One of the most common questions we get at Western Floors Inc. is:
“Do I have to leave my house during the installation?”

The short answer is: not always. Depending on the size of the project and type of flooring, many homeowners can stay in their homes during a professional installation. Here is what you can expect and how to prepare.

1. Type of Flooring Matters

Certain materials are easier to install with less disruption:

• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and laminate: Quick install with low odor and minimal mess

• Engineered hardwood: Typically manageable with some furniture shifting

• Glue-down hardwood or tile: May involve stronger adhesives, more dust, or longer cure times

In a recent Greenfield project, we installed vinyl plank across a first floor in three days. The homeowner stayed in a guest room and worked from home without issue.

2. Expect Some Noise and Movement

Even clean installs involve:

• Power tools and hammering

• Temporary noise and vibration

• Moving furniture from room to room

We always recommend clients prepare by:

• Planning to use different parts of the home each day

• Covering nearby furniture or electronics

• Securing pets in a separate room or boarding them if noise-sensitive

One Southampton family with two kids and a dog prepped their living room in advance, which allowed us to finish the entire space in just two days while they stayed home.

3. Dust and Odor Control

We take extra steps to reduce dust and fumes:

• Use dust barriers and vacuums on tools

• Install air scrubbers if needed

• Work in sections to limit exposure

Most modern products have low-VOC adhesives and finishes. If you are sensitive to smells or have health concerns, let us know—we can plan accordingly.

4. Access and Room Availability

Your access to certain rooms will be limited during the project. Bedrooms, hallways, or kitchens might be off-limits for part of the day.

We recommend:

• Creating a temporary setup in another part of the home

• Planning meals around work areas (we often start kitchens first or last)

• Removing fragile or personal items from work zones

During a West Springfield installation, we worked in phases so the homeowner could keep access to their bedroom and bathroom every night.

5. How We Make It Easier

At Western Floors, we keep every project organized and stress-free:

• Clear schedule shared ahead of time

• Daily updates from our crew

• Clean job sites with full cleanup

• Furniture moving available if needed

Our goal is to make your floor upgrade as smooth as possible—even if you are home during the work.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can usually stay home during a flooring installation. It just takes a little planning, and a crew you can trust.

If you are preparing for a new floor in Greenfield, Southampton, or anywhere in Western Massachusetts, our team is here to walk you through the process from start to finish.

Want a custom plan for your home? Contact us to schedule a free consultation to get started.