Do I Need to Leave My House During Flooring Installation?

Hi everyone! Joshua Given here, owner of Given Flooring in Seminole, Florida. One of the most common logistical questions I get from homeowners in Pinellas, Palm Harbor, Trinity, and Odessa is whether they need to pack their bags and move out while we work. It is a valid concern—after all, your home is your sanctuary, and the thought of living in a construction zone can be stressful. The short answer is that while you don’t always have to leave, your daily routine will certainly shift. Let’s talk about what to expect during an installation and how to decide if staying or going is the right choice for your family.
The decision often comes down to the scale of the project and the type of material being installed. If we are replacing the flooring in a single bedroom or a home office, staying is incredibly easy. We simply close the door to that room, and the rest of your home remains fully functional. However, if we are tackling the main living areas, the kitchen, or the primary hallways that connect your house, the disruption is much more significant. In those cases, you have to consider how much “camping out” in your own home you are willing to do.
If you choose to stay, you must be prepared for noise, dust, and limited access. We use professional-grade saws and tools that are loud, and even with our clean-installation practices, some dust is inevitable. More importantly, certain materials require cure times. For example, if we are installing porcelain tile, you cannot walk on the freshly laid tiles or the new grout for at least 24 to 48 hours. If that tile is in your only bathroom or blocking the path to your kitchen, staying home becomes very difficult. On the other hand, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a “dry” installation, meaning you can typically walk on it as soon as the last plank clicks into place.
Safety is another major factor, particularly for families with small children or curious pets. An active job site has moving parts, sharp tools, and heavy materials being shifted around. If you cannot keep your kids or pets in a completely separate, secure area of the house while we work, it is often safer and less stressful to stay with a friend or book a short-term rental for a few days. We take every precaution to keep our workspace tidy, but it is still a construction zone during work hours.
For many of my clients in Trinity and Odessa, the most popular compromise is to stay in the home but plan to be out during the actual work hours. This allows you to avoid the loudest part of the day while still sleeping in your own bed at night. We are always happy to work in phases, completing one section of the house at a time so you always have a “clean zone” to live in. We prioritize clear communication, so you’ll always know which rooms are off-limits and for how long.
Ultimately, my goal at Given Flooring is to make the transformation of your home as seamless as possible. Whether you decide to head to the beach for a few days or stick around to watch the progress, we will coordinate every detail to ensure you return to a beautiful, professionally installed floor without the headache.
Until next time, this is Joshua Given reminding you that the foundation of a beautiful home is a beautiful floor.