Top Floors Blog

If you’re like me, the arrival of spring has you itching to spruce up your home with some renovations. One of the best ways to breathe new life into a space is by installing new floors! As the frost starts to thaw down here in Metro Atlanta, I wanted to share some tips if you’re considering a home renovation, including a flooring refresh this season.

Research and Explore Your Options

With so many flooring options out there from hardwoods to vinyl to carpet and more, it’s important to thoroughly research different types. Spend time exploring various materials, styles, textures, and colors available. Think about factors like:

• Durability – How will they hold up to your lifestyle? Kids, pets, parties etc. Consider hardness and scratch resistance.
• Maintenance – Some floors require frequent upkeep and cleaning vs. others that are more hands-off. Make sure you know what you’re getting into!
• Look – What overall aesthetic are you going for? Contemporary, classic, rustic? The options are endless!

Check out this handy flooring guide on our site that compares popular options. It has pros/cons of wood, carpet, laminate, luxury vinyl and more. Arm yourself with knowledge before deciding!

Declutter and Prepare Your Floors

Our flooring team will move your furniture before they begin the flooring installation. Now is the perfect time to start preparing for this. The team will not be moving anything on top of tables, on bookshelves or inside China cabinets. This is a great time to do some decluttering. Go through all these pieces now to donate, relocate, throw away or store. I suggest you get a bin or box with a sticky note or label of the mentioned categories and go room by room. When it gets down to the week before installation, you will be able to pack or move everything in these already decluttered areas and not have to deal with the clutter. Removing clutter not only makes the renovation smoother, but also provides a clean foundation for flawless installation.

This is also the perfect opportunity to:

• Assess current floor condition – are there any repairs needed like squeaky boards, damaged areas, or moisture issues? Address these prior to installation.
• Do deep cleaning – you’d be surprised how much built up dirt and grime can hide beneath that furniture! Give those floors a sparkling send-off.
• Consider layout changes – are you happy with the flow and usage of the space or would adjustments optimize it? Installers can work with you on custom layouts.

Take advantage of this fresh start – your new floors will shine even brighter!

Optimal Seasonal Timing

In terms of timing, spring is ideal for renovations since weather is milder for installers and you can tackle bigger hardwood refinishing projects over a school break. This way, daily life is less disrupted. The longer daylight hours also provide better lighting conditions for evaluators assessing your space, contractors doing work, and design consultants assisting with selections.

Another thing to mention, you will need to allow for adequate drying times for site finished projects including staining, sealing, poly coats in spring due to humidity increases especially in the southern United Sates.

Allergy and Health Considerations

Here’s another thing to consider carefully – allergies and health factors. Floors that are hypoallergenic and easy to clean like hardwood, tile, and laminate resist dust mites, mold growth and other irritants. But if you still want softness underfoot, wool carpet contains lanolin that naturally resists allergens.

We also carry carpets featuring antimicrobial treatments to prevent dust and pet dander from accumulating. These help create a healthy indoor environment which is especially important if anyone in the home is immunocompromised. Review flooring options together with your allergy specialist if needed.

Strategic Installation Timing

Time flooring installation strategically towards the end of your remodeling project. This prevents debris, drywall dust, accidents from paint splatters etc. from impacting brand new materials. We recommend scheduling after:

• Cabinet/countertop installation
• Painting/drywall finishing
• Major demolition/structural work

Protect those pristine new surfaces – you want to unveil them in all their glory at the big reveal when everything else is completed! Careful planning ensures your floors stay gleaming and damage-free even with other projects in progress. If timing does not allow for flooring to be installed last, ask your sales professional to include protecting the flooring after installation. This is done by taping down plastic carpet shield to carpeted spaces and taping down builder paper to hard surfaces. This is very inexpensive and may save you a lot of headache.

There you have it – a deep dive on spring flooring with my top tips! Breathe new life into your home this season and you’ll reap the rewards for years to come in both form and function. Let me know if any other flooring questions pop up – I’m always happy to chat more!

Download below your Free Spring Flooring Renovation Checklist!