooring Installation?
To prepare for flooring installation, remove small belongings and breakable items, confirm furniture-moving arrangements, clear access to the installation areas, and secure pets away from the work area. Arrange for an adult age 18 or older to remain home throughout installation.
Review your project details with Empire® before installation day so you understand your responsibilities and any special preparation requirements. Every home and floor type is a little different, so treat this checklist as a friendly starting point and check with your flooring professional for specifics.
Your Pre-Installation Checklist at a Glance
Here's the short version. Each item gets more detail below.
- Confirm the details of your project and schedule.
- Remove personal items and confirm furniture arrangements.
- Clear a path from the door to the work area.
- Plan for pets and kids.
- Discuss the subfloor and product preparation.
- Prepare the space for dust and noise.
- Plan for the days after installation.
Step 1: Confirm Your Project Details
Your prep starts with the estimate. When you schedule a FREE in-home estimate with Empire, a flooring professional comes to your home with samples, looks at the spaces getting new floors, and walks through your project with you. .
Use that visit to review what your project includes. Ask about furniture moving, removal and disposal of old flooring, what the all-inclusive price estimate▲ covers, and what the timeline looks like. Details like these vary by project, so get them in writing and keep a copy handy for install day.
This is also a great time to double-check your product choices. If you're still weighing colors, the floor designer can help you picture a floor in your space before anything is ordered.
Step 2: Remove Personal Items and Confirm Furniture Arrangements
Professional installation arranged through Empire includes furniture moving, but confirm the arrangements for your specific project ahead of time. Discuss oversized, delicate, or non-standard items, including pianos and aquariums, so you know whether separate arrangements are needed.
Focus your preparation on personal belongings and anything that could interfere with access:
- Small items and valuables: Remove loose belongings, breakables, and valuables from the installation areas.
- Furniture surfaces: Clear objects from tables, dressers, and shelves before furniture is moved.
- Wall décor: Remove wall hangings in the affected areas.
- Closets: Ask what needs to be emptied if closet flooring is included.
- Electronics: Confirm which items need to be disconnected. Photograph cable connections to make reconnecting them easier.
- Special arrangements: Ask about furniture disassembly and any appliance disconnection or reconnection requirements.
Confirm these details before installation day so there is time to make any necessary arrangements.
Step 3: Clear a Path from Door to Room
Installers and materials need an easy route into your home. Measure tight doorways and halls, and clear the entry of shoes, boxes, and décor.
Also think about parking. Leave a spot near the door if you can, and let neighbors know people may be coming and going. If you live in a condo or apartment, check whether your building requires elevator reservations or has set work hours.
Step 4: Plan for Pets and Kids
A busy install day can stress pets and tempt little ones. Plan a safe, comfortable space for them away from the work area.
- Dogs and cats: Set up a quiet room, a crate, or a spot with friends or family. Open doors and unfamiliar people make escapes more likely.
- Small pets: Birds and other small animals can be sensitive to noise and dust. Moving them to a calmer part of the home can help.
- Kids: Explain what will happen, and keep tools, adhesives, and old flooring materials out of reach.
If your household includes a busy family, a kid-friendly floor choice can make life after installation easier, too.
Step 5: Discuss Subfloor and Product Preparation
The subfloor is the supporting surface beneath your flooring. Its condition can affect the preparation needed for your installation.
Tell your flooring professional about known leaks, moisture concerns, uneven areas, or previous floor damage. Ask how any additional preparation needs will be reviewed with you and whether they could affect the project's cost or schedule.
Requirements for underlayment, moisture protection, and acclimation depend on the selected product and installation method. Your flooring professional can explain what applies to your floor and whether you need to take any steps beforehand. Leave technical preparation to the installation professionals unless your project instructions specify otherwise.
Here's how different floor types tend to differ in prep:
Floor Type | Common Prep Considerations |
Clean subfloor, padding, and removal of old tack strips | |
Dry, flat subfloor; often time to acclimate to your home | |
Very flat, stable surface; leveling may be needed | |
Smooth, clean subfloor so imperfections don't show through | |
Flat, dry surface; often time to acclimate to your home |
Step 6: Prepare for Dust, Noise, and Disruption
Even a tidy project is bound to create some noise and dust. A few small steps help keep the rest of your home comfortable.
- Discuss dust control: Ask your installer how to prepare adjacent rooms and help protect nearby belongings.
- Plan your workspace: If you work from home, set up in a quiet corner or arrange to be elsewhere for the day.
- Follow indoor-condition instructions: Maintain the temperature, humidity, and ventilation conditions specified for your flooring before, during, and after installation.
- Think about your routine: If a kitchen or main entry is getting new floors, plan meals and comings and goings ahead of time.
Step 7: Know What to Expect After Installation
New floors often need a little care in the first days. Before using them, review the installer's and manufacturer's instructions for foot traffic, furniture placement, and cleaning, and check with your manufacturer for approved cleaners.
Choose furniture protectors, rugs, and mats that are compatible with your specific flooring. Visit the Product Care page for additional maintenance guidance.
Why Professional Installation Makes Prep Easier
A well-installed floor starts with good communication. With professional installation, you can ask questions about prep ahead of time and know what to expect on the day. If you're curious about how it all works, the Shop-at-Home process lets you talk through your project, and what your quote covers, in your own space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead should I prepare for flooring installation?
Start planning as soon as you schedule, and finish most prep a day or two before. That gives you time to remove personal items, arrange pet care, and ask your flooring professional any last questions without rushing.
Do I have to move my furniture before flooring installation?
Professional installation arranged through Empire includes furniture moving, but confirm the arrangements for your project ahead of time. Ask about oversized or delicate items, such as pianos and aquariums, and remove fragile or valuable items yourself.
Should I be home during flooring installation?
Yes. An adult age 18 or older needs to be present throughout installation and take part in the walkthroughs before and after the work. If you cannot stay, arrange for another adult to be there.
How do I prepare my pets for flooring installation?
Set up a quiet, secure space away from the work, such as a back bedroom, or arrange for a friend to watch them. Open doors and strangers can stress animals, so keeping them safely contained can help everyone.
Can I walk on new floors right away?
It varies by floor type and installation method. Some floors are ready quickly, while others, like certain tile installations, need time to set. Follow your installer's and manufacturer's instructions before walking on or placing furniture on new floors.
Recap: Your Install-Day Game Plan
Preparing for installation is easier when you know what your project includes. Confirm furniture arrangements, remove personal belongings, clear pathways, and make plans for your household before installation day.
Ready to explore new flooring? If you live in one of Empire's service areas, schedule a FREE in-home estimate with Empire Today to compare samples at home and discuss your project with a flooring professional. Want more ideas while you wait? Browse the Inspiration Center for more tips and inspiration!
