Hiring a Pro for your Hardwood Floor Installation

Professional hardwood floor installation requires preparation, in addition to skill. Customers who hire professional contractors, designers and property managers to handle floor installation expect professionals to be experienced enough so that all of the details are properly attended to, for the most efficient, properly done and beautiful results.

Preparation

First, find out what the client intends to do with their old floor coverings prior to the day that the job begins. It may not always be clear whether they expect for the company handling the hardwood floor installation will be doing this. Finding out ahead of time will avoid any unpleasant situations.

If the floors will be removed, it should occur at least one day before the new hardwood floor installation. This is necessary to ensure that there is ample time for floor preparation and clean up time. For example, for old carpet removal, it will be necessary to ensure that tacks and staples are removed from the padding and discarded of properly. Arrangements will need to be made for disposal of the debris, as well.

Specific Details

Review all of the details that pertain to the hardwood floor installation. For example, subflooring may need particular preparation so that it may receive the hardwood properly. Perhaps a new subfloor may need to be installed. In addition, subfloors always should be as level as possible, and immaculately cleaned. Discuss all of the details of each unique situation with both customers and flooring retails, to be as prepared as possible and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Doorways and Trim

Sometimes doorway and trim areas may be overlooked in the hardwood floor installation process. Doors and closets, in particular, may not clear the new hardwood floor. Installers should check to ensure that these aspects are properly handled before starting the project, if possible. Otherwise, there may be additional costs that could have been avoided. It may be necessary to contract with a professional carpenter to have the doors shaved or cut down before or after the installation.

Hardwood Acclimation

Hardwood products must have time to become acclimated to the new environment. This is necessary for a period of at least five days before the hardwood floor installation is scheduled. The natural material can then either condense or expand properly. Ensure that all of the boxes are opened so that this may occur.

Safety Issues

Once all of the details of the hardwood floor installation are finalized, ensure that the customer understands that they, and especially pets and children, should stay clear of the work area at all times. Because installing professionals use a number of hazardous materials and tools, it is for the safety of everyone that the work area is used only by professional workmen. Customers must be aware of this since, for example, if the kitchen is being worked on, it will be necessary for them to have supplies available in another location. Doing this ahead of time can ensure that work hours will not be interrupted and the job can go smoothly. Also ensure that there is proper ventilation throughout the work area and the rest of the dwelling for everyone who will be present.

The Aftermath

After the hardwood floor Installation is completed, ensure that there is ample time to handle cleanup activities. Check with customers to understand where waste materials will be disposed of. Ensure that final walk-throughs are scheduled and performed. The chief installer of the hardwood floor installation job should check over all of the work performed. Then the customer should accompany him to note any corrections that need to be addressed. Confirm all of these details prior to the start of installation to ensure that it is included in the agreement.

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Image: nuttakit / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image: nuttakit / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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