Preparing Your Home Before the Flooring Team Arrives

What to do the day before

• Clear small items off the floor — toys, shoes, rugs, and loose decor should be moved out of the work area entirely.
• Move furniture, or confirm who will — some contractors include furniture moving in the quote; confirm this in advance rather than assuming.
• Cover or remove sensitive nearby items — electronics, artwork, and fabric items in adjoining rooms benefit from extra dust protection.
• Plan for pets and young children to be elsewhere during sanding, both for their safety around equipment and to avoid stress from the noise.
• Ensure clear access — lift access, parking, and a clear path from the door to the work area all help the team start on time.

What to move vs. what can stay

What helps once work begins

• Be available (or reachable) at the start to confirm scope on-site, especially if repairs are found that weren't visible during the original quote.
• Plan to be out of the home during sanding if possible — not essential with dust-capture equipment, but more comfortable, especially for a full-day job.
• Keep other household members informed of the timeline, especially around when it's safe to walk on the floor again.
• Ask about ventilation needs for the finish being used, particularly with oil-based varnish, which has a stronger smell during application.