Installation Preparation Guide

The team at TOUCH Flooring are here with you every step of the way, so if you’re unsure what is required, just ask. It is very important to follow the below steps or you could be required to pay a fee if the below steps are not followed.

Important Steps to Take.

1.    Move Furniture

Come the day of installation, it is important that all furniture is removed from the rooms that are having new floorcoverings installed. All furniture items are to be moved before the team arrive. All fragile or breakable furniture, including ornaments and lamps, should be removed. As should all hanging objects in the area of installation.

TOUCH Flooring can move the furniture for a fee. If you elect to utilise this service it must be elected at quotation stage. All cabinets are to be emptied; drawers are taken out from bedside tables and chest of drawers; loose objects, such as clothing and bed sheets are packed away; and bookshelves and wardrobes are emptied. This must be done before installers arrive.

There are some items that installers will not move. These include fish tanks, waterbeds, pianos, or pool tables. For heavy items, such as billiard tables and pianos, TOUCH Flooring may be able to arrange a specialist to remove items at an additional cost.

Note: Although due care will be taken, no responsibility will be taken for any damage to any furniture.

2.    Disconnect Electrical Goods

Electrical objects, such as computers and televisions should be disconnected and any computer cords, stereo wiring and other equipment should be moved free of the area.  Because of their fragile nature, TOUCH Flooring won’t be able to move these.

For the kitchen or laundry areas, any gas and electric appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, stoves, fridges and freezers, should be disconnected. TOUCH Flooring installers aren’t permitted to do this, so the disconnecting and reconnecting should be done by a qualified professional.

3.    Remove Doors

Doors may also be required to be removed. If this is necessary, TOUCH Flooring may be able to organise the removal and refit for an additional fee. Doors may require trimming so that there is enough clearance between the door and your new flooring. This is not covered by our installation service and should be considered before the date of installation.

4.    Pull up and removal of existing flooring

You may have opted for us to do this as part of your job, in which case don’t worry about this part. If you have not opted for this you will be required to remove all existing flooring that is being replaced.

Once the flooring has been removed the subfloor is completely visible and a full inspection can be completed. If your floor requires any floor preparation works you will be notified before the installers starts.  

Note: if you are getting your carpet replaced DO NOT remove the smooth edge (the wooden spike strips). If these are removed you will incur a fee for replacement. If you have carpet and are getting vinyl installed please also leave the smooth edge as we like to remove this so that less damage is caused to the subfloor. If damaged is caused to the subfloor you will be charged for sub floor preparation.

5.    Cleaning of flooring surfaces

Clean all floor surfaces the day installers are arriving. Vacuum all carpets that are being replaced. All hard floor surfaces that are being worked on are to be completely cleaned. Vacuum all dirt up from the hardwood floors. Mop all floors with a PH neutral cleaner. Ensure all areas behind fridges, cupboards, pantry’s, behind washing machines/dishwashers etc has all been thoroughly cleaned. If the floor is not cleaned you will incur a fee.

6.    Installation

For the duration of the installation, TOUCH Flooring installers will require access to electrical power in the installation area for the use of their power tools. They will also need access to an area where they can store and cut flooring materials, such as a patio, garage or carport.

Proper installation of carpet necessitates that it be stretched tight against the skirting boards. It may also require long lengths of carpet to be passed through narrow halls and staircases. Some scuffing may occur. With properly applied paints the marks will rub-off. However, if walls and skirting boards are not undercoated or unsuitable paints used, the paint may be damaged. Whilst every care will be taken, we cannot be held responsible in these circumstances.

On installation day it is very important that our installers are not distracted from the job by talking, kids or animals interrupting the installers. As exciting as it is all questions should remain till the end of the day when the installers have some time to discuss these with you.

On installation day it is also very important that the team have full access to the driveway and full access to come in and out of the property. If your family needs to leave for the day please ensure all cars are moved from the driveway as our installers cannot be moving the vehicles or taken away from the job at hand.

Note: If your installation requires sanding, it is a good idea to cover all fixtures and furniture in the area with a sheet or a form of protective covering.

7.    Post Installation 

Thoroughly inspect the flooring once the installation has been completed. If there are any concerns, bring them to the attention of TOUCH Flooring immediately.

When returning furniture to the room, take care with moving heavy items. To avoid serious damage to your new floors, it’s important you check for any dirt or girt that may be trapped under the legs of the items you’re moving.

We also recommend no washing of the floor for 24 to 48 hours to ensure all adhesives have fully set. Spot clean where necessary.

8.    Cleaning of your new vinyl, timber, laminate floors

It is very important to clean your new floors with the correct products. All hard floors recommend using a PH Neutral solution. Using anything that is not PH neutral will damage your floor.

You can purchase these products from us in the showroom. If you decide you would like to purchase a cleaning solution before your installation give the showroom a call and they can arrange for the installer to bring out the cleaner and the charge can be added to your outstanding invoice.

We also sell mop kits that we highly recommend. These are spray mops that deliver the correct amount of water and solution to your floors without flooding them with an excessive amount of water.

It is very important to research the brand of flooring you have purchased and the recommendations they suggest for cleaning your floors.

9.    Cleaning of your new carpets

It is very important to check the cleaning requirements of the carpet you have purchased. You can find these details on the website of the brand you have chosen. Each brand and style of carpet is different and is to be taken care of accordingly.