A sequence to coordinate—not a universal rule
| Stage | Questions to settle |
|---|---|
| Resolve causes | Are leaks, structure, pests, HVAC, and slab-water issues handled? |
| Fixed work | Are cabinets, walls, hearths, and built-ins changing the flooring boundary? |
| Messy trades | Can demolition, drywall, or painting damage the finished floor? |
| Floor work | Which rooms, exits, appliances, stairs, and utilities become inaccessible? |
| Cure and protection | When can people, pets, furniture, rugs, and vehicles return? |
| Final handoff | Who completes base shoe, doors, transitions, paint touch-ups, cleanup, and walkthrough? |
Coordinate adjacent floors together
- Measure connected areas before choosing heights and transitions
- Plan hardwood lacing before demolition removes useful reference points
- Resolve slab moisture before moisture-sensitive finishes arrive
- Keep a path to mechanical rooms, exterior doors, and overnight essentials
- Do not use a freshly coated garage as furniture storage unless the cure plan allows it
Furniture, appliances, and unusual items
List pianos, refrigerators, ranges, islands, built-ins, aquariums, safes, adjustable beds, medical equipment, and anything that cannot move normally. Confirm who disconnects gas, water, ice makers, toilets, and electronics. ‘Furniture included’ is too vague for a complicated house.
Pets and access
Plan where pets will stay, which exterior doors crews will use, and whether gates, alarms, or cameras affect access. Product instructions and household sensitivity should control ventilation and return—not a generic promise that the floor is ‘dry.’
Build contingency into move-in and closing dates
An empty house simplifies sanding and installation, but it does not eliminate hidden subfloor repairs, acclimation requirements, weather, cure, inspections, or another trade running late. Protect the move date with a real buffer rather than scheduling the final coat the night before the truck arrives.
Once the rooms, dependencies, and timing are clear, request an on-site estimate from Fortress Floors KC so the written scope can reflect the actual conditions.