Identify the planned covering and the existing floor construction
“The floor looks flat” does not establish whether the intended material can be installed on it. Send the contractor the exact product name and intended installation method where possible. If you have not chosen a product, first clarify which site conditions are known and which still need investigation.
Separate confirmed information from assumptions. For example, write “cement screed according to the invoice” or “substrate beneath the old covering unknown”. Do not open up the floor simply for the enquiry. Existing documents and photos of safely accessible surfaces provide a starting point for the discussion.
- Record the rooms, approximate areas and current use.
- Have the intended covering's manufacturer, range, specification and available installation instructions ready.
- Gather known information about screed, timber substrates, older layers and previous work.
- Explicitly mention underfloor heating, previous moisture damage and existing assessment records.
Eight questions for the subfloor inspection
This table supports the customer's discussion with the contractor. Ask the provider to select the checks needed for the project and record the findings clearly. Each topic may require a different assessment; concealed areas may initially remain unresolved.
| Topic | Question for the contractor | What the record should identify |
|---|---|---|
| Material and construction | Which layers are known and which have not been assessed? | Room, substrate type, information source and unresolved areas |
| Flatness | Does the measured flatness suit the intended covering and installation system? | Locations checked, assessment criteria and required levelling |
| Moisture | How will moisture be assessed for this substrate and floor build-up? | Method, unit, location, date and professional assessment |
| Strength | Is the surface sufficiently sound for the planned use and construction? | Findings and any further assessment needed |
| Cracks and joints | Which areas need a separate assessment or design decision? | Locations, responsible specialist and outstanding decisions |
| Surface and old materials | Which residues or existing layers need to be clarified first? | Material investigation and agreed preparation scope |
| Underfloor heating | Which information and documents are needed for the existing system? | Available records and information still required |
| Finished height and junctions | How will the new build-up meet doors and adjoining surfaces? | Planned heights, transitions and coordination with other providers |
Have moisture readings assessed with their method and context
MEISTER's laminate guidance distinguishes moisture limits by substrate, heating and measurement method. A percentage without that context is insufficient for comparison with the product instructions.
Ask for the result to be linked to the relevant room and test location. Which method was used, what unit expresses the result and which requirement is it being assessed against? Record who evaluates suitability for the intended floor build-up and whether anything remains unresolved.
You can add your own observations, such as a previously reported leak or visible discolouration. Label them as observations and have their cause and significance assessed. Do not use a photo or a single device reading to give your own clearance for installation.
Discuss flatness, strength and cracks separately
Ask for the outstanding issues in each room, rather than just “the subfloor is fine”. Where was an uneven area found? Which location needs further investigation? Are already visible cracks included in the inspection record? A location such as “living room, beside the balcony door” makes later questions easier to follow.
UZIN treats cracks as requiring assessment and distinguishes a walkable surface from one ready for covering. For planning purposes, ask specifically about readiness for the next task.
Ask how each proposed measure relates to a finding. Record the technical assessment separately from the scope of work: the finding describes the condition, while the quote identifies the agreed task. Assign any necessary specialist investigations or work to an appropriately qualified provider.
Clarify unknown existing layers before disturbing them
Clarify unidentified old coverings or adhesives before removal or sanding. RP Darmstadt identifies buildings constructed before 31 October 1993 as potentially containing asbestos. Have any necessary investigation and sampling arranged by competent specialists; do not open up or work on suspect layers yourself.
Include assessment and preparation clearly in the order
A phrase such as “installation on a prepared subfloor” leaves open who will do the preparation. Ask which checks are complete, which still need commissioning and which preparatory tasks the price includes. Have areas, materials and exclusions described so you can match each item to the relevant room.
Agree a process for concealed or unresolved areas: first communicate the finding, then discuss the proposed scope, price and timing. The subsequent agreement establishes which additional work has been commissioned. A general contingency allowance should not replace that discussion.
Also ask which documents describe the intended complete build-up. Where primer, levelling compound, adhesive, underlay or moisture protection is proposed, ask the contractor to explain the selection. Do not buy extra materials solely because a general label claims they suit every floor.
Record the findings before confirming the installation date
Summarise the position after the inspection in a short note and clarify outstanding points with the responsible provider. An agreed calendar date does not answer the technical questions. Agree when the contractor will assess the conditions for starting and who will be informed if anything changes.
- Room and planned product: [area, manufacturer, range, installation method].
- Basis of assessment: [provider, date, report or measurement record].
- Outstanding points: [location, question, responsible person, agreed response].
- Agreed preparation: [order item, area, materials, executing provider].
- Start condition: [what still needs to be completed or confirmed].
- Date status: [proposed / provisional subject to a condition / confirmed with the provider].
Send an enquiry through HandMen
For a referral, provide the location, rooms, approximate areas, intended covering and known unresolved questions. Describe which records are available. HandMen handles online marketing and enquiry referrals; before forwarding personal data, we identify the specific independent partner and obtain your separate consent.
Arrange subfloor assessment, technical decisions and the work directly with an appropriately qualified provider. The quote, contract, execution, invoice and payment are between you and that business. HandMen does not install flooring, assess readiness for covering or issue technical clearance. Its statutory responsibility for its own referral activity remains unaffected.
