Does Empire Flooring Move Furniture: A Practical Guide for Homeowners
Empire Flooring, also known as Empire Today, offers convenient flooring installation services across many American homes. When planning a floor replacement or upgrade, one common question is whether the company will move furniture during the installation. This article explains Empire Flooring’s typical practices, how furniture moving works within the service, potential costs, and practical steps to prepare your space. Understanding these details helps homeowners schedule confidently and protect belongings throughout the process.
What Empire Flooring Offers About Moving Furniture
Empire Flooring often includes a comprehensive installation package that covers measurement, product delivery, and professional installation. In many cases, certified installers will move lightweight items and clear access paths as part of the service. However, there are important nuances to understand:
- Standard coverage may vary by product and location. Some flooring materials or promotions include basic furniture protection, while others require a separate furniture moving option.
- Heavier items may have limitations. Large pianos, safes, or bulky wardrobes typically require the homeowner to relocate or to arrange forklift-accessible handling through the service provider.
- Pre-install preparation is key. Clearing rooms and removing fragile items generally falls to the homeowner, with the option to request professional moving for specific items as an add-on.
How Furniture Moving Works During Flooring Install
During a typical Empire Flooring installation, the crew will focus on removing old flooring, preparing subfloors, and laying the new product. Furniture movement follows a tiered process to minimize risk to belongings and the new floor:
- Assessment and protection. Installers assess the space and place protective coverings on walls, baseboards, and remaining fixtures. Furniture is moved only when access is required to remove old flooring or install underlayment.
- Light items first. Smaller, movable items such as sofas, end tables, and chairs are relocated by the crew to a staging area or room perimeter when possible.
- Heavy items and appliances. Heavy furniture and appliances may require homeowner assistance or a separate service arrangement. In some regions, extended equipment like a moving team or equipment lift is used for large pieces.
- Repositioning and cleanup. After installation, the team repositions movable items if feasible and ensures the space is clean and ready for use.
Costs and Scheduling for Furniture Moving
Pricing for furniture moving through Empire Flooring varies by project scope, home layout, and geographic location. Key considerations include:
- Base installation cost vs. add-ons. The core price covers product, removal of old flooring, and installation, while furniture moving may be billed separately as an upgrade or optional service.
- Hourly vs. per-item rates. Some contracts price moving by hourly labor rates, while others charge a fixed fee for moving specific items or rooms.
- Quotes and estimates. To avoid surprises, request a detailed written estimate that itemizes furniture moving, including any limits on heavy items and the number of rooms involved.
What You Can Do to Prepare
Preparing your home ahead of the installation can streamline the process and protect valuables. Consider these practical steps:
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- Declutter and declaim fragile items. Remove valuables, electronics, and breakables from the floors and surfaces in the work area. This reduces the risk of damage during movement.
- Measure and map the layout. Create a simple floor plan showing where furniture will be moved, and identify rooms that require access routing for the crew.
- Empty closets and storage spaces near work zones. Clearing these spaces helps keep pathways clear and speeds up the process.
- Document condition of items. Take photos of high-value or antique pieces in case of any incidental damage. Discuss coverage with the installer if required.
- Coordinate with the schedule. Confirm whether moving services are included in your package and align on any access or parking restrictions for the installation day.
Alternatives If You Prefer to Move Furniture Yourself
Homeowners who want full control over furniture handling can opt to move items themselves or hire a separate moving company. Consider these options:
- DIY movement with protection. Move lightweight furniture before the installation day and protect walls and floors with blankets or pads to prevent dings.
- Professional movers for heavy items. Hire a local moving company to relocate heavy pieces and appliances to staging areas. Communicate access needs and about any stairways or elevators.
- Schedule coordination. If you plan to move furniture yourself, coordinate dates and times with Empire Flooring to ensure the crew can complete the installation efficiently once the space is prepared.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Several questions frequently arise when homeowners plan with Empire Flooring. Here are concise answers to help clarify expectations:
- Does Empire Floor Moving Include All Furniture? Not always. It depends on the project scope, item type, and local policy. Always confirm in writing when you receive the estimate.
- Are Fragile Items Covered? Protective measures reduce risk, but homeowners should document and discuss coverage for high-value items. Consider separate insurance if needed.
- What If Damage Occurs? Report any damage immediately, document with photos, and follow the company’s claims process as outlined in the contract.
- Can I Add Moving as a Separate Service? Yes. Many regions allow adding furniture moving as a standalone service or augmenting an existing installation package for peace of mind.
Final Considerations for a Smooth Experience
To ensure a seamless installation experience, communicate clearly with Empire Flooring about furniture moving, confirm what is included in the package, and prepare your space in advance. A well-planned approach minimizes disruption, protects belongings, and helps achieve a flawless floor replacement. For homeowners seeking clarity, a detailed, itemized quote that specifies moving scope and any related costs is the best practice.