When Jenna and Ryan bought their first home, they were excited to tackle a few cosmetic updates. Paint? Easy. New light fixtures? Done. But when it came to flooring, they quickly realized it wasn’t just a matter of “pick a pretty color and install.”
Their story is a perfect example of why Mike Holmes always says: “Do it right the first time.”
Let’s walk through their flooring journey—step-by-step.
Step 1: Identify Needs, Not Just Wants
At first, Jenna wanted gorgeous wide-plank hardwood floors. Ryan, on the other hand, worried about their big dog’s claws and high-traffic wear.
Lesson Learned:
Think about lifestyle needs first: pets, kids, heavy foot traffic.
Match flooring material to real life, not just aesthetics.
Mike Holmes Tip: Always build for how you live, not just how you want your home to look on day one.
Step 2: Understand the Subfloor
Once they ripped out the old carpet, Jenna and Ryan found uneven, creaky subfloors. It would have been easy to just slap new flooring on top—but they paused.
Smart Move: They brought in a contractor who repaired and leveled the subfloor properly first.
Holmes Rule: Good flooring starts with a solid foundation. Ignore it now, regret it later.
Step 3: Choose the Right Flooring Material
After weighing their options, they selected:
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) for high-durability, water-resistance, and dog-friendliness.
Real hardwood accents for the upstairs bedrooms (where wear-and-tear was lower).
Mike’s Practical Insight: Choose the right material for the right room. It’s not one-size-fits-all.
Step 4: Invest in Proper Installation
Rather than DIY, Jenna and Ryan hired professionals who:
Checked moisture levels before installation
Acclimated the flooring material to the home’s humidity
Installed underlayment to dampen sound and add comfort
Installation Fact: Poor installation is one of the top reasons new floors fail prematurely. Professionals know how to prevent that.
Step 5: Finish Strong with Maintenance Plans
With their new floors gleaming, Jenna and Ryan also learned how to care for them:
Use furniture pads
Wipe spills immediately
Sweep and vacuum regularly with appropriate attachments
Small steps. Big payoff in longevity.
Final Thoughts
Flooring isn’t just what you walk on—it’s the literal foundation of how your home feels and functions every day.
By making smart decisions, respecting the process, and investing in proper materials and installation, Jenna and Ryan didn’t just install floors—they built a better home.
Call to Action
Planning a flooring upgrade? Let our team help you choose, prepare, and install with the craftsmanship and care your home deserves—so you get it right the first time.