7 mistakes when buying a new floor that can cost you a lot of money
A new floor transforms the look of your home. But what starts as an enjoyable search for the perfect floor can end in unexpected costs or disappointment.
At NTU Vloeren Utrecht, we know how important it is to make the right choices beforehand. That is why we discuss seven common mistakes and explain how you can avoid them.
1. Only looking at the price per square metre
A floor with an attractive price can quickly seem like a good deal. But the material price doesn't tell the whole story.
Also think about the costs of:
- Removing the existing floor.
- Levelling or other preparation.
- A suitable underlay.
- Fitting the floor.
- Skirting boards, profiles and finishing.
Our advice: always ask about the total cost, including preparation and finishing. That way you know exactly where you stand.
2. Choosing a floor without considering the light
A floor can look very different in the showroom than it does at home.
Daylight, artificial light, the colour of your walls and the size of the room all affect how a floor is perceived.
A warm oak colour can look stunning in a bright living room, while the same floor looks very different in a darker space.
Our advice: ideally, also look at floor samples in your own home, at different times of the day.
3. Not having the subfloor properly checked
A beautiful floor starts with a good foundation.
A subfloor that isn't flat, stable or dry enough can cause problems, such as loose floor sections, visible unevenness or unwanted noises.
Especially with glue-down PVC, a suitable, flat subfloor is essential.
Our advice: have the required preparation assessed in advance. Not every existing floor needs to be removed, but not every subfloor is immediately suitable either.
4. Choosing the wrong floor for underfloor heating
Not every floor and underlay has the same thermal resistance.
With underfloor heating, it is important that the entire floor build-up is suitable for the heating system.
Glue-down PVC generally has a low thermal resistance. Many laminate floors and click PVC floors are also suitable, provided the right products and underlays are used.
Our advice: always check the product specifications and the manufacturer's guidelines.
5. Not taking noise into account in a flat
Do you live in a flat? Then there may be requirements for impact noise.
The right combination of floor and underlay is important here. Just any underlay with a stated noise reduction does not automatically meet the requirements of your flat.
Our advice: before you buy, check the conditions of the VvE (homeowners' association) and ask about a suitable floor build-up.
6. Underestimating the finishing
A floor can be beautiful, but sloppy finishing detracts from the end result.
Think of skirting boards, the transition at doors, threshold profiles and the finishing around door and window frames.
The available height under doors and at thresholds also deserves attention.
Our advice: discuss the finishing before you order the floor. That way you avoid surprises during fitting.
7. Ordering a floor without a complete plan
Perhaps the most important mistake: choosing a floor without first working out exactly what needs to be done.
Is the subfloor suitable? How much material is needed? Which fitting method suits the home? And who takes care of the finishing?
If these questions are only answered during installation, delays and extra costs can arise.
Our advice: make sure you have a clear plan in advance that covers materials, preparation, fitting and finishing.
Free floor check: ask yourself these 7 questions
Before you choose a new floor, it is wise to check the following points:
- What is my total budget, including fitting?
- Is my existing subfloor suitable?
- Do I have underfloor heating or underfloor cooling?
- Which floor suits my day-to-day use?
- Are there noise requirements from the VvE?
- Which skirting boards and finishes do I want?
- Is the complete job clear in advance?
Can't answer all the questions yet? Then it is wise to get advice before making a final choice.
Personal flooring advice at NTU Vloeren Utrecht
You buy a new floor to enjoy your home for years to come. That is why it is important to look beyond just the colour or the price.
At NTU Vloeren Utrecht, you can compare different floors and get advice on materials, subfloors, fitting methods and finishing.
Visit our showroom on the home furnishing boulevard next to IKEA in Utrecht and discover which floor suits your home, wishes and budget.
Avoid unnecessary costs and make the right choice straight away. Drop by NTU Vloeren Utrecht for personal flooring advice.
