Flooring advice - New Build

kev22185

Hi

Advice needed.

I'm purchasing a new build and as part of the finish of the house, skirting boards have already been fitted before we've been able to lay floors. We've opted for laminates in some rooms and carpet in others.

In relation to the laminates I can either

1) get the floors laid with beading to conceal the gap between the floorboards and the skirting or
2) remove the existing skirting to lay the floors then refit the skirting.

I'm not too fond of the appearance of option 1. It's not ugly by any means but personally I'd prefer clean lines. If I opt for the latter I believe there's potential to damage the wall / skirting boards. Has anyone any experience with this?

If I went ahead and got the guys who are laying my floor to remove the skirting would I be able to get the builders back in to fix any damage (paying for this obviously) or would I have to get someone else to do it?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Steve

I would push the builder to not fix skirting at all and have the flooring guys do it.

Don't go with beading, it will look terrible, and you have to live there and it will shout at you every day.

That said, putting on skirting is harder than it sounds, despite what you expect, the walls won't be straight and if the walls are already finished it is a difficult to do and fill without having to touch up the walls.

kev22185

Steve wrote: »

I would push the builder to not fix skirting at all and have the flooring guys do it.

Don't go with beading, it will look terrible, and you have to live there and it will shout at you every day.

That said, putting on skirting is harder than it sounds, despite what you expect, the walls won't be straight and if the walls are already finished it is a difficult to do and fill without having to touch up the walls.

Thanks for the reply. That's the issue alright. the skirting is already fixed and the walls are already finished.

dodzy

kev22185 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. That's the issue alright. the skirting is already fixed and the walls are already finished.

Depending on how the skirtings are attached is important. I would not be too concerned about damaging the walls above the skirtings as they will be approx 10mm higher once they are refitted, thus hiding any marks made on the plasterboard during removal.

If builders are still on site, it will be easy to ascertain how they fixed the skirtings; most likely just a 2nd fix nailer. Are the skirtings painted white ?

kev22185

dodzy wrote: »

Depending on how the skirtings are attached is important. I would not be too concerned about damaging the walls above the skirtings as they will be approx 10mm higher once they are refitted, thus hiding any marks made on the plasterboard during removal.

If builders are still on site, it will be easy to ascertain how they fixed the skirtings; most likely just a 2nd fix nailer. Are the skirtings painted white ?

Skirting isn't painted yet but the builder confirmed that they're nailed and glued.

sky6

Personally I hate beading myself and always prefer to remove the skirting.
I'd do what your most happy with as you'll be living there for a long time. In time you will appreciate doing it right.
If the Walls are dry lined you may do a little damage removing the Skirting. You may even break some of it but it cheap enough and better to do it right. When removing use a block of wood to spread the strain on the plasterwork when prizing off the skirting. a little filler and touch up will repair any damage.

Bonzo Delaney

It'd be no harm to run a Stanley blade across the top of the skirting in to the skim coat as some times if tec7 or stick all is used to stick the skirt it pulls half the skim with it especially if it's only on s month or so. But yeah take the skirts off especially when you have the chance to patch up with out it been noticeable.

RebelButtMunch

I'd lift the skirting. When you put it back it will be a little higher and might cover any damage you do. Added bonus is that they are already the right length. Buy some caulk too.

kev22185

Thanks all for the advice. Think I'll go have the skirting removed and have any damage patched up after fitting the floors.