Flooring installation as part of your renovation
Replacing a floor changes more than the visible surface. The condition beneath it, the transition into the next room and the clearance under doors all matter. We help define the preparation and finishing as part of our small renovations.
For a project involving walls, plumbing or cabinetry too, follow the renovation order of work. The correct installation point depends on the flooring system and the other trades, so agree the sequence before work begins.
Tell us which material and product you want to use. Installation requirements vary, including the substrate, moisture limits, acclimatisation, underlay and perimeter details. The selected product’s instructions guide those decisions.
What to check before floor laying
- Existing surface: what is fitted now, and what sits beneath it?
- Condition: are there soft patches, movement, dampness or uneven areas?
- Levels: how will the finished floor meet halls, doors and other rooms?
- Edges: will skirtings remain, be removed or need new finishing?
- Fixtures: what cabinetry, appliances and fittings affect the installation?
- Access: where can materials be delivered and furniture moved?
Unknown older flooring and adhesives should be assessed before disturbance if hazardous materials may be present. Do not lift or sand suspect material to get a better photograph.
Choosing flooring for the room
Think about how the room gets used: entry traffic, spills, pets, rolling chairs, sound and cleaning. Bring a sample into the room and look at it in the light where it will be fitted. A small sample is useful for colour; the product specification answers suitability questions.
Our vinyl vs laminate flooring comparison helps you weigh two common options. Wet-area suitability is product and installation specific, so confirm the exact system before choosing it for a bathroom or kitchenette.
If new flooring is one part of a bathroom project, use the bathroom renovation checklist to coordinate the decisions around fixtures, moisture and finishing.
What your flooring quote should make clear
| Part of the work | Question to settle |
|---|---|
| Removal | Who removes existing flooring and handles disposal? |
| Preparation | What substrate work is included, and how are hidden issues handled? |
| Materials | Who supplies the flooring, underlay and finishing trims? |
| Transitions | How will doorways, skirtings and adjoining floors be finished? |
| Handover | When can furniture return, and which cleaning instructions apply? |
The floor area is one part of the price. Preparation, the selected system, access and finishing can change the scope considerably. We start with a site visit and a written quote.
Your questions
Can I choose the flooring before the visit?
Bring the product details or a shortlist. We need to consider the room and substrate alongside the product’s installation requirements before confirming the scope.
Should flooring go in before painting?
The sequence depends on the flooring system and other work. Agree it with the trades involved, allowing for drying, protection and finishing at the edges.
Let’s plan the floor from the ground up
Send the room dimensions, photos of the existing floor and the product you are considering. Tell us about adjoining rooms and access so we can arrange a useful site visit.
Talk to us about your floor