Max Gibson, owner
Key takeaways
- Book floor work 4–6 weeks before your move date; summer PCS season fills up fast.
- Waterproof LVP with a 20 mil wear layer is the most rental-proof floor.
- Refinishing worn hardwood before you sell or rent often pays for itself.
- A deep clean can be enough between tenants when the finish is not worn through.
Timing floor work around a PCS move
Military moves run on orders, not on contractor calendars. If you are selling, renting out or moving into a home near Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Norfolk Naval Shipyard or NAS Oceana, plan the floors first: they are usually the last big job before photos, inspections or move-in.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks before your move | Get a free estimate so you know your options and price. |
| 4–6 weeks before | Book the work. Summer is peak PCS season, and good dates go first. |
| Before movers arrive | Refinishing and installs are fastest in an empty house. Plan around pack-out. |
| After pack-out | A final deep clean or touch-up before your inspection or listing photos. |
Refinishing needs the floor to stay clear: light foot traffic after 24 hours, furniture after 72 hours. Schedule it before household goods are delivered, not after.
Selling or renting out your home before you PCS
Floors are one of the first things buyers and renters notice. Worn hardwood, stained carpet or peeling vinyl make a home look tired in listing photos, while fresh floors make it look move-in ready.
Usually worth doing
- Refinish existing hardwood. Often a fraction of the cost of new floors, with a big visual payoff.
- Replace stained carpet in main rooms with LVP or laminate.
- Deep clean hardwood that is dull but not scratched through.
Usually not worth it
- Premium exotic species buyers will not pay extra for
- Custom patterns that slow the job down
- Tiling large areas right before a quick sale
See the refinish or replace guide to tell what your floors need.
The best floors for rentals near base
Rentals near Naval Station Norfolk (Ocean View, Wards Corner, Willoughby) and Langley (Fox Hill, Phoebus, Poquoson) see frequent turnovers, pets and moving-day wear. Choose floors for durability first.
| Floor | Rental rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| LVP, 20 mil wear layer | Best | Waterproof, pet-friendly, scratch-resistant, and easy to replace a plank |
| Waterproof laminate | Good | Very scratch-resistant and affordable; keep it out of full bathrooms |
| Porcelain tile | Good (wet areas) | Indestructible in kitchens and baths; colder and harder underfoot |
| Existing solid hardwood | Good with upkeep | Can be recoated or refinished between long-term tenants |
| Carpet | Poor | Stains, odors and pet damage mean frequent replacement |
Compare options in detail in LVP vs hardwood vs laminate.
Between tenants: clean, recoat or replace?
- Light wear, dull finish: a professional deep clean, usually done in a day.
- Surface scratches, finish worn in paths: a screen and recoat restores protection without sanding.
- Deep scratches, pet stains, gray wood: a full sand and refinish, typically 2–4 days.
- Water-damaged or failing floors: replace the damaged area or switch high-risk rooms to LVP.
Property managers: we can schedule turnover work in vacant units and give you an itemized written quote for each property.
Budgeting for move-out and rental floors
| Job | Typical price | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood deep clean | $150–$400 for most homes | Usually 1 day |
| Hardwood refinishing | $3–$6 / sq ft (labor) | 2–4 days for 600–1,000 sq ft |
| LVP installed | $4–$9 / sq ft | 2–4 days for 1,000–2,000 sq ft |
| Laminate | $3–$7 / sq ft (labor) | 1 day per room |
Every estimate is free and itemized, so you can compare options before your move. See the full flooring cost guide.
Tell us your move or move-in date. We will give you a written quote and a schedule that works around it.
Quick answers
How far ahead should I schedule floors before a PCS move?
About 4–6 weeks ahead, and earlier in summer, which is peak PCS season. Get the estimate first so you know your options.
What is the best flooring for a rental with pets?
LVP with a 20 mil wear layer. It is waterproof, resists scratches, and a damaged plank can be replaced without redoing the room.
Can you refinish floors in an empty house before inspection?
Yes, and an empty house is the fastest way to do it. Most refinishing jobs of 600–1,000 sq ft take 2–4 days.
Do you work with property managers and landlords?
Yes. We quote each property in writing and can schedule turnover work in vacant units.
