A hardwood floor restoration can really freshen up your home, but it raises an important question—should you stay put while it’s happening? In this article, we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of sticking around. We’ll look at how it might disrupt your daily routine, any air quality worries, and where else you might stay if you need to.
By the end, you’ll have a good sense of whether to stay or take a little break somewhere else.
Home Disruptions During Hardwood Floor Restoration
Refinishing hardwood floors is definitely not a quiet task. Depending on how big the area is and what’s needed, it might take just a day or stretch into a whole week. You’ll notice a lot of hustle and bustle, with workers coming and going, and furniture getting moved around to make room for the project.
This can really shake up your usual routine, so it’s good to be prepared for the temporary chaos! Here are some factors to be aware of:
- Frequency of Worker Visits: The hardwood floor restoration process involves multiple steps, from sanding to applying multiple coats of finish. Each stage requires time to dry, meaning workers will be in and out over several days.
- Furniture Relocation: Your furniture will need to be moved—either out of the house or shuffled between rooms. This constant movement can be cumbersome and stressful for those who need their space to be functional.
- Schedule Coordination: With workers in your home during work hours, coordinating household activities can be challenging. It’s often easier for everyone if the house is empty.
Fumes and Air Quality Concerns
The hardwood floor restoration process involves strong-smelling chemicals, such as polyurethane finishes, whose fumes can linger even with proper ventilation. Oil-based finishes tend to emit stronger odors than water-based ones.
Although Atlanta Floor One uses certified products with more tolerable fumes, they can still be irritating, particularly for sensitive noses. Inhaling these fumes can lead to headaches or dizziness, so families with children, elderly members, or pets should consider relocating to avoid potential health risks.
While adequate ventilation helps dissipate fumes, it may not eliminate them entirely, and leaving the house allows time for air quality to improve without exposing your family to discomfort.
Dust, Dust, and More Dust
Sanding is a key part of the refinishing process and generates dust. Modern techniques have improved dust containment, but some particles invariably escape.
- Allergy Concerns: Dust can be a nuisance, especially for those with allergies. It settles everywhere and can irritate the eyes and respiratory system.
- Cleaning Challenges: Even with the best equipment, some dust will settle in your home. If you’re staying, you’ll need to frequently clean surfaces to maintain a comfortable environment.
- Advanced Equipment: At Atlanta Floor One, we use professional-grade vacuums and seal-off areas to minimize dust spread. However, complete containment is challenging.
Why Consider Temporary Housing
You might wonder why relocation is necessary for what seems like a routine home improvement project. However, there are compelling reasons to consider staying elsewhere. Temporarily moving out can significantly reduce the stress of living amidst chaos and noise, protecting your well-being.
Keeping your family and pets away from harmful fumes and dust ensures their safety and comfort. Also, allowing contractors to work in an unoccupied space can enhance their efficiency, potentially speeding up the project’s completion.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Professionals
Choosing experienced professionals ensures that your floor refinishing project is handled with care and efficiency.
- Expertise in Execution: Skilled professionals use the latest techniques and equipment to minimize dust and fumes.
- Customer-Centric Approach: A reliable company prioritizes customer needs, offering transparency and guidance about what to expect.
- Quality Assurance: Professional services often come with guarantees or warranties, giving you peace of mind about the quality of the work.
Hardwood Floor Restoration and More
Choosing whether to stay home during hardwood floor refinishing can be tricky. You need to consider disruptions, air quality, and your family’s comfort and health. Although finding somewhere else to stay might take some extra planning, it can help you avoid potential hassles and hazards.
If you’re unsure what to do or want the best advice for your situation, reach out to Atlanta Floor One. Our hardwood floor restoration team is here to help with all your flooring needs, making your project smooth and successful.