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Flooring Xpress Installation Service Guidelines
We're glad you selected new flooring from Flooring Xpress. If you are utilizing our Installation Management service, there are a few items we'd like to address with you so that you understand clearly how the process will proceed. Shortly, you will be receiving a phone call from the installation subcontractor to arrange to have your project precisely measured. Remember that the material and labor estimate given to you by our flooring associate is figured using the base information that you provided. Only a complete on-site measurement by a flooring professional can provide us with the information we need to set the exact quantity of materials needed.
In most cases, you have only paid Flooring Xpress for your materials at this point. The labor charges will be paid by you directly to the installation subcontractor when the project is completed and you are satisfied with their work. Flooring Xpress and our installation subcontractors do offer a 1-year installation guarantee, but the best time to make sure all installation issues are taken care of is before you pay the installation subcontractor. At any time you can contact your Flooring Xpress representative to work through any discrepancies.
Below are some important considerations to be aware of during the measurement visit to your home:
- Will the increase (or decrease) of the finished floor height create any additional carpentry work? Discuss doors, cabinets, base trim, and under-counter appliances with the installation subcontractor now so you can plan solutions.
- Will you be removing the existing floor (if any) or will you choose to pay the service fee to the installation subcontractor? (See section on Removal & Disposal of Existing Flooring for more information.)
- If needed, are there transition pieces into other nearby rooms that need to be replaced? These may be extra if your flooring associate was not aware of these needs during your initial purchase visit.
- Is there any sub-flooring that needs to be replaced or repaired? Some sub-floor issues can be seen prior to installation. But keep in mind, that many sub-floor issues are only evident after tear-up. There may be extra charges for addressing replacements or repairs to the sub-floor.
- Are you planning on replacing any flooring on nearby steps? Often, steps are overlooked in an initial discussion and may result in additional materials needed above your estimated purchase.
- Do you have any other rooms in your house that you might want measured for a project in the future? If so, it's quick and easy to ask the installation subcontractor to perform those measurements now. Flooring Xpress can keep that information on file and make a future visit even shorter to complete.
- And most importantly, always ask for and secure a written estimate of the complete labor charges from the installation subcontractor before work begins. We are your partner in the project, but you are the best person to review the installation estimate and make sure everything you need is being accounted for.
In order to help make the actual installation go as smoothly as possible, we offer the guidelines below to help you prepare for installation day. It is important for you to be aware of what responsibilities you have so that there are no delays when the installation crew arrives.
All installation projects are scheduled in advance, some many weeks ahead of time. Our installation subcontractors make every effort to maintain these schedules, but occasionally events occur that warrant modifications to schedules. We hope you appreciate that the projects scheduled ahead of you may incur delays for many reasons of no fault to anyone in particular. We will make every effort to contact you as soon as we can to notify you of delays or re-schedules if they happen. Flooring Xpress and the installation subcontractors cannot be held liable for missed work or other costs associated with scheduling delays for your project. We strive to always do our best to take care of special customer situations and emergencies as they occur. We can only ask for your patience in return in helping us take care of yours' and other customers' projects.
If any wet construction has been recently completed (drywall, plaster or painting) make sure they are completely dry and finished well before the flooring installation begins.
- Be sure that all heating, cooling and ventilation systems are working properly prior to installation and are set at normal temperatures.
- Electricity and water should be available to the installers.
- Cover all room vents with painter's tape or paper to minimize dust entering your home air system.
- Create a clear and protected path through your home for the installation crew to have easy access to the installation site and for removal of existing flooring, if any.
- Move furniture completely out of the installation site. If you wish to have the installation crew move some or all of your furniture, this service is available for an additional charge. You must speak with your Flooring Xpress representative or the installation subcontractor in advance to arrange for this.
- Large items such as large screen/theater TVs, grand pianos, pipe organs, grandfather clocks, and pool tables require outside movers or specialists due to their nature.
