How to Prepare Your Home for Flooring Installation
Before you begin the process of laying down new floor coverings, you must determine your flooring installation budget. This includes paying for your workers’ wages, insurance premiums, shop utilities, advertising costs, and more. While a large-box store may offer professional installers, you should ask many questions before committing to any one company. A small business owner can save hundreds of dollars by opting for a small local contractor. An apartment management team or housing development company may also be a good client to serve and servicing their network is highly profitable. You may also work with individuals who want to have their floors installed.
When installing new floors, it is vital to prepare the subfloor and vapor barrier. Make sure the subfloor is smooth and flat. Many flooring installers can install new flooring over an existing one, but some items may require a little extra preparation. Most installers will remove the old flooring, baseboards, and trim and then install new flooring over it. While this step is often overlooked, it will make the installation much smoother. In addition, a new floor will last longer than the old one!
Another common type of flooring is laminate. This type of flooring comes in a variety of colors and styles and is available in planks or squares of various sizes. It is installed over a layer of foam to add comfort and hardness. Then it is sanded to create a seamless finish. The good news is that this method is the cheapest option as well. But before you go ahead and install new hardwood or laminate flooring, consider hiring a professional installer.
You can also opt for a floor installation company with a storefront in a major city. Businesses that operate from a physical location usually require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) to confirm that they comply with all zoning, government regulations, and building codes. Typically, this is obtained from the landlord, and a CO must be obtained if the business will operate within the building. Moreover, if you intend to renovate the building, you must obtain a new CO.
When you’re ready to install your new floor coverings, make sure that you level the subfloor before starting. If the subfloor is uneven, the tile cannot be installed. In addition, tile is a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms as it provides a durable surface. It’s also easy to clean. However, the tile can be expensive and requires special care to be installed properly. If you have the budget, the tile is an excellent choice for your flooring needs.
Once you’ve determined the size of the room, start the flooring installation by determining the width of each plank. This can be done by using a jamb saw. If you’re installing laminate flooring, make sure to align the tongue into the groove and press it down. Leave a gap of about 3/8 inches along the walls to allow expansion. Remember to leave a space of at least three inches for the last row. This will give you a seamless look.