Flooring Feature
Interiors Why fl oor coverings matter
Agustina Memoli of Uplyfted discusses the importance of fl oor coverings in Social Housing and asks can a home be a decent one without fl oor coverings?
Before fl ooring installation D
ay in and day out we observe how fl oor coverings play a pivotal role in defi ning the comfort and aesthetic appeal of a home. T is is particularly true in social housing, where families may not be able
to aff ord fl oor coverings signifi cantly impacting residents’ daily lives. We understand the eff ects that fl ooring choices have on housing, and advocate for the use of modular carpet as a suitable solution for both residents and housing providers.
ECONOMIC VALUE Investing in fl oor coverings can yield signifi cant returns for housing providers. Satisfi ed residents are more likely to stay longer, reducing turnover rates and the associated void and re-letting costs. T e T irteen Group, identifi ed that improving home standards, particularly through fl ooring and wall painting, made the most signifi cant diff erence in resident satisfaction. T is led to higher retention rates and lower maintenance costs over time: • A reduction in void turnover from 11% to 7% (representing over £1 million saving).
• Increased resident satisfaction. • Reduced arrears (though some of this may be related to other factors).
T e investment in fl ooring can thus pay off through both direct fi nancial returns and enhanced community stability.
EMOTIONAL VALUE T e importance of fl ooring in social housing extends beyond mere functionality; it is about enabling dignity and house-pride for residents. Various reports, including those by Altair, have underscored the challenges faced by social housing residents when moving into homes without adequate fl oor coverings. T ese reports highlight the need for housing providers to consider fl ooring as a fundamental component of housing quality .
Improving home standards, particularly through fl ooring and wall painting, made the most signifi cant diff erence in resident satisfaction
A Bromford’s resident commented: “It helps make the fl at look more like a
home, it has created less stress on my life as I feel that I can now have visitors over and it has taken a fi nancial burden away from me”
ENHANCING COMFORT AND REDUCING NOISE One of the primary benefi ts of fl oor coverings is its ability to enhance comfort and reduce noise. Unlike hard fl ooring options, soÅ¿t fl ooring provides a soÅ¿t , cushioned surface that is pleasant to walk on. Moreover, they absorb sound, which can be crucial in multi-unit housing where noise complaints are common. Installing fl ooring can reduce noise transmission between units, creating a quieter and more peaceful living environment for all residents . Another Bromford’s resident commented: “Our shell of a house has become
a home. AÅ¿t er suff ering with bare, cold and ugly fl oors we now can walk around barefoot without the fear of frostbite! It brings warmth to each room. Aesthetically the modular carpet looks great and really lightens the rooms. Having the whole house carpeted even the stairs has made a huge diff erence to the noise levels reducing them dramatically.”
ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE Another signifi cant advantage of fl ooring is its insulation properties. Soſt fl ooring can retain heat helping in maintaining a warmer indoor environment during the colder months. T is not only contributes to the comfort of the residents but also results in energy savings which can lower utility bills.
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMMAugust/September 2024 | 45
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