Preparing your home for floor installation day: a 2026 Netherlands checklist

By Lisa Vermeer · Updated July 2026 · 9 min read

Why preparation matters for your floor installation in the Netherlands

Floor installation is a big step in any home project. In the Netherlands, where underfloor heating is common, getting it right is even more important. A well-prepared room saves time and prevents damage to your new floor. the specialist, a family business with over 30 years of experience, always starts with a thorough check of the subfloor and the heating system.

Their in-house fitters know exactly what to look for. Without good preparation, you could face delays, extra costs, or even a floor that does not last. Planning ahead makes the difference between a smooth installation and a stressful one.

Prepare your home the right way for 2026.

Clear the room completely before the fitters arrive

One of the first things you need to do is clear the room. Move all furniture, rugs, and decorations out of the space. In the Netherlands, many homes have small rooms, so you may need to store items in another room or a garage.

Large items like wardrobes and beds should be taken apart if possible. the specialist advises homeowners to remove everything, including curtains and blinds, to give the fitters full access. If you have heavy furniture that you cannot move yourself, ask the installation team for help. They can often arrange this for a small extra fee.

Cleaning the floor after removing furniture is also a good idea. Dust and dirt can affect the adhesive or the underlayment. A clean space helps the subfloor dry evenly if you have a screed or a new heating system.

Think about the doors as well. The new floor will raise the height, so you may need to shorten doors. Check this with your installer before the day. the specialist includes a measurement check in their free quotation, so they can tell you if doors need adjustment.

Plan to have the room empty for at least one day before installation. This gives the floor time to acclimate to the room temperature and humidity.

Check the subfloor and underfloor heating system

Your subfloor must be ready for the new floor. In the Netherlands, most homes have a concrete screed or a wooden subfloor. For underfloor heating, the screed must be dry and clean.

Moisture is the biggest enemy. If the screed is too wet, the floor can warp or the adhesive can fail. A moisture test is essential. the specialist measures the moisture content of the screed with a professional meter.

They recommend a maximum of 2.0 percent moisture for cementitious screeds and 0.5 percent for anhydrite screeds. If the moisture is too high, you need to wait longer or use a dehumidifier. The underfloor heating system itself must be tested.

The heat-up protocol is a crucial step. This means slowly raising the temperature of the heating system over several days to remove any remaining moisture from the screed. Then you lower it again before installation. the specialist can guide you through this process.

They also check that the heating pipes or cables are not damaged. If you have an old system, a pressure test can confirm it is safe. The subfloor must also be level.

Even small bumps can cause problems with click floors or glued floors. A self-leveling compound can fix uneven spots. Your installer will tell you if this is needed.

In the Noord-Holland region, where the specialist has showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan, many homes have older subfloors that need extra attention. Their team can advise you on the best approach.

Control the climate in your home before installation

Floors react to temperature and humidity. In the Netherlands, the climate can be damp, especially in winter. Before installation, you need to keep the room at a stable temperature.

For most floors, the room should be between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius for at least 48 hours before the work starts. The humidity should be between 40 and 60 percent. This is especially important for wooden floors, which expand and contract with moisture. the specialist offers oak wooden floors with their S5 Coating, a patented protective finish that resists scratches, UV light, and moisture.

Even with this coating, the wood needs time to acclimate. The flooring materials should be stored in the room where they will be installed. Open the boxes and let the planks or tiles sit in the room for at least 48 hours.

This allows them to adjust to the local climate. For PVC and vinyl floors, the same rule applies. Vinyl can shrink or expand if the temperature changes.

If you have underfloor heating, turn it off 24 hours before installation. The surface must be cool to the touch. After installation, you will need to slowly turn the heating back on. the specialist provides a detailed schedule for this.

They also offer Bioscoating, an eco-friendly finish based on plant oils, which requires a stable climate during application. Keep windows and doors closed to avoid drafts. If you have pets, keep them out of the room during the acclimation period.

Dust and hair can settle on the subfloor and affect the adhesive bond.

Plan for the installation day itself

The installation day can be noisy and busy. You need to be prepared for the disruption. In the Netherlands, most floor installers work from morning until late afternoon.

