Wooden flooring, ranging from laminate options to authentic hardwood, has become a sought-after choice for leasehold flats. At Strangford Management Ltd, a London-based block management company, we’ve encountered virtually every variation.
When managed correctly, a natural-looking flooring project can transform a flat into a warm and inviting space. However, a poorly planned refurbishment can lead to significant disruptions for other residents, freeholders, property managers, and even the flat owner.
Here’s how to achieve the benefits of wooden flooring while minimizing disruption to yourself and your neighbors.
Understanding Regulations and Legalities Around Wooden Flooring
The Lease
Before considering any changes, always start with your lease. It outlines the rules regarding alterations to your flat and any permissions required.
Obtaining Permission
In most cases, you’ll need permission from the freeholder to alter the fabric of your flat, including the flooring. The process is typically straightforward, but requirements vary by property manager. At Strangford Management, we typically request:
- Professional drawings (before and after)
- A detailed project timeline
- Contractor insurance, method statements, and contact details
A nominal fee may apply for obtaining written approval, depending on the freeholder.
Building Regulations
Although specific guidelines for installing wooden flooring vary, building regulations emphasize minimizing noise pollution. Document E of the Building Regulations outlines obligations to reduce noise impact on others. Always discuss these requirements with your contractor to avoid the costly mistake of having to redo your flooring.
Legal Obligations
We recommend informing your downstairs neighbors about your plans, as this can preempt potential issues. Legally, leaseholders are entitled to “quiet enjoyment” of their property, meaning noise disturbances—such as insufficient soundproofing under wooden floors—can lead to complaints.
Under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local councils are obligated to investigate noise complaints. If your flooring is found to be a nuisance, an abatement notice may be issued, which could escalate to legal action if ignored.
Types of Wooden Flooring: A Guide
Wooden flooring is a popular and versatile choice. Below are three main types, each offering unique benefits:
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Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is made up of a compressed, multi layered, fibreboard. It then has a photographic image applied with a final clear protective layer on top.
The benefits of laminate flooring are:
– Tends to be cost effective
– Easy to install as it comes in ‘click in’ system
– Wide variety of designs as it uses a photographic image as a top layer
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Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wooden flooring is made up of two or more layers of wood in the form of a plank.
The benefits of Engineered wood flooring are:
– It can have an expensive resulting look
– Fewer changes due to temperature and humidity
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Solid Wooden Flooring
Solid wooden flooring, as it sounds, is made up of a singular piece of wood, varying in its density and thickness depending on what type of wood used.
The benefits of solid wooden flooring are:
– Traditional, exquisite look
– Can be used as a benefit due the sale or letting of the flat
Wooden flooring design ideas
Whilst having natural flooring has become popular, a simple straight plank floor design has become slightly dated. We have become used to seeing more intricate designs with more adventurous styles in London homes. Below we have shown a few examples of wooden flooring in bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms:
Bathroom wooden floor design:
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Kitchen wooden floor design:
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Living room wooden floor design:
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Block Management London – Strangford Management Ltd
Now having explained the benefits of wooden flooring as well as the problems that you can encounter with a poorly managed project, it is imperative that your Property Manager provides you the best advice and guidance prior to your project commencement so that you can enjoy your new flooring.
Strangford Management Ltd is a specialist property management company in London, providing professional advice to flat owners across all property management issues.
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