Before you book movers, walk through the job with your flooring contractor. Decide which rooms to empty and how you will reach the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms during the work. Get the schedule for walking on the finish and moving furniture back in writing.
1. Agree on the rooms and boundaries
List the rooms in the job, including hallways, closets, thresholds, and stairs. You may lose access to a bedroom while the contractor refinishes the hallway, even if the bedroom needs no work. Ask where the contractor will stop the new finish at adjoining rooms.
Point out loose boards, dark stains, previous patches, and any known leaks. Take photos before moving furniture and point out damage you uncover afterward. Ask the contractor to discuss unexpected repairs with you before adding them to the job.
2. Make a furniture and storage plan
Decide who will move each item and where it will stay until the floor is ready. Empty bookcases and remove rugs, floor lamps, and small items first. Ask about pianos, refrigerators, built-in furniture, and anything too heavy to move without help. Check whether the contractor includes furniture moving or appliance disconnection in the quote.
Keep storage out of the crew's entry route. Pack the everyday items you will need from the rooms and closets before work starts. Decide who will protect adjacent rooms and clean up after the job.
3. Plan access for people and pets
Draw a simple route from the entrance to the kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. If any route crosses fresh finish, arrange another way to use the house or plan time away. Move pet bowls, beds, and litter boxes to an accessible area outside the work zone.
Ask about working hours and dust containment. Confirm the ventilation requirements and whether you can stay in the house while the contractor uses the selected products. Schedule deliveries and other trades around the floor work to keep traffic off fresh finish.
4. Confirm when you can use the floor
You may need to wait longer to return furniture or rugs than to walk on the floor. The finish and conditions in your home affect curing. Bona explains the differences in its move-back guidance. Ask your contractor for instructions for the finish you choose, including:
- The first day you can walk through and what footwear to use.
- The date you can let pets and normal household traffic return.
- The dates you can return furniture, rugs, and rug pads.
- The first cleaning date and the cleaner to use.
Before furniture returns, clean or replace its protective pads and arrange help to lift it into place. Keep the finish name and care instructions with your home records.
5. Leave time to approve the color
If you want a color change, arrange a time to review samples and choose who will approve them. Use our stain and sheen checklist to compare the options before your contractor coats the floor.
For a refinishing estimate, bring a room list, photos, access needs, and your preferred dates. Review our sanding and refinishing service or contact us to discuss the project.
