Before You Install New Flooring: The Ultimate Home Prep Guide from Athens, TN’s Top Flooring Experts

Upgrading your flooring can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal and value of your home. However, without adequate preparation, you might encounter unnecessary delays, additional costs, or even damage to your new floors. That’s why we’ve compiled this detailed guide to ensure your flooring project goes off without a hitch. As the best flooring store in Athens, TN, Osment Flooring is here to assist you every step of the way.

Step 1: Choose the Right Flooring Material from the Best Flooring Store in Athens, TN

The first and most crucial step is selecting the perfect flooring material that suits your lifestyle, budget, and design preferences. At Osment Flooring, we offer a wide range of options, including hardwood, laminate, tile, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Consider factors like durability, maintenance requirements, and the room’s purpose when making your choice.

Tips for Selecting Flooring:

Consult Experts: Our knowledgeable staff at the best flooring store in Athens, TN, can provide personalized recommendations.

Assess Your Needs: Think about the foot traffic, presence of pets or children, and exposure to moisture in each room.

Set a Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on materials and installation.

Step 2: Schedule a Professional Measurement

Accurate measurements are vital to ensure you purchase the correct amount of flooring material. Overestimating can lead to unnecessary expenses, while underestimating can cause delays. Schedule a professional measurement service to get precise calculations, saving you time and money in the long run.

Benefits of Professional Measurement:

Efficiency: Streamlines the ordering and installation process.

Precision: Eliminates guesswork and reduces waste.

Cost Savings: Prevents purchasing excess material.

Step 3: Clear the Installation Area

Before the installers arrive, it’s important to clear the area where the new flooring will be installed. Remove all furniture, rugs, curtains, and personal belongings. This not only protects your items from dust and damage but also allows the installation team to work efficiently.

How to Clear the Area:

Protect Fragile Items: Wrap delicate items carefully and store them safely.

Create a Temporary Storage Plan: Use other rooms or rent a storage unit.

Disassemble Large Furniture: Take apart beds, shelves, or cabinets if necessary.

Step 4: Remove Old Flooring if Necessary

Depending on the type of existing flooring, you may need to remove it before installation. While some new flooring can be installed over old surfaces, removing the old flooring often results in a better finish.

Steps to Remove Old Flooring:

Consult Professionals: Some materials, like asbestos tiles, require special handling.

Gather Tools: You’ll need tools like pry bars, utility knives, and scrapers.

Dispose Properly: Follow local regulations for disposing of old flooring materials.

Step 5: Inspect and Repair the Subfloor with Help from the Best Flooring Store in Athens, TN

A solid subfloor is essential for the longevity of your new flooring. Inspect the subfloor for any signs of damage, such as cracks, squeaks, or moisture issues. Repairing these problems beforehand prevents future complications.

Subfloor Preparation Tips:

Check for Levelness: Use a level to ensure the subfloor is even.

Repair Damages: Fill cracks or holes with appropriate fillers.

Address Moisture Issues: Install a moisture barrier if necessary.

Step 6: Ensure Proper Moisture Levels

Excess moisture can be detrimental to many types of flooring, especially wood and laminate. Use a moisture meter to check the humidity levels of your subfloor and the room.

Managing Moisture Levels:

Ideal Humidity: Aim for indoor humidity between 35% and 55%.

Use Dehumidifiers: If levels are high, a dehumidifier can help.

Install Vapor Barriers: Especially important for installations over concrete subfloors.

Step 7: Acclimate Your New Flooring

Certain flooring materials need time to adjust to the environment of your home. Bring the new flooring into the installation area at least 48-72 hours before installation.

Why Acclimation Matters:

Prevents Warping: Allows the material to expand or contract before installation.

Ensures Proper Fit: Reduces gaps or buckling after installation.

Recommended for: Hardwood, laminate, and some LVP flooring.

Step 8: Prepare Doorways and Trim

Removing baseboards, moldings, and door trims can facilitate a cleaner installation. Label and store them carefully for reinstallation later.

Preparation Steps:

Use the Right Tools: A pry bar and gentle tapping can remove trims without damage.

Consider Repainting: This might be a good time to refresh your trims.

Check Door Clearances: You may need to trim doors if the new flooring is thicker.

Step 9: Plan for Waste Disposal

Flooring installation generates waste, including old flooring, packaging materials, and scrap pieces. Arrange for proper disposal or recycling ahead of time.

Waste Management Tips:

Rent a Dumpster: For large projects, this may be necessary.

Recycle When Possible: Materials like carpet and padding can often be recycled.

Follow Local Regulations: Check with your municipality for disposal guidelines.

Step 10: Communicate with Your Installation Team

Effective communication with your installers is key to a successful project. Discuss any special requirements, timeline expectations, and access to the installation area.

Communication Checklist:

Provide Contact Information: Ensure they can reach you if needed.

Set Clear Expectations: Discuss start times, duration, and any specific concerns.

Access Arrangements: If you won’t be home, make arrangements for access.

Conclusion

Proper preparation is the foundation of a successful flooring installation. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure that your new floors from the best flooring store in Athens, TN, will enhance your home for years to come. At Osment Flooring, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional service and high-quality products. Visit us today to start your flooring journey with confidence.

As a cherished family-owned business, Osment Flooring takes pride in providing Athens, TN, with top-notch flooring solutions. We offer not just high-quality flooring products but also reliable installation services, all at reasonable prices. Our dedicated and friendly staff is committed to ensuring your flooring journey is seamless and enjoyable. Osment Flooring proudly serves many cities across Tennessee including Athens, Cleveland, Charleston, Benton, Riceville, Etowah, Englewood, Tellico Plains, Dayton, Decatur, Loudon, Lenior City, Sweetwater, Vonore, Madisonville, and the Knoxville area. Please contact us at 423-252-0316 or here: https://osmentflooring.com/contact/. You can also follow us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/osmentflooring.