- If flooring is to be installed in a kitchen and/or utility room, make sure refrigerators, washers and dryers are disconnected and drained of fluids. Again, if you wish to have the installation crew move your appliances, this service is available for an additional charge.
- Clean out all closets that will having flooring installed so that there are no items blocking the floor space.
- Remove all loose electrical, phone or cable wires from the installation site. The installation crews are not trained and/or licensed to unhook or re-install wiring elements.
- Discuss seam placement with the installation crew leader prior to commencement of your project. You may have discussed this in detail with your Flooring Xpress representative, but this is the best time to review this part of your project...before it's too late.
The removal of existing flooring is laborious and consumes additional time that the installation crew needs to have planned into their schedule. The installation crew can take care of this responsibility on a pre-arranged basis for a fee, or you may certainly feel free to perform this step yourself. If you would like to save this additional cost, we suggest you discuss the particular requirements with your Flooring Xpress representative or with the installation subcontractor to make sure all necessary steps are performed.
Disposal of old flooring is a responsibility of the homeowner. If you are not aware of the guidelines in your city for disposal of bulky items, make sure you contact your City Hall or administrative office for details. As an option to our customers, Flooring Xpress does offer a service to dispose of your old flooring using our resources. This must be pre-arranged with your Flooring Xpress representative and paid for in advance in order to authorize the installation crew to remove the existing flooring from your home.
One of the very best things you can do is perform a walk-through with your installation subcontractor after the installation is complete. You'll want to ensure that you are satisfied with all seams and details before you make any final payments. Plus, now is the time to ask any questions about what you see. With carpet, for example, you may see and experience some temporary "crushing" and/or other anomalies that are simply the result of the carpet being rolled and stored for a period of time after leaving the manufacturer.
Please review the guidelines below so that you know what responsibilities you have after the successful completion of your flooring installation.
- We recommend that you change your air filters immediately, as there tends to be extra dust caused by new flooring.
- The homeowner is responsible for any touchup painting to walls, doors or trim moldings that may be caused by even the most careful of flooring installations. It is very common for scratches and chips to occur and is not the responsibility of Flooring Xpress or the installation crew. With some flooring, it is necessary to remove and re-install baseboard or quarter-round trims. There may be an additional cost for this, and it is not guaranteed that the trims will not crack or split during the process. The homeowner accepts all responsibility for trim and moldings, unless otherwise arranged and agreed upon in writing.
- If your new flooring is substantially thicker than the old flooring, your doors may not swing to your satisfaction. You may need to hire a carpenter to trim them down or install a replacement. Flooring Xpress and the installation crew are not responsible for this step. A few installation crew members are trained and able to perform this task for an additional charge, so you may inquire with them but it is not a standard service. In some cases the door cannot even be re-hung without having a portion trimmed off. Flooring Xpress is not responsible for any inconveniences caused by doors that cannot be re-hung right away.
- Make sure the flooring is ready to accept use. If adhesives were used, do not walk on the floor for 24 hours after installation (or by consult from the installation crew) while the adhesive cures. If you use the area too soon, you may damage the flooring or create an uneven floor.
- Carefully move furniture and other items back using proper moving techniques and equipment. Make sure you protect the floor from sharp legs or points from furniture. A newly installed floor can be very susceptible to punctures or tears from dragging.
- Immediately begin vacuuming and caring for your new carpeting. It is not uncommon to have to vacuum a newly carpeted room daily during the first few days of use. Many small, loose fibers from manufacturing are common and are not indicative of a defect in the carpet. Regular vacuuming should be performed at least weekly. Additionally, it is important to have all carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year to help maintain warranty terms as well as simply to keep the carpet looking its best. If you would like a reference to a local professional cleaning company, feel free to call us.
- Hardwood, laminate, ceramic, and vinyl floors all have specialized cleaning products and processes. Use of improper cleaning supplies may damage your flooring. Make sure you read the labels and follow all directions properly.
- Consult with your Flooring Xpress representative or visit our website at www.flooringxpress.com for additional help and resources on care and maintenance of your floor.
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