New Flooring Project: Plan for the New Year

Before starting a new flooring project, figure out which rooms need attention, what you’re comfortable spending, and when you’d like the work finished. You don’t need to have every detail worked out before visiting a showroom. Measurements, a few room pictures, and an idea of what bothers you about your current floors are enough to get a useful conversation started.

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January always seems like a good time to tackle the things we’ve been putting off around the house. Maybe you’ve spent another holiday season looking at that worn family room carpet. Or you’ve finally decided the kitchen floor needs to go.

People come into our Highland showroom at all different stages of planning. Some know exactly what they want. Others just know they’re tired of their old floors. Either way, I like to find out a little about the house before we start looking at samples.

Where Should You Start With a New Flooring Project?

Start with the room that’s giving you the most trouble.

Sometimes that’s easy. The bedroom carpet is worn, or the kitchen floor has started showing its age. Other times, homeowners want to replace several floors but aren’t sure where to begin.

I’d look at how the rooms connect. If your kitchen opens directly into the family room, you may want flooring that works well in both spaces.

Also, consider what’s staying. Existing cabinets, countertops, and furniture can influence which flooring colors look best.

Bring a few pictures when you visit the showroom. They tell me much more than trying to describe a room from memory.

How Much Should You Budget for a New Flooring Project?

I’d avoid deciding on a flooring price before knowing what the installation involves.

Two rooms with the same square footage can have very different installation costs.

One might be straightforward. The other could need old flooring removed, subfloor repairs, or additional preparation.

And don’t forget transitions, stairs, and moving furniture. Those details are easy to overlook when you’re just comparing material prices.

If you’re working within a particular budget, tell us. I’d rather help you find something appropriate than spend an hour showing you products outside your price range.

You can also review our financing options, subject to credit approval.

Should You Measure Before Visiting a Flooring Showroom?

Yes, even rough measurements are helpful when you’re getting started.

Measure the room’s length and width, then make a note of any closets or unusual corners.

You don’t need to calculate the exact amount of flooring to order. Product waste, installation patterns, and room layouts can change that number.

I also like knowing whether you’re dealing with stairs, connecting hallways, or flooring that needs to meet an existing surface.

Professional measurements will help establish what the job actually requires.

When Should You Schedule a New Flooring Project?

If you’ve got a particular date in mind for your new flooring project, give yourself some extra time to get everything arranged.

I occasionally talk with customers who hope to have new flooring installed before visitors arrive or another renovation begins.

The trouble is that flooring isn’t always sitting in a warehouse ready to go. Some products need to be ordered, and installation schedules vary.

If you’re replacing flooring before painting, installing cabinets, or moving furniture, talk through the order of work first.

I’d also state any travel plans or days when you’ll need access to certain rooms.

It’s easier to plan around those things before the flooring has been ordered.

Do Existing Floors Affect a New Flooring Project?

What’s underneath your current flooring matters more than most people expect.

I’ve had conversations where someone wants luxury vinyl over an existing floor, assuming it will save money.

Sometimes that’s possible. Sometimes the manufacturer requires the old flooring to come out, or the surface needs additional preparation.

A squeaky floor or a soft spot might not seem like a big deal when you’re shopping for flooring. But once the old material comes up, we may find something underneath that needs attention. I like to know about those spots before we get too far into planning.

How Do You Choose Flooring That Fits Your Household?

Think about what happens in the room on a typical Tuesday, not just how you want it to look in pictures.

A bedroom with little foot traffic has different needs from a family room where the dog spends most of the day.

For bedrooms, you might opt for the comfort of carpet. In a busy kitchen, luxury vinyl may deserve a closer look.

If you’ve always wanted hardwood, I’d want to talk about your expectations for scratches, maintenance, and moisture.

Take samples home if possible. Colors that look perfect beneath showroom lighting can look different beside your cabinets.

How Should You Prepare for Your New Flooring Project?

Before installation day, find out exactly which preparations you’re responsible for.

That might include clearing smaller belongings, emptying closets, or arranging for furniture to be moved.

Ask about removing old flooring, disposal, and any additional work included in your estimate.

If appliances or plumbing fixtures are involved, find out whether another professional needs to disconnect or reconnect them.

And if you’re having hardwood installed, indoor temperature and humidity requirements may need attention beforehand.

I wouldn’t guess about any of this. Get the instructions for your specific flooring and installation.

Where Can You Get Help With a New Flooring Project Near Highland?

At Creative Carpet & Flooring in Highland, Indiana, we help homeowners work through these decisions before installation day.

We welcome customers from Munster, Dyer, Schererville, St. John, Crown Point, and surrounding Northwest Indiana communities.

You can schedule a showroom consultation or stop in to browse.

Our Mokena, Illinois, location is also available for homeowners throughout the southwest suburbs.

If you’re planning a new flooring project for January or later, I’d bring your room pictures and start there. We shall work through the rest together.

Key Takeaways

• If one room needs new flooring more than the others, there’s nothing wrong with starting there.
• Find out what’s included in your estimate. Removing old flooring and moving furniture can affect the final cost.
• Take a few measurements and pictures before coming into the showroom. They don’t have to be perfect.
• Allow time for product ordering and installation scheduling.
• Mention moisture, uneven spots, or squeaky floors before deciding on materials.

Frequently Asked Questions About Planning New Flooring

1. How Far Ahead Should I Plan a Flooring Installation?

If you’re hoping to have new floors before a holiday or family gathering, I’d start shopping a few weeks ahead. I’ve had customers find the perfect flooring only to discover it needs to be ordered. Installation dates can fill up, too, so I’d avoid leaving everything until the last minute.

2. Do I Need Exact Measurements Before Visiting the Showroom?

No, just measure the length and width of each room as best you can. Even if there’s a closet or an odd corner you aren’t sure how to measure, that’s okay. We’ll need professional measurements before we complete the job anyway.

3. Should I Replace All My Floors at Once?

You don’t have to. Plenty of homeowners start with one room and save the others for later. If that’s your plan, tell me which rooms you’re thinking about doing next. I’d hate for you to choose something for the family room and then struggle to find a good match for the hallway.

4. Can New Flooring Go Over My Existing Floor?

It depends on what’s there now. Some products can be installed over certain existing floors, but the surface underneath has to meet the manufacturer’s requirements. I’ve found that removing the old flooring is sometimes the better option, even when homeowners were hoping to leave it in place.

5. What Should I Bring to My First Flooring Consultation?

A couple of pictures on your phone and some rough measurements will give us a good start. If you’ve saved pictures of flooring you like, bring those along. And if you have a certain amount you want to spend, don’t be shy about telling me. It helps me narrow things down.