When carrying out the replacement of the flooring in an existing office or shop, you first need to know what is currently in place. The state of the old floor, the surface below it and the way in which the building has changed over time can all influence the subsequent work.
For businesses looking at commercial flooring in Melbourne, it makes sense to assess the existing space before settling on the replacement product.
Find Out Why the Current Floor Needs Replacing
The reason for replacement can point to what should be checked next.
Some floors are simply worn or dated. Others may have loose sections, lifting edges, damaged joins or uneven areas.
If the problem is only on the surface, replacement may be fairly straightforward. If the same issue appears in several places, it may be worth checking whether the cause sits underneath the existing floor.
If you know why the old floor failed, you will be able to prevent the same mistake from happening in the new installation.
Expect the Subfloor to Need a Closer Look
The condition underneath the existing flooring may not be clear until removal begins.
Old adhesive, uneven patches or previous repair work can be hidden by carpet, vinyl or other finishes. These areas may need preparation before the new floor can be installed properly.
Older offices and retail premises can be especially unpredictable because the floor may have been replaced or altered several times over the years.
This is why the existing surface should not be used as the only guide to what lies underneath.
Check the Finished Floor Height
A floor that is new must fit neatly with the adjacent surfaces.
Consider the doorways, the tiled sections, the entrances to the lifts and all other areas of the premises where the new flooring will be adjacent to something that remains.
The final height can also be slightly affected by a change in the type of flooring.
It is simpler to deal with these details prior to ordering the product than after installation has already begun.
Measure the Space as It Exists Today
Old plans do not always reflect the current layout.
An office may have new partitions or built-in storage. A shop may have changed its counters, displays or back-of-house area since the original fit-out.
Calculate the areas that are to be replaced in accordance with the present premises.
It provides a more accurate estimate of the amount of flooring required and helps prevent depending on dimensions that no longer match the site.
Fit the Flooring Into the Refurbishment Schedule
The flooring should be planned in relation to the other work taking place on site.
The same office or retail renovation might include painting, electrical work, joinery and the installation of partitions. The sequence of these jobs is important.
Installing the floor too early can leave it exposed while other trades are still working. Leaving it too late can make access around finished cabinetry or other fixtures more difficult.
It is useful to agree on the sequence before the old flooring comes up.
Allow for the Way the Site Will Be Used During the Work
The available installation window can shape the project.
A vacant tenancy is usually easier to work through than an operating shop or office. If the business needs to remain open, the work may have to fit around quieter periods or a planned closure.
That should be discussed before installation dates are confirmed.
The objective is to determine the amount of continuous access available, rather than dealing with it after the materials and installers have already been on site.
Check the Site Before Making the Final Flooring Choice
A replacement floor should suit both the business and the condition of the premises.
Once the existing floor, subfloor, floor heights and refurbishment schedule are understood, it becomes much easier to narrow down suitable commercial flooring options.
Hi Style Floors supplies and installs commercial flooring for Melbourne offices, retail spaces and fit-out projects. Speak with the team about replacing an existing floor or visit the Thomastown showroom to compare suitable options for your premises.