Sacramento Flooring Remodeling: 7 Steps Every Smart Homeowner Should Know
When Jen and her husband bought their 1980s ranch-style home in Sacramento, they knew the shag carpet had to go. But what started as a “quick weekend project” turned into months of frustration, blown budgets, and uneven flooring — all because they didn’t know what they were getting into. If only someone had given them a roadmap before the demolition started.
Flooring remodeling seems simple on the surface — rip it out, lay something new, call it a day. But anyone who’s done it the right way knows: it’s a layered job that demands planning, patience, and precision.
Whether you’re updating a single room or your entire house, this step-by-step guide walks you through what every smart Sacramento homeowner should know before starting a flooring remodel.
Step 1: Know Your Why — Then Match the Flooring to the Function
Before you even visit a showroom or watch a single DIY video, ask yourself: Why am I remodeling my floors?
- Is it to increase resale value?
- Do you want something more pet/kid-friendly?
- Are you dealing with moisture or uneven subfloors?
Your reason will help you choose the right material — whether it’s engineered hardwood for its durability, luxury vinyl for its water resistance, or tile for its cooling effect during hot Sacramento summers.
Jen and her husband? They chose wood laminate for its look — but didn’t realize it would swell during the city’s high-humidity months. Mistake #1.
Step 2: Check (and Fix) the Subfloor
Most people don’t think about what’s under their flooring — until problems start. Before laying anything new, inspect the subfloor for the following:
- Uneven spots or dips
- Moisture issues
- Mold or soft areas (especially in older homes)
A flooring remodel is only as good as the base it sits on. In Sacramento, where older homes can have settling or hidden water damage, this step is critical.
Bring in a professional if you’re unsure — cutting corners here is a fast track to creaky floors, gaps, or worse.
Step 3: Choose the Right Material — Not Just the Trendy One
Flooring trends come and go (remember red oak parquet?), but your flooring will be around for years. Choose something that’s:
- Appropriate for your lifestyle
- Resistant to Sacramento’s dry summers and damp winters
- Easy to maintain
For example:
- Tile is ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) holds up to pets, spills, and heavy foot traffic.
- Engineered hardwood gives you the beauty of wood without the warping risk.
Don’t pick based on a Pinterest board alone — pick what makes sense for your space.
Step 4: Get an Accurate Measurement — Then Add 10%
This is where many remodels fall apart. You measure your square footage, buy exactly that much flooring… and halfway through installation, realize you’re short.
Always add 10% extra to your total square footage. This covers:
- Cutting waste
- Pattern matching
- Future repairs
Trust me, it’s a lot easier to return a few extra planks than to find the exact match two years later when you need a fix.
Step 5: Don’t Skip Acclimation Time
If you’re installing wood, laminate, or even vinyl, you can’t just bring it home and start laying it down. It needs to acclimate to your home’s temperature and humidity, or you risk buckling and gaps later.
Let it sit in the room for at least 48–72 hours before installation. It’s a simple step — and it saves you from costly mistakes.
Jen and her husband? They didn’t wait. That’s how they ended up with floors that shifted within weeks of installation.
Step 6: Hire Right — or Do It Right
If you’re going DIY, make sure you truly understand what you’re doing. Watch credible tutorials, read manufacturer guidelines, and don’t rush the job. Sloppy installation is painfully obvious.
If you’re hiring a pro (which is often the smarter move), ask the right questions:
- Are they licensed and insured?
- What’s their timeline?
- Do they provide a warranty?
- Can they show recent local projects?
In Sacramento, it’s worth checking whether your contractor has experience with local climate impacts and older foundation quirks.
Step 7: Finish Strong — Clean, Seal, and Maintain
Once the floor is in, you’re not quite done. Take the time to:
- Thoroughly clean the surface
- Apply sealant (if required)
- Install new baseboards or trim
- Learn proper maintenance for your specific material
A well-finished floor looks better, lasts longer, and keeps its value. You put in the work — protect your investment.
🙌 Final Word
Sacramento flooring remodeling isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about doing it right, from the ground up. Whether you’re replacing tired old carpet or upgrading to a more durable, modern finish, taking these steps will save you time, stress, and money in the long run.
Like Mike Holmes always says: “Make it right.” And with this guide in hand, you will.
📣 Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re planning a flooring remodel in Sacramento, don’t guess your way through it. Whether you’re going DIY or working with a team, a little knowledge goes a long way — and a great floor lasts for decades.