Shared-ownership home improvement, what can I do?

zag2me

I'm just about to complete on my shared ownership new build flat.

Does anyone know if its ok to put down laminate flooring, and paint the walls ect. Are there any restrictions on this?

lynnexxxo

Hi

I'd avoid putting laminate floor down in a flat. Its really noisy and your neighbours below will hate you forever.

I'm pretty sure you can paint it whatever colour you fancy, although most new builds say leave painting for a year incase any cracks develop (the painting doesn't cause the cracks just the developer will come round with white filler and spoil your newly painted walls).

pinkshoes

Check your lease for what it says about flooring! Ours says "carpets or suitable alternative", so we put laminate down with quite a thick underlay for soundproofing as we find carpets too dusty. The builder came round to do the snagging list the other day and was under the impression that the lease says that we can't have laminate or wooden flooring, but I guess i'll argue that out with the freeholder if it's a problem!

I think you can do whatever you like as long as you don't cause any structural damage or changes! (don't go knocking walls down!)

cattie

Many leases specifically mention floors must be carpeted to avoid the noise from your flat disturbing others living below you.

If there is a clause about the type of suitable flooring stated in the lease & a lease owner chose to ignore, then any other leaseholder affected by noise coming from the flat due to inadequate flooring type, can make an official complaint to freeholder.

zag2me

Thanks, I think I will just go ahead and order the new floor. Carpets are so 1980s