Planning a new floor in South Dakota
Five parts, in order. Knowing them ahead of time makes the whole project calmer for you and for us.
The visit
Every project starts at your house. We walk through the rooms you are thinking about, measure each one, and lift a corner of the old covering where we can to see what is underneath. A long straightedge shows whether the base is flat enough for the floor you have in mind.
We also bring samples. Floors look different in a showroom than they do in your living room on a winter afternoon, so we lay a few boards or tiles down where they will go. You can see the color against your walls and in your light before you decide anything.
The written estimate
After the visit we write out the plan: which rooms, which floor, how the old covering is handled, what the base needs, which trim and transitions go where, and roughly how many days the work takes. It is written plainly so you can read it at the kitchen table and ask questions.
If you are still choosing between two floors, we can write both options. Once you are ready, we set a date that suits you and order or confirm the materials.
The days before
Wood, laminate and vinyl plank are brought into the house a few days ahead and opened in the rooms where they will be laid. This lets them settle to the same temperature and air as the house, which keeps joints tight after install day. Keep the heat at your usual setting during this time.
Clear small items from the rooms, empty drawers in dressers that need to move, and take anything fragile off shelves near the work area. We move the regular furniture ourselves.
Install day
We arrive at the agreed time, cover the path from the door, and set up a cutting area outside or in the garage when the weather allows. The old covering comes up and is hauled away, the base is prepared and leveled where needed, and the new floor goes down from the starting line we planned.
Throughout the day we keep the rooms swept and the work area tidy. Tile needs time to cure, so tiled rooms may need a day before full use. Plank, laminate, wood and carpet are ready to walk on as soon as they are finished.
The walk through
When the last transition is in, we sweep and vacuum, put the furniture back and walk through every room with you. We point out how the floor meets each doorway, leave any spare boards or tiles for the future, and give you a short care note for the floor you chose.
If something does not look right to you during the walk through, tell us right there. It is the easiest moment to make a small adjustment.
After install day
A few habits keep a new floor looking the way it did at the walk through.
- Plank and laminate
- Sweep or vacuum, then a microfiber pad with a cleaner made for the floor. Felt pads under furniture.
- Hardwood
- Soft broom, a wood floor cleaner on a microfiber pad and steady indoor air through winter.
- Tile
- Sweep grit often and use a neutral tile cleaner. Seal cement grout now and then.
- Carpet
- Vacuum paths twice a week, blot marks right away and deep clean every year or two.
Questions about the process
Do we need to leave the house?
No. Most people stay home. We will mention which rooms are off limits and for how long.
What happens to the old floor?
We take it up and haul it off as part of the job.
Can you work in winter?
Yes. Winter is a good time for indoor floor work. We keep doors closed as much as possible and set up cutting in the garage when it is cold.
How long does the estimate stay open?
The estimate shows a date. Material availability can change, so we confirm details again before scheduling.
What if the base needs more work?
We look for this at the visit. If something unexpected turns up when the old floor comes up, we stop, show you, and agree on the next step before going on.
Ready for part one?
The visit is where it starts. Send the form or call, and we will find a time that works.