Re-flooring
 

Hi,

I believe on new construction that the flooring is installed before cabinets, appliances, baseboards, etc. If one wants to replace the entire flooring of an existing house, does the flooring have to be cut around cabinets and appliances, etc?

Loren

I think that, for most houses, the flooring (sheet vinyl, laminate, or tile) is installed up to, but not under the cabinets. The appliances are installed on top of the flooring. When you re-floor, you want to remove the appliances, baseboard, molding, and the old flooring, before installing the new flooring. Sometimes, there is a height issue with the under-cabinet dishwasher if the new flooring is thicker than the old flooring. But, you do want to install the new flooring where the appliances are located so they can be pulled out for maintenance.

I am sure this depends on the house, I know ours (2013 Gardenia) had the tile flooring installed and then the cabinets and appliances, but I tend to agree with above that the 'roll' type flooring may very well be installed after the cabinet and appliance installation. You may be able to determine this using a flashlight and looking along the sides of appliances, or very carefully pulling back the trim at the floor along the cabinets. The final option would be to call home warranty, and get the name of the original builder, and ask them.

Look along the edges for quarter round molding. It is used to cover trim cut mistakes.