Agustina Memoli of Uplyfted discusses the importance of floor coverings in Social Housing and asks can a home be a decent one without floor coverings?

Day in and day out we observe how floor coverings play a pivotal role in defining the comfort and aesthetic appeal of a home. This is particularly true in social housing, where families may not be able to afford floor coverings significantly impacting residents’ daily lives. We understand the effects that flooring 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 floor coverings can yield significant returns for housing providers. Satisfied residents are more likely to stay longer, reducing turnover rates and the associated void and re-letting costs. The Thirteen Group, identified that improving home standards, particularly through flooring and wall painting, made the most significant difference in resident satisfaction. This 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).

The investment in flooring can thus pay off through both direct financial returns and enhanced community stability.

Emotional Value

The importance of flooring 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 floor coverings. These reports highlight the need for housing providers to consider flooring as a fundamental component of housing quality​.

A Bromford’s resident commented:

“It helps make the flat 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 financial burden away from me”

2.2. Enhancing Comfort and Reducing Noise

One of the primary benefits of floor coverings is its ability to enhance comfort and reduce noise. Unlike hard flooring options, soft flooring provides a soft, 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 flooring 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. After suffering with bare, cold and ugly floors 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 difference to the noise levels reducing them dramatically.”

Environmental Value

Another significant advantage of flooring is its insulation properties. Soft flooring can retain heat helping in maintaining a warmer indoor environment during the colder months. This not only contributes to the comfort of the residents but also results in energy savings which can lower utility bills.

A Raven Housing Trust resident commented:

“I love it, it looks really good. It’s made a big difference, it was colder in here before, now it’s much warmer, and it’s helped reduce echoing.”

Carbon footprint must be an important consideration when procuring materials for housing. Procuring ultra-low carbon products is a crucial step for housing providers to significantly reduce the overall carbon emissions associated with construction and maintenance. Adopting low carbon solutions is not just an environmental imperative but also a strategic move to meet regulatory requirements and societal expectations for sustainable development.

Conclusion

Flooring is a critical aspect of housing that influences economic, environmental and emotional value. For social housing, where residents often face financial, physical and mental hardships, choosing suitable flooring can make a significant difference. Floor coverings can enhance the living conditions in social housing, ensuring dignity for