What to Expect from a Flooring Installation: A Guide for Maine Homeowners

Step 1. Schedule Your Free In-Home Estimate

The first step is an in-home estimate. For most flooring projects, an accurate scope requires seeing the space, measuring the rooms, and evaluating the subfloor condition. You cannot get a reliable number without those factors.

At Sanford Flooring, the estimate is free and comes with no obligation. Jason or a member of our team will visit your home at a scheduled time, take precise measurements, assess the subfloor, and discuss your goals and product preferences.

The estimate visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how many rooms are involved and how many questions you have.

Step 2. Review Your Options and Make Your Selection

After the estimate, you will have a clear sense of what the project involves. The next step is product selection.

If you have not already visited our showroom, this is the time to do it. Our 5,000 sq ft showroom at 1209 Main Street in Sanford lets you compare options in person — walking on samples, seeing colors in different light, and comparing styles side by side. For many customers, coming to the showroom after the estimate is the most useful step in the decision process.

Once you make your selection, we place your order. Depending on the product, lead times vary from a few days to a few weeks.

Step 3. Prepare Your Home for Installation Day

We will give you specific instructions based on your project, but here is what is typical:

Clear the rooms being installed. Move small items, breakables, electronics, and clothing from the room or rooms being done. We do not typically move large furniture like beds or heavy dressers — plan to do this before our team arrives, or discuss furniture moving during the estimate.

Remove area rugs and any items on the floor. Make sure the installation areas are clear and accessible.

Plan for some downtime in the affected spaces. Depending on the flooring type, you may not be able to walk on newly installed floors for several hours after installation.

Step 4. Installation Day

Our team arrives at the scheduled time. Subfloor preparation comes first — this may involve removing existing flooring, leveling low spots, securing squeaky boards, or adding an underlayment layer. Proper subfloor prep is the most important step in a long-lasting installation.

For hardwood and some other products, acclimation time is required. We handle this as part of the process.

The installation itself follows the prepared subfloor — placing planks, tiles, or carpet sections, cutting for doorways and edges, installing transitions between rooms, and securing everything according to manufacturer specifications.

We clean up after ourselves. You will not be left with a pile of packaging, trim pieces, or old flooring to deal with.

Step 5. Post-Installation Walkthrough

When the installation is complete, we walk through the finished work with you. We want you to see the final result before we consider the job done.

If there is anything that does not meet your expectations, we want to know about it immediately. Our team addresses issues on the spot when possible.

Step 6. Care and Maintenance

Different flooring types have different care requirements. We give you specific care guidance based on what was installed.

For LVP: Sweep or dust mop regularly. Clean spills promptly. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Use felt pads under furniture legs.

For hardwood: Use hardwood-specific cleaners. Manage indoor humidity. Use area rugs in high-traffic zones.

For carpet: Vacuum regularly. Address spills immediately. Schedule professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months in active households.

For tile: Sweep and mop regularly. Re-seal grout as needed (typically every 1-2 years in high-use areas).