Flooring Installation Checklist for Kitchener-Waterloo Homeowners

A flooring installation goes smoothly when the homeowner is prepared. After completing hundreds of installs across Kitchener-Waterloo every year, our team has seen what causes delays, callbacks, and extra costs — and most of it is avoidable. Here's what to have in place before your crew arrives.

Before Your Install Date

Confirm Your Material Is Delivered and Inspected

Never schedule your installation before all your flooring material has arrived and been inspected. Open every box and check for visible damage or colour variation before installation begins. Once a plank is cut or installed, it's considered accepted — damage discovered after installation is not the installer's responsibility. If anything looks wrong, call us before installation day.

Acclimate Hardwood (If Applicable)

Solid and engineered hardwood must acclimate in the installation area for a minimum of 3 days before install. Leave the boxes in the room where they'll be installed, stacked with airflow, with the HVAC running at normal living temperature and humidity. Skipping this step is one of the most common causes of hardwood expansion problems after installation.

LVP and laminate do not require acclimation — they can be installed on delivery day.

Confirm Your Subfloor Is Ready

Your installer will check subfloor conditions when they arrive, but you can get ahead of issues:

• Flatness: The subfloor must be flat to within 3/16" over a 10-foot span for most floating floors. Dips, humps, or high spots need to be addressed before installation.
• Dryness: Concrete subfloors must pass a moisture test. If you've had any flooding, leaks, or condensation issues, tell us in advance so we can plan accordingly.
• Cleanliness: Subfloor must be clean, free of staples or nails from old flooring, and swept.

Remove Old Flooring (Unless We're Doing It)

If you're removing existing flooring yourself, make sure it's completely gone and the subfloor is clean before your install date. Carpet removal includes pulling up the tack strips and staples — these must be fully removed. Leaving tack strips or staples in is one of the most common causes of delay on install day.

If you've asked us to handle removal, confirm the scope in advance so we have the right crew and disposal plan.

Address Moisture or Plumbing Work First

Any plumbing work, bathroom renovations, or basement waterproofing that's planned should happen before flooring. Running new supply lines or drains after flooring is installed risks water damage and damage to your new floor during the work.

The Day Before Installation

• Clear the rooms: Move all furniture out of the installation area. Leave only large items that were discussed with your estimator (some large furniture can be moved for a fee — confirm this in advance).
• Remove breakables: Vibration from installation can rattle shelves and walls. Remove art, dishes, and fragile items near the work area.
• Secure pets: All pets must be in a separate room or off-site during installation. Loose pets in the work area slow down the job and create a safety risk.
• Clear pathways: The crew needs access from the front door to the work area to carry material. Move shoes, hallway furniture, and anything that blocks the path.

On Installation Day

• Be present or reachable: An adult must be home or reachable by phone. Decisions come up — colour matching, transition placement, obstacle handling — and we need quick answers to keep the job moving.
• HVAC running: The space must be climate-controlled on installation day and for at least 24 hours after. Don't leave the house with the heat or AC off in winter or summer.
• Keep the area clear during install: Don't walk on freshly installed floating floors until the crew has finished the section. Glue-down installs need additional cure time before foot traffic.

After Installation

• Wait at least 24 hours before moving heavy furniture back onto hardwood or glue-down vinyl.
• Floating floors (LVP, laminate, floating engineered) can have furniture moved back on them immediately after install.
• Use felt pads under all furniture legs — this is especially important for hardwood and engineered.
• Maintain indoor humidity between 35-55% year-round for hardwood and engineered hardwood.
• Use a damp (not wet) mop for routine cleaning. Avoid steam mops on all flooring types.

Questions Before Your Install?

Our team is available Mon–Fri 9:30am–6pm and Sat 10am–3pm. Call 519-279-8456 or email sales@advancedflooring.net. We want your installation day to go perfectly — and a little preparation makes a big difference.