Once you’ve decided on the product(s) you would like, we’ll get straight to work on scheduling your installation. Our installation coordinator will schedule an installer either at your earliest convenience, or for the next available appointment. All of our installers are specially trained professionals, so you can rest assured that every job is completed with precision, skill and the utmost pride. Every installer must pass through rigorous standards and skills screening tests to become a R&A Flooring Designs Installer, and we take pride in choosing industry best professionals.
1. PREPARATION
Prior to your installation date, please empty all closets that will be receiving flooring, remove all items from under beds, remove bed coverings, and any small furniture that you can move. Also, please remove pictures on the walls, including wall hangings, fragile lamps, knickknacks, glassware, books from bookcases, and small breakables from China cabinets, curio or hutches. For an additional charge, the installation team may move large items. If you choose this option, please disassemble any large furniture that we will move. Extra charges for all furniture will apply.
We do not move computers or any electronic equipment, (including TVs, VCRs, DVD Players, computers, cable boxes, stereo’s etc.) antiques, and grand pianos (many of these should be removed professionally).
2. REMOVAL OF EXISTING FLOOR COVERING
If you elected not to have the installers remove your existing floor covering, you must have this done prior to our arrival to install your new floor.
3. REMOVAL OF APPLIANCES
Our installers can remove gas appliances, disconnect water lines on refrigerators and remove toilets, but we highly recommend that a license plumber and gas company reinstall them.
4. PROPER POWER
Make sure that adequate power, light, ventilation, and heat is available prior to the installation. (This could be a concern on new home construction or an unoccupied home) 220 volt power may be required on sand and finish projects.
5. WHEN YOUR INSTALLATION BEGINS
You can expect your assigned installer to arrive between 8:00 am and 10:00 am on the first day, unless otherwise specified. If you are having us remove your existing floor covering, it will begin on this first day.
6. FLOOR PREPARATION
Your floors will be checked for any grinding and / or leveling that may be needed. If any is needed, and it was not in your contract, you will be notified of the charges before the work is done.
If you have elected to add a moisture barrier to your contract or if one is required for proper installation, it will be installed once the prep work has been completed.
7. ACCLIMATION
Solid wood floors whether unfinished or pre-finished, require 1 to 2 weeks acclimation in your living space. Most engineered floors do not need to acclimate; they can be installed the same day.
8. DURING INSTALLATION
If your wood flooring will be glued directly over your moisture barrier, it is common to have areas within your wood floor make a “snap” or “popping” sound when walked on. You should not be alarmed if you experience this. It is an easily remedied occurrence and will usually subside within the first 6 months after installation.
9. SAND & FINISHING
Unfinished nail down flooring requires an acclimation period of 1 to 2 weeks. Once the proper acclimation has occurred, the flooring will be nailed to either an existing plywood sub-floor or one that we will install for you. After the unfinished hardwood has been installed; it will need to acclimate to its newly installed position. This takes approximately 2 weeks. Refinishing will take a minimum of 3 days, more if your square footage exceeds 500 feet. The finish will take 7 days to fully cure, depending on the weather. It is normal to see some brush strokes, minor bubbles and possibly air born debris, which will flatten with traffic as the finish cures and the floor ages. You will be advised when it is safe to walk on and move back furniture. It is recommended that you wait several weeks before you place any rugs back on newly coated floors.
10. AFTER THE INSTALLATION IS COMPLETE
The transition pieces and wall molding will be installed. If you are have paint grade wall trims, please make sure that there is an adequate amount of water base paint available to the installer before it is time to install them.
11. CLEAN UP
When the installer is finished, he will do a post installation inspection with you (if you are available) to ensure your satisfaction. All scrap materials will be picked up after the installation. Surplus materials will be left on your premises upon request.
Our installers use extreme care to minimize any disruptions and every effort is made to minimize dust. However, normal installations can cause minor scuffs. Expect minor touch up painting, dusting and cleaning after the installation. You should also be aware that there could be dust in area’s that does not have wood floors.
You will need to refrain from using your new floor until it has properly cured. Glue down wood floors, tongue & groove glued wood and laminate floating floors will need 24 hours curing time.
If you are having your pre-finished, floating floor installed, you may re-introduce your furnishings back into the area immediately following installation
