The floor is one of the most important elements of a home. Its appearance can completely transform the aesthetics of a space. It is the grand backdrop on which to set the aesthetics of the house, and more. We have a very tangible relationship with the floor we walk on every day. The materials that compose it and the systems beneath it significantly determine our experience of the house. Moreover, the renovation of the flooring can prove to be a particularly invasive event, as it requires the complete clearing of the area where the work is being done. For these reasons, the renovation of the floor is a crucial phase of any renovation project, always to be carefully evaluated together with an expert technician.
Before making any decision, considerations must be made: what is the budget for the renovation? What is the condition of the floor to be renovated? How long will the work take? To answer these questions with certainty, a specialized technician is needed to conduct a thorough inspection of the property. It is also necessary to carefully evaluate the condition of the systems beneath the flooring. At this point, the big question will be addressed: demolish or cover the old floor?
Demolishing the Old Flooring: Pros and Cons
If there are old and worn-out systems beneath the flooring, demolition becomes a necessary choice. It will be necessary to demolish the floor completely or partially, and then also the screed, to allow for the installation of more modern and functional systems. The operation is certainly invasive and has costs that need to be considered carefully. However, a radical renovation can represent a great opportunity to upgrade the property and an excellent investment from many perspectives. Very often, it is necessary to intervene on the underlying screed to make it suitable for laying the new floor. In these cases, an acoustic insulation layer or a new radiant heating system is also installed. When interventions go this deep, modifying the screed and systems, it is necessary to request permits from the Municipality for extraordinary maintenance work, such as the Communication of Start of Works. Therefore, it is necessary to inquire with your reference Municipality.
Choosing to Cover the Old Flooring
If the systems do not present particular issues, you can consider covering the existing flooring, thus avoiding its demolition. However, it is necessary to first verify the solidity of the floor, that is, the adhesion state of the tiles or parquet to the screed. It is also essential to consider the flatness of the old floor, meaning the regularity of its surface, as well as the levels of doors and French windows. In some cases, it may be necessary to make changes and adjustments to the fixtures. A window installer will need to adjust the door levels, taking into account the planned overlay. These interventions are relatively light in their execution and do not require significant financial commitment. Covering the old flooring offers several advantages, as:
- Demolition and disposal costs of the old flooring are eliminated
- The intervention timeframes are significantly shortened
- Noise at the construction site is significantly reduced
- Generally, there is no obligation to open specific bureaucratic procedures
For vintage enthusiasts and those interested in retro interior design, there is also another opportunity. A floor could be restored by a skilled tiler. The old, out-of-fashion floor of grandma’s could reveal untapped potential. The expert eye of an Interior Designer might suggest how to reinterpret it in a new, imaginative, and original way.
There are many solutions, and there is no universally valid answer for every case. Valid considerations on costs and benefits can only be made with the help of expert technicians who know how to assess the specifics of each intervention. Every house has its own story. Those who live in it have ever-new needs and aspirations. For this reason, Domidea creates a direct link between those who design the house and those who live in it. If you are thinking of renovating your home, contact us to schedule a free and no-obligation inspection.
