What to do if you’re buying a house with squeaky floors
If you’ve spent the last few weeks scrolling through property apps and booking viewings, you’re in good company. Thousands of people across the country are out and about this month, trying to find ‘the one’.
It’s an exciting time, but as you’re walking through a potential new home, it’s easy to get distracted by the shiny stuff – the bi-fold doors, the kitchen island, or that perfectly landscaped garden. But there’s one thing you should definitely keep your ears open for: the sound of the floorboards.
If you find yourself buying a house with squeaky floors, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean the house is falling down, but it is something you’ll want to tackle sooner rather than later.
Why the noise?
Most modern homes use chipboard flooring. It’s practical, but if it hasn’t been fitted perfectly or the house has settled over time, those boards can start to rub against the joists or the fixings. That’s where that annoying ‘creak’ comes from. It’s common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it!
How to play it during a viewing
When you’re viewing a house, try to look past the staging and really ‘feel’ the building. Here are a couple of friendly tips:
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Do the ‘Landing Test’: Landings are the busiest parts of any home. Walk back and forth a few times. If it sounds like a haunted house now, imagine what it’ll be like at 2am when you’re trying to sneak to the kitchen for a glass of water!
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Listen through the carpet: Don’t assume that because a room is carpeted, the floor underneath is fine. A thick carpet can muffle the sound, but it won’t stop the movement.
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Don’t be shy: If you hear a squeak, mention it to the agent or the owner. It’s a totally fair point to bring up.
The best time to fix it
Here’s a little secret from us: the absolute best time to fix a squeaky floor is the ‘window’ between getting your keys and moving your furniture in. It’s much easier to silence those boards when the rooms are empty.
If you’ve found a house you love but the floors are acting up, get in touch with us at SqueakFix. We can help you figure out what needs doing so you can move into a home that’s actually peaceful.
After all, your new home should be a place of rest, not a place where the floors tell everyone exactly which room you’re walking into!