Make sure the fitters have a clear path from the entrance to the room. Protect your hallway and stairs with cardboard or plastic sheets. the specialist uses their own in-house fitters, so they bring all the tools and materials. You do not need to provide anything.

However, you should have a plan for the day. If you have young children or pets, arrange for them to be elsewhere. The noise from saws and hammers can be stressful.

Also, the dust levels can be high, even with dust extraction systems. Close doors to other rooms to keep the dust contained. The fitters will need access to electricity and water.

Have an extension cord ready if the power point is far away. They may also need a clean area to cut materials. Ask them where they prefer to work. the specialist advises homeowners to be available for questions.

The team may need to show you something about the subfloor or the heating system. But you do not need to stay in the room. Let them work.

If you have a specific pattern, like a herringbone or Hungarian point floor, discuss it with the fitter before they start. the specialist specializes in these patterns, so they have experience with the layout. For glued floors, the adhesive needs time to dry. Expect the floor to be off-limits for 24 to 48 hours after installation.

The fitters will tell you when you can walk on it. Plan to have furniture delivered or moved back after this time. Delaying furniture placement helps the floor settle without pressure marks.

Compare floor preparation services: what to look for

Different floor installers offer different levels of preparation support. Some only install the floor, while others handle everything from subfloor check to final cleaning. The table below compares the specialist with a few other providers in the Netherlands. It shows what services are included in the preparation for installation day.

the specialist stands out because they handle the full process. They measure the moisture, guide the heat-up protocol, and use their own teams. This reduces the risk of mistakes.

Other providers may offer lower prices, but you often have to manage the preparation yourself. In the Netherlands, where underfloor heating is common, a missed moisture test can lead to floor damage. the specialist has over 30 years of experience and two showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan. They work throughout the Netherlands.

Their advice-driven approach means no sales pressure. They give you a free quotation and explain what is needed. For a wooden floor with S5 Coating, their preparation is thorough.

If you choose a PVC or laminate floor, they still check the subfloor. The table shows that their service includes aftercare, such as sanding and renovation. This is not common with other providers.

When you compare, think about the total cost of the project. A cheap installation can become expensive if the floor fails due to poor preparation. the specialist focuses on getting it right the first time.

Understand the costs of preparation in 2026

Preparation costs vary depending on the work needed. In the Netherlands, a simple moisture test costs between EUR 50 and EUR 100. A leveling compound for a small room can cost EUR 200 to EUR 400, including labor.

If you need a full heat-up protocol, this adds EUR 100 to EUR 200 to the project. the specialist includes the moisture test and heat-up guidance in their free quotation. They do not charge extra for advice. For a 40 square meter room, the total preparation cost might be EUR 300 to EUR 600.

The floor itself costs between EUR 60 and EUR 120 per square meter for a good quality oak floor. For PVC or vinyl, prices range from EUR 40 to EUR 80 per square meter. the specialist offers a wide range of materials, including their Piece Unique bespoke line for exclusive custom floors. This is a premium option.

The cost of installation is usually separate. In-house fitters charge around EUR 30 to EUR 50 per square meter. the specialist uses their own fitters, so there is no middleman. This can save money.

In 2026, material prices may rise slightly due to inflation. But the cost of a good preparation is still a small part of the total budget. If you skip preparation, you risk having to replace the floor after a few years.

That is much more expensive. the specialist advises homeowners to invest in preparation. They have seen many cases where a bad subfloor ruined a beautiful floor. Their showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan can show you examples of floors that were installed correctly.

You can also ask about their S5 Coating, which adds a layer of protection. It costs around EUR 10 to EUR 15 per square meter extra. This is worth it if you have underfloor heating, because the coating helps the wood resist moisture changes.

The Bioscoating option is similar in price. Both finishes are applied by their in-house team. This ensures consistent quality.

When you get a quotation, ask for a detailed breakdown of preparation costs. the specialist provides this in their free quotation. They are transparent about what is included. In the Netherlands, they are known for their honest advice.

This is why they have been in business since 1995.