Renovating the floors in your home can be both daunting and exciting at the same time.
Whilst it means you can (finally) say goodbye to those dusty old carpets – and update them for something new and improved – lots of things can go wrong if not properly executed.
That’s why, in today’s article, we thought we’d share some of the biggest mistakes people make when renovating their floors. We’ll even be offering tips on how to avoid such blunders.
So, let’s get started.
#1 Buying cheap flooring materials
We get that home renovation projects can be costly, and although there are things you can do to keep your expenditure to a minimum – like sourcing your materials and doing jobs yourself – you shouldn’t cut any corners with your flooring.
After all, choose the wrong flooring and you’ll end up replacing it in a few years (if not sooner!).
The solution? Pick top-quality and durable flooring that will stand the test of time. While you might have to spend more upfront, it will last much longer than the cheaper varieties and save you money in the long run.
#2 Skimping on flooring installation
There are several different flooring options on the market today, including laminate floorboards that simply click into place. With this in mind, many people decide to skip the middleman and install new flooring themselves to minimise their costs. But this is not advisable!
As much as choosing high-quality flooring is important, so too is hiring a reputable installer to ensure that your floors are installed safely and to a professional standard.
So, take some time to do your research, read reviews, ask friends and family for recommendations. And if your floors aren’t level, it’s worth contacting JCW – floor screeding specialists – to even out any impurities before the final finish is applied.
#3 Unrealistic timelines
Have you been meaning to renovate your floors for a while? Did lockdown put your plans on the back burner? At this point, you’re probably desperate to get the job done ASAP. But this is where most people go wrong.
Of course, having a plan of action is always helpful. However, expecting your flooring to be laid and furniture moved back in on the same day is a tall order. And unexpected issues can arise at any moment – meaning the finish date could be pushed back.
Our best advice? Allocate yourself and your installers ample time.
#4 Choosing the wrong flooring material
Knowing which type of flooring material to select can be difficult – especially when there are rooms that are prone to moisture (i.e. the kitchen and bathroom), and areas that receive lots of foot traffic like the hallway, stairs, landing, and lounge.
One of the biggest mistakes made when renovating floors is opting for a “trendy” product that will, no doubt, go out of fashion in a few years.
Therefore, to ensure your floors look great for years to come – we suggest you seek advice from your local flooring experts to determine the most suitable flooring for your lifestyle and style needs. They will be able to advise you on a timeless style that will suit the room, as well as the whole family’s demands.
And don’t forget to set yourself a realistic budget for materials, contractors, labourers, remodelling, etc. You might also want to have an emergency fund in case you run into any unexpected issues along the way.