Installation and Preparation

What Should Be Confirmed at the Pre-Installation Review?

Confirm product, color, lot, installation areas, direction, layout, transitions, trim, furniture, appliances, tear-out, disposal, floor preparation, moisture testing, schedule, access, payment, and change orders — all in writing before work begins.

What Should Be Confirmed at the Pre-Installation Review?

The pre-installation review is the single most important step for a successful flooring project. After decades of coordinating installations in Oklahoma homes, we provide a comprehensive checklist of everything that should be confirmed before work begins.

Why the Pre-Installation Review Matters

Prevents disputes — confirming details in writing prevents misunderstandings.
Prevents change orders — confirming scope prevents unexpected costs.
Sets expectations — the homeowner and installer agree on what to expect.
Documentation — provides a record for warranty and dispute resolution.

Product

Confirm the product — verify the exact product name, brand, and style.
Verify quantity — confirm the quantity ordered and delivered.
Dye lot — verify the dye lot or batch number for consistency.
Condition — inspect the product for damage before installation.

Color and Lot

Color confirmation — confirm the color matches the selection.
Lot consistency — verify all boxes are from the same lot.
Lighting — view the color in the room's lighting before installation.
Acceptance — the homeowner must accept the color before installation begins.

Installation Areas

Room list — confirm which rooms will receive new flooring.
Closets — confirm whether closets are included.
Stairs — confirm stairs are included and the method (cap and band vs. full).
Transitions — confirm where flooring stops in doorways.

Direction and Layout

Direction — confirm the direction of the flooring (parallel or perpendicular to the longest wall).
Layout — confirm the layout pattern for tile or patterned flooring.
Centering — confirm how the layout is centered in the room.
Feature areas — confirm borders, accents, or medallions.

Transitions

Locations — confirm transition locations at doorways and room boundaries.
Type — confirm the transition type (T-molding, reducer, end cap, stair nose).
Color match — confirm transition color matches the flooring.
Height — confirm transitions accommodate height differences.

Trim

Baseboards — confirm whether baseboards will be removed and reinstalled.
Shoe molding — confirm shoe molding removal, reinstallation, or new installation.
Stair trim — confirm stair nose and trim profiles.
Undercutting — confirm door casings will be undercut.

Furniture

Removal responsibility — confirm who removes furniture.
Large items — confirm whether the installer will move large items.
Fragile items — confirm the homeowner has removed breakables.
Wall hangings — confirm the homeowner has removed wall hangings.

Appliances

Removal responsibility — confirm who moves appliances.
Utility disconnection — confirm who disconnects water, gas, and electrical.
Reconnection — confirm who reconnects utilities.
Height clearance — confirm appliance clearance with new floor height.

Tear-Out

Existing flooring — confirm which existing flooring will be removed.
Responsibility — confirm who performs tear-out.
Backsplash — confirm whether tile backsplash will be removed.
Old sink — confirm whether the old sink will be removed.

Disposal

Debris removal — confirm who removes demolition debris.
Disposal fees — confirm whether disposal fees are included.
Old carpet — confirm whether old carpet and padding will be hauled away.
Old countertop — confirm whether the old countertop will be hauled away.

Floor Preparation

Subfloor condition — confirm subfloor preparation needs.
Self-leveling — confirm whether self-leveling compound is needed.
Crack repair — confirm crack repair for concrete.
Moisture barrier — confirm whether a moisture barrier is needed.
Cost — confirm floor preparation costs.

Moisture Testing

Testing required — confirm whether moisture testing is required.
Method — confirm the testing method.
Results — review and document moisture readings.
Acceptable levels — confirm acceptable moisture levels per manufacturer.

Schedule

Start date — confirm the installation start date.
Duration — confirm the expected duration.
End date — confirm the expected completion date.
Cure times — confirm cure-time restrictions.
Room access — confirm when rooms can be used.

Access

Parking — confirm parking availability.
Path — confirm a clear path from entry to work area.
Power — confirm electrical outlet availability.
Water — confirm water access for cleanup.
Pets and children — confirm pet and child arrangements.

Payment and Change Orders

Payment schedule — confirm the payment schedule (deposit, progress, final).
Final payment — confirm when final payment is due.
Change orders — confirm the change-order process for unexpected issues.
Documentation — confirm all change orders are documented in writing.
Warranty — confirm warranty terms and documentation.

Printable Pre-Installation Checklist

☐ Product name, brand, style, and quantity confirmed
☐ Color and dye lot confirmed and accepted
☐ Installation areas and closets confirmed
☐ Direction and layout confirmed
☐ Transition locations and types confirmed
☐ Trim and baseboard plan confirmed
☐ Furniture removal responsibility confirmed
☐ Appliance removal and utility disconnection confirmed
☐ Tear-out and disposal responsibility confirmed
☐ Floor preparation and moisture testing confirmed
☐ Schedule and cure times confirmed
☐ Access, parking, and power confirmed
☐ Payment schedule and change-order process confirmed
☐ Warranty documentation confirmed

Homeowner Responsibilities

Confirm and accept the product, color, and lot.
Confirm installation areas, direction, and layout.
Confirm furniture and appliance removal responsibility.
Confirm access and pet/child arrangements.
Review and sign the contract and change orders.

Installer or Contractor Responsibilities

Provide accurate product, color, and lot information.
Confirm scope, schedule, and costs.
Perform moisture testing and floor preparation.
Document change orders in writing.
Provide warranty documentation.

Items Requiring Advance Confirmation

Product, color, and dye lot.
Installation areas, direction, and layout.
Furniture and appliance removal responsibility.
Floor preparation and moisture testing.
Schedule, payment, and change-order process.

Common Preparation Mistakes

Not confirming the color and lot before installation.
Not confirming furniture and appliance removal responsibility.
Not confirming floor preparation needs and costs.
Not confirming the change-order process.
Not documenting agreements in writing.

Safety Considerations

Confirm pet and child safety arrangements.
Confirm utility disconnection safety.
Confirm dust and ventilation plans.
Confirm access for emergency egress.

Bottom Line

The pre-installation review is the most important step for a successful project. Confirm product, color, lot, areas, direction, layout, transitions, trim, furniture, appliances, tear-out, disposal, floor preparation, moisture testing, schedule, access, payment, and change orders — all in writing before work begins.

Still have questions? Visit your nearest Premier Carpet & Tile showroom to speak with an experienced project coordinator who can help you plan your installation with confidence.

Key considerations

Confirm product, color, dye lot, and condition before installation begins
Confirm installation areas, direction, layout, transitions, and trim plan
Confirm furniture and appliance removal responsibility and utility disconnection
Confirm floor preparation needs, moisture testing, and associated costs
Confirm schedule, payment terms, and change-order process in writing

A common misconception

Many homeowners believe the pre-installation review is just a formality. In reality, it is the most important step for preventing disputes, change orders, and dissatisfaction — and every detail should be confirmed in writing before work begins.

Ask an Expert

What Should Be Confirmed at the Pre-Installation Review?