What to Expect From Your Flooring Installation With CQ Floors

New floors can change how your whole home feels, but if you’ve never had flooring installed, the process can seem a little mysterious. Here’s what happens when you work with CQ Floors, from the first estimate to caring for your finished floor. We’ve been installing floors in San Marcos and across San Diego County since 1983, and we try to keep the process simple and low-stress.

Step 1: Your free in-home estimate

It starts with a free, no-pressure visit. You can book online by picking a date and time on our calendar and telling us which rooms and flooring types you’re considering. You’ll get an email confirming the appointment.

At the appointment, we bring samples to your home so you can see them in your own lighting, next to your cabinets, paint and furniture. We’ll:

• Talk about how you use each room (kids, pets, water, sun).
• Measure the spaces with a laser and diagram them digitally in Measure Square, which is quick and accurate.
• Look at your existing floors and subfloor.
• Walk you through options and answer questions.

The visit usually takes anywhere from about 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of your home and the project. Afterward, you’ll get a detailed estimate, including a schedule for your installation.

Our estimates always include floor preparation based on your jobsite conditions, plus removal of your old flooring. Some contractors bid low and add change orders once the work starts. We aim for an all-in price instead, so our bid may not be the lowest, but it’s designed not to grow in the middle of your project.

Prefer to browse first? Visit our showroom at 1945 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., Suite C, San Marcos, where you can compare thousands of samples side by side.

Step 2: Choosing your floor and scheduling

Once you’ve picked your flooring, we’ll order the material and schedule your installation. Timing depends on whether your product is in stock or special order, and on the size of the job. We’ll give you a realistic date and keep you updated. As a general guide, locally stocked materials are often available within 2–3 business days of your order, and materials stocked in Georgia can take 7–10 business days.

If you’d like to pay over time, ask about our current Synchrony financing offers (subject to credit approval). Deposits and final payments can be made on our Payments page.

Step 3: Getting your home ready

A little prep makes install day go smoothly:

• Clear the rooms. Pack up small items, breakables, valuables and anything on floors, shelves and in closets that are part of the project. Ask us about furniture moving when you schedule.
• Plan for access. Make sure the crew has a clear path and a place to park and stage materials.
• Plan for an adult to be onsite during the installation.
• Think about pets and kids. Plan a safe spot away from the work area for the day.
• Let us know about special items like pianos, aquariums, large electronics or anything fragile.

Some floors, especially hardwood, may need to acclimate in your home before installation, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We’ll let you know if yours does.

Step 4: Installation day

When our crew arrives, they’ll go over the plan with you and protect the surrounding areas. Then the work begins:

1. Removing old flooring. Removal is included on our projects, and disposal follows California’s strict disposal regulations.
2. Subfloor prep. This step matters more than most people realize. The subfloor needs to be clean, flat, dry and solid. Depending on your home, that can mean leveling, fixing squeaks or loose areas, or checking a concrete slab for moisture. Good prep is what helps a new floor last.
3. Installing your new floor, along with the transitions, trims and stair parts in your estimate.
4. Cleanup of the work area.

How long it takes depends on the size of the project and the type of flooring. We’ll give you a schedule with your estimate.

Step 5: Final walkthrough

Before the crew wraps up, we’ll walk through the finished floor with you and make sure you’re happy. It’s a good time to ask about putting furniture back and cleaning your new floor. Timing varies by product type, but most floors can be walked on right after installation.

Step 6: Living with your new floors

A few habits help new floors look great for years:

• Put felt pads under furniture legs and mats at exterior doors.
• Sweep or vacuum regularly. Grit is what scratches floors.
• Use only the cleaners your flooring’s manufacturer recommends.
• For hardwood, keep indoor humidity steady and use window coverings to limit sun fading.

Our flooring maintenance tips and FAQ cover care for each flooring type.

Backed by our workmanship warranty

When CQ Floors installs your floor, our workmanship is covered by an 18-month limited workmanship warranty from the completion of work. If a defect caused by faulty installation shows up during that time, such as gapping seams, loose transitions, air bubbles or loose pieces (or carpet that needs re-stretching), we’ll correct it free of charge, and there’s no charge for us to inspect. Product defects are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and we’ll help with the claim. The warranty doesn’t cover things like water damage, pets, abuse, improper maintenance or normal seasonal gaps in hardwood. If you notice a problem, let us know in writing promptly, within 30 days, at info@cqfloors.com.

Ready to start?

See some of our finished work in the project gallery, then schedule your free in-home estimate or call (760) 736-0080. We’ll bring the samples to you.