Our Process — Survey, Prepare, Install
Every West Flooring Services job follows the same process. We survey properly, we prepare the subfloor properly, and then we install. It's not complicated — but most contractors skip the preparation step. We never do.
Why Our Process Is Different
Floor preparation is the unglamorous part of the job — and the part that makes or breaks the result. Boards lift, tiles crack and surfaces bubble not because the product failed, but because the subfloor wasn't ready. We've spent 20 years watching other contractors skip this step. We don't.
Our Four-Step Process
Free Survey & Measure
Every job starts with a free site visit. We measure the area, assess the existing subfloor, identify any issues (damp, unevenness, previous adhesive, structural concerns) and discuss your product requirements.
- Free, no-obligation site visit
- Detailed floor measurement
- Subfloor condition assessment
- Product advice and recommendations
Quotation & Product Selection
Following the survey, we provide a clear, itemised quote. If you're supplying your own product, we'll confirm what we need from you. If you want us to supply, we'll recommend the right product for your space, usage and budget.
- Clear, itemised quotation
- Supply-and-fit or fit-only options
- No hidden costs or surprises
- Honest advice on product suitability
Subfloor Preparation
This is the most important step — and the one most contractors rush. Before a single board goes down, we prepare the subfloor to the standard required for the product and installation method. This may include:
- Grinding down high spots and removing old adhesive
- Moisture testing and DPM application where required
- Self-levelling compound for uneven floors
- Screeding for significant level changes
- Priming the surface for proper bonding
Professional Installation
Once the subfloor is ready, we install to manufacturer guidelines and best practice standards. We work neatly, protect the surrounding area, and leave the space clean when we're done.
- Installation to manufacturer specification
- Neat, tidy working practice
- Proper acclimatisation of product where required
- Site clean-up and disposal of waste
Subfloor Preparation — What We Actually Do
Preparation is the stage that takes the most time and costs the most money — and the stage that most flooring contractors either rush or invoice separately as an afterthought. We include it as standard.
Depending on the condition of your subfloor and the product being installed, preparation can involve any or all of the following:
- Grinding — removing old adhesive, levelling high spots
- Moisture testing — checking the substrate for damp that could lift or corrupt adhesive
- DPM application — damp-proof membrane where moisture readings are elevated
- Self-levelling compound — floating the floor to eliminate unevenness
- Screeding — for floors with significant level changes
- Priming — preparing the surface for adhesive bonding
We assess what's needed at survey stage. You'll know what's involved before we start.
Floors That Perform — and Last
The reason our clients come back — and recommend us to others — is simple: the floors we fit perform the way they're supposed to. They don't lift, crack, bubble or squeak. They last.
That's the result of doing the preparation properly. It adds time and cost upfront. It saves far more time and cost later. And it's the only way we're prepared to work.
Get a Free Survey
Book Your Free Survey
We'll come to you, assess your space and give you a clear, honest quote. No obligation.
Questions About Our Process
Is the survey actually free?
Yes. We offer a free, no-obligation measure and survey for all new enquiries. We'll come to your property, assess the space and the subfloor, and give you a clear quote — with no charge and no pressure to proceed.
What happens at the survey?
We measure the area accurately, assess the condition of the existing subfloor (including any damp, unevenness or structural issues), and discuss the product you're considering. We'll also advise on the best installation method and preparation requirements for your specific situation.
How long does subfloor preparation take?
It depends on the condition of the subfloor and what's required. Self-levelling compound needs 24 hours to cure before installation can begin. A simple grind and prime on a concrete subfloor might be done in a few hours. We'll tell you exactly what's needed and how long it will take at survey stage — there are no surprises.
How quickly can you start?
Our typical lead time from survey to installation is 2–3 weeks, depending on project size and product availability. We'll confirm a start date at quotation stage. Commercial projects with programme requirements can be accommodated — speak to us at survey.
Do I need to prepare anything before you arrive?
For the survey, nothing — just access to the space. For installation, we'll advise you on how to prepare the room (clearing furniture, removing old flooring if applicable, ensuring the space is free from other trades). We'll confirm everything you need to do before the start date.
