Preparation is key to successful flooring installation. The subfloor must be in optimal condition for adhesives and materials to bond properly. Basic prep is usually included in the installation cost, but major prep may raise the price and extend the timeline.
Basics of Minor Floor Prep
When old flooring is removed in preparation for new flooring, some basic preparation is needed. This typically involves scraping and cleaning to remove old adhesives and fasteners, as well as minor patching of concrete subfloors to level the surface and fill small dips or depressions.
Your flooring installer will handle these minor preparations as part of the installation process, and no additional charges should apply for this work. However, more extensive or complex preparations that require additional time and effort will incur extra fees.
Basics of Major Floor Prep
Major floor preparation goes beyond basic tasks and includes any work that requires more than just hand tools and simple materials. For example, while minor prep can be completed in a few hours with tools like scrapers, mops, trowels, and a small amount of concrete patch, major prep involves several days of work with heavy-duty equipment. Instead of manually scraping the subfloor to remove adhesive and smooth out ridges, major prep typically requires mechanical methods, such as using a power sander or grinder, depending on the subfloor material.
Bead blasting is another method used in major prep. If leveling the substrate involves more than just a few quick patches, it is considered major prep. Your contractor may need to apply a leveling agent or even remove and reinstall the plywood subfloor to ensure a smooth, level surface. This is especially common when installing new flooring over old ceramic tile.
Major prep also includes applying sealants. Whether it’s a latex sealer or a specialized moisture remover, these additional steps incur extra charges. Older homes may require a sealer on the subfloor to prevent issues like cutbacks or harmful chemical reactions.
Filling cracks in concrete subfloors is another task considered part of major preparation.
How Much Does Major Floor Prep Cost?
Although minor floor prep is included in standard installation costs, major floor prep drives the price higher. In general, your contractor cannot forecast or even estimate the cost of major prep work until the existing flooring has been removed. At that point, an assessment of the subfloor dictates the amount and type of preparation required.
Ask your contractor to inform you about additional costs as they arise, as opposed to handing you a large bill at completion. This allows you to discuss prep issues beforehand and provides consumers with an appreciation of the importance of flooring prep work. Wise consumers go into this home improvement project with knowledge about the processes involved.
Think about whether your rooms will require minor floor prep or major floor prep and be prepared to invest in this vital process to ensure a beautiful finish.