Painting and installing new flooring in a room gives the entire space a whole new look. However, homeowners are often curious about which type of home improvement project should be done first. Although it might seem like painting the walls first is the best way to protect the floor, the truth is that most professional contractors prefer to install flooring before painting. Understanding why and how they’ll likely proceed with your project helps you know what to expect as they work. The professionals from Forever Builders, one of the premier home remodeling, painting, and flooring companies San Diego homeowners trust for outstanding craftsmanship and exceptional service, discuss whether it’s best to paint or install flooring first.
Perform Prep Work on the Walls First
Adding the final coat of paint might be the last thing contractors do before cleaning up after the project. Yet many contractors prefer to do tasks such as pulling down wallpaper first. Sanding walls and other forms of prep work tend to generate dust and debris that fall to the floor. If your wall painting involves adding texture, this might also be done first due to the mess involved. Doing these steps first can prevent damage to new flooring that could require replacing or repairing freshly installed materials.
Avoid Damaging New Paint during Trim Removal
Flooring is often designed to go slightly below baseboards or right up to the edge. This means your contractors may need to remove some of the trim around the rooms to gain access to the edges of the walls. During the trim removal, it’s possible for small nicks to occur in the wood or paint to chip off. Painting afterward allows the contractors to restore the trim to its original finish. If trim needs to be replaced, it can be painted along with the rest of the walls.
Protect Paint from Floor Removal Debris
Pulling up carpet can send fibers and dust flying through the air. The same is true of pulling out old tile or wood, which often generates a large amount of dust, dried flooring adhesive, and other forms of debris that can land on freshly painted walls. There’s also a small risk of the walls being bumped by tools during the floor removal or installation. These minor blemishes can be corrected before painting to create a smoother surface. Choosing to paint after the floor is installed can preserve a pristine paint finish that lasts for years.
Cover the Floors Before Painting
Paint drips are an obvious concern for homeowners who want to know their new floor will stay beautifully clean throughout the project. Professional contractors use several types of materials that include plastic sheeting or paper and painter’s tape to protect both old and new flooring materials. Residential and commercial painters also have the skills and experience to minimize paint splatters and drips, which further lowers the risk of damage to the floors. If paint somehow gets onto a floor surface, you can also trust your contractors know how to remove it without leaving a trace behind.
Whether you’re painting, installing new flooring, or renovating your whole home, get your home remodeling project done the right way by hiring experienced professionals. The experts from Forever Builders are remodeling contractors San Diego homeowners can trust to provide the most affordable home remodeling services and ensure their visions become reality. From design to completion, we’ll help you create the home you’ve always wanted, meeting all your expectations while keeping your costs within budget. To find out more about our outstanding remodeling services, give one of our friendly team members a call today at 833-583-0308.