How to Prepare Your Home for a Flooring Renovation

Planning a flooring renovation? Whether you’re installing brand-new hardwood, vinyl, or laminate, preparing your home ahead of time is key to a smooth, stress-free experience. Good preparation not only helps your installers work efficiently, but also protects your belongings and ensures the best possible results.

At The Floor Shop in Toronto, we’ve completed thousands of flooring installations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your home ready before the crew arrives.

Understand the Scope of the Work

Start by reviewing your renovation plan. Will the work involve just one room or the whole house? Are stairs or baseboards being replaced? Will old flooring be removed? Having a clear understanding of the full scope helps you prepare your space more thoroughly.

Ask your flooring provider or installer about:

Estimated timeline
Required prep work
Material delivery timing
Whether you’ll need to vacate the space

At The Floor Shop, we walk our customers through all these details so there are no surprises come installation day.

Clear the Area

Before installation day, you’ll need to remove all furniture, rugs, and décor from the rooms being renovated.

Empty closets in rooms where flooring is being replaced.
Take down wall art or fragile items in the area.
Disconnect electronics and move them out of the way.
Remove valuables and anything sentimental from the workspace.

Create a Safe, Clear Path

Installers will need easy access to the space. Make sure hallways, doorways, and entry points are clear.

Move items off stairs and away from hallways.
Keep children and pets away from the work area.
Provide a designated entry point for installers to bring in materials and tools.

If possible, designate a staging area for supplies that’s close to the installation zone.

Plan for Dust and Debris

Even the cleanest flooring renovations can create dust, especially if existing flooring is being removed or subfloors are being leveled.

Cover nearby furniture and electronics with plastic sheets.
Close doors to adjoining rooms to contain dust.
Remove or cover air vents if advised by your installer.
Be prepared for some cleanup after the work is complete.

Our team at The Floor Shop takes great care to keep your space as clean as possible, but pre-emptive protection always helps.

Check Subfloor Conditions

Your installer will assess the condition of your subfloor before the new flooring goes in. If you’re doing your own prep, be sure to:

Remove any leftover adhesive, staples, or nails.
Ensure the surface is level and dry.
Repair squeaks, dips, or damage.

An uneven or compromised subfloor can affect how your flooring performs over time. Trust our professional team to take care of any issues before laying the new material.

Arrange Alternative Living Plans (If Needed)

Depending on the size of your project, you may want to temporarily relocate during the renovation—especially if flooring is being installed in high-traffic or essential areas like the kitchen or living room.

Create a temporary setup for cooking, relaxing, or sleeping if certain rooms will be inaccessible.
Consider staying with friends, family, or at a hotel for larger projects.
Keep in mind that some adhesives or finishes may have a lingering odor for a short time.

Our team works efficiently to minimize disruption, but it’s always good to be prepared for short-term inconvenience.

Confirm Details with Your Installer

Before the project begins, double-check a few important things:

Final flooring choices, including color, finish, and trim.
Layout direction (especially for planks or patterns).
Transition placement between rooms or materials.
Special requests like underlayment, radiant heating compatibility, or noise reduction.

At The Floor Shop, we confirm every detail before installation day to make sure you love the finished result.

Protect Your New Flooring Post-Installation

Once your beautiful new flooring is installed, take a few precautions to help it last:

Avoid moving heavy furniture for 24–48 hours (ask your installer for guidance).
Add felt pads to furniture legs to prevent scratches.
Place rugs at entryways to catch dirt and moisture.
Follow cleaning and maintenance guidelines for your specific flooring type.

If you’re not sure how to care for your new floors, just ask us—we’ll give you personalized tips to keep them looking great.

Final Thoughts: Preparation Makes All the Difference

A little preparation goes a long way in making your flooring renovation smooth and successful. By clearing the area, protecting your belongings, and working with a trusted professional team, you can enjoy the transformation with confidence.

At The Floor Shop in Toronto, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process—from choosing materials to installation and aftercare. We’ve been helping homeowners upgrade their spaces for over 30 years, and we’re proud to make the experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Visit The Floor Shop Today

Ready to get started on your flooring project? Visit our Toronto showroom or contact us for a consultation. Let our team help you plan, prep, and install flooring that fits your life and your style. Whether you’re updating one room or your entire home, we’ll guide you through every step with expert advice, quality materials, and flawless installation you can trust.