From Demo to Install: Managing the Flooring Process With Confidence

Introduction

Choosing the right flooring is a big decision, but making sure it’s installed properly is what truly determines the end result. The difference between a smooth, long-lasting floor and one riddled with issues often comes down to what happens behind the scenes: the planning, the preparation, and the process.

Flooring projects might seem simple at first glance, but they involve multiple phases that each require expertise, precision, and coordination. From removing your old floors to preparing the surface, laying new materials, managing drying times, and completing the final finishing touches—there’s a lot to manage.

In this guide, we break down every stage of the flooring process so you can approach your project with confidence. Whether you’re installing hybrid planks across your open-plan living area, refreshing bedrooms with new carpet, or retiling a bathroom, AIreno helps you stay in control from day one. Our platform structures every step, keeps your scope on track, and gives both homeowners and contractors the clarity they need to deliver exceptional results.

Step 1: Lock in Your Final Scope

Before any work begins, clarity is key. Locking in your final project scope means you won’t face delays or cost surprises later.

Make sure your project is:

• Fully scoped out by room and flooring type (e.g. hybrid in living, tile in laundry)
• Measured accurately, with wastage accounted for
• Defined in terms of layout direction, transition trims, skirting boards, and underlay needs
• Reviewed with your installer for feasibility
• Confirmed for access dates, hours, and site readiness

AIreno guides you through this step with an interactive scope builder. Your contractor receives a structured brief so they’re quoting off the same plan, not guesswork.

Step 2: Demolition & Floor Removal

Removing old flooring is the first physical step—and it sets the tone for everything that follows. Depending on what’s being removed, this stage can vary in time, complexity, and mess.

It may involve:

• Lifting carpet, vinyl, laminate, or timber
• Breaking up tiles and grinding off adhesives
• Removing underlay, staples or glue
• Detaching skirtings or trims where required

Tips to prepare:

• Clear furniture and protect nearby rooms from dust
• Expect noise and vibration, especially with tile removal
• Make arrangements if you have pets, small children, or home offices in use

AIreno includes demolition as a separate line in your quote so you’re not caught off guard. We also flag any known risks or access challenges so installers come prepared.

Step 3: Subfloor Preparation

The subfloor is the unsung hero of a great flooring job. Even premium products will fail if they’re installed over uneven, damp, or unstable surfaces.

This stage includes:

• Levelling floors with screed or self-levelling compound
• Installing moisture barriers over concrete slabs
• Applying acoustic underlay in multi-storey homes or strata properties
• Sanding or patching subfloor imperfections
• Confirming fall in wet areas before tiling

Floor-specific requirements:

• Laminate/timber: Flat and dry with underlay
• Vinyl/hybrid: Requires extreme flatness, especially for click systems
• Tiles: Subfloor must be rigid and solid with no flex

Subfloor issues are one of the most common causes of delays. AIreno ensures this stage is scoped and quoted properly, with installer notes recorded against your job.

Step 4: Acclimatisation (If Needed)

Many flooring materials need to be stored in the home for a set period before installation. This allows them to adjust to the ambient temperature and humidity, avoiding expansion or contraction later.

Typical acclimatisation needs:

• Solid timber: 5–7 days on site minimum
• Engineered timber/laminate: 48–72 hours
• Hybrid/vinyl/tiles: Usually not required, but always check

Installers will deliver your flooring early if acclimatisation is needed. AIreno lists material requirements by type so you and your contractor can plan accordingly.

Step 5: Installation Day(s)

Now the transformation begins. Depending on the product and prep required, install may take one day or several.

What happens:

• Installer re-confirms layout direction, joins, and transitions
• Floor is laid systematically, often starting from a main focal point
• Expansion gaps are left where required (timber, laminate, hybrid)
• Tiles are spaced and grouted after setting
• Trims, scotia, or skirtings are installed or replaced

Time estimates:

• Carpet: 1 day for most homes
• Laminate/hybrid: 1–3 days depending on scope
• Tiles: 2–6 days including curing
• Timber (sanded/sealed): 5–8 days including finish layers

AIreno lets contractors mark milestones and upload photos to your project dashboard, so you can track progress remotely.

Step 6: Inspection & Finishing Touches

Once installation is complete, it’s time to inspect:

• Check layout matches your plan (direction, patterns, joins)
• Confirm trims and edges are neat, sealed, and consistent
• Inspect transitions between rooms or different materials
• Look for lifted corners, gaps, or visible imperfections

This is also when installers:

• Install or reattach skirtings and scotia
• Clean up surface dust and debris
• Explain post-install care instructions

AIreno provides a checklist and sign-off sheet to help you complete this step with your installer. Everything gets recorded for future reference.

Step 7: Clean-Up and Post-Install Care

A good flooring team won’t just walk away when the last tile or plank is down. Post-install care ensures longevity and leaves your space ready to enjoy.

What they should do:

• Vacuum, sweep or wipe surfaces
• Reinstall furniture pads or guides (if removed)
• Leave behind spare boards, tiles, or carpet offcuts (labelled by room)
• Provide cleaning product recommendations

Care reminders:

• Don’t wet mop timber or laminate floors within 72 hours
• Avoid dragging furniture across new floors
• Use pads under chairs and tables
• Ventilate space to clear any lingering adhesive or dust odours

Your AIreno project file includes a care guide and product summary, so you always know what you used and how to maintain it.

Conclusion

Flooring installation is more than just a trade job. It’s a finely sequenced process that requires planning, precision, and clear communication.

AIreno takes the guesswork out of your renovation. We help you quote properly, plan timelines, set clear expectations, and track every step from demolition to handover. You don’t need to be a building expert—you just need the right system behind you.

Whether you’re flooring a single room or your entire home, we’ll help you get it done right.

Next in the Ultimate Flooring Guide: Aftercare and Maintenance – Keeping Your Floors Looking Fresh for Years.