Imagine sitting down to dinner a few weeks after your move to a new house. Your new kitchen table has just arrived, you unpacked your last box earlier that day, and your favorite tunes are playing. The place finally feels like home.
Now that you’re settled in, do you want to do the whole move over again? Probably not—moving once is enough. But that might be what you’re in for if you decide to renovate your floors down the road.
That’s why the sweet spot for planning and executing your flooring projects is before you move in—and maybe even before you close.
And if you’ve got one or two other things on your mind during the homebuying process, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Keep reading for the pro tips you need to get the job done.
First things first: Decide what you want to keep and what you want to scrap
When it comes to flooring design, take your cues from your favorite features of your new place. Even if it’s a total fixer-upper, home design works best when you make an effort to build upon the existing character rather than gut the good stuff. You might be eager to tear up stained tile or finally install the wood floors of your dreams, but take a minute to think about how you can make your new floors complementary to the rest of the home. Maybe you decide on dark oak or hickory to accentuate original moldings, or opt for a bold tile that looks amazing with the solid wood kitchen cabinets you fell in love with. Whatever you choose, that first flooring project can set the tone for the rest of your renovations, allowing you to enhance your new home from (literally) the ground up.
During your walkthrough: Take pictures and measurements
You’ll need photos and dimensions to consider different flooring options and order materials, so snap and measure away during your walkthrough. You might even try to get images at a few different times throughout the day, so you can see how natural light changes the coloring and scope of the room. You also can plug those pics right into The Home Depot’s app for an augmented reality view of your new place. You’ll be able to slide furniture and fixtures into the view, giving you the chance to see what a fresh rug or a vintage couch would look like on your new floors, all with just the swipe (not the lift!) of a finger.
Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for: Be honest about your budget
One of the bonuses of planning a flooring project during your home buying process is that you’ve likely just taken a hard look at your finances to prepare for your home purchase. Determine how much you can afford to spend on flooring right from the get-go, and don’t search for materials outside of your budget. The Home Depot has on-trend flooring options for every budget, and shopping in your price range will help you feel in control of the process the whole time.
Finally: Decide on DIY vs DIFM
Once you have a general idea of the type of flooring project you want to undertake, it’s time to decide if you want to go the Do It Yourself (DIY) route, or the Do It For Me (DIFM) route.
If you’re starting with a smaller project like a powder room or entryway, and you’re eager to flex your muscles, the DIY route might be for you. The Home Depot can rent you the tools you need to help get your project started and deliver all your flooring materials right to your door. And if during the installation you forget to pick up an item (or 10), you can use the app to schedule a quick delivery or see if it’s in stock at your local store.
If you’re still honing your DIY skills, you might decide to have someone do it for you when it comes to a larger-scale flooring project. Whole-home flooring projects can be more demanding, especially if you don’t have much experience with tools or materials like sanders, angle grinders, or polyurethane. Plus, you won’t have to worry about orchestrating a project while also completing a home sale.
That someone can be The Home Depot. Their Home Services pros will help you pick out the floor that’s right for you and can install anything from carpet to hardwood to tile. They’ll handle all the tough stuff and make sure that your floors are ready to be loved and lived on right from the moment you first step through your door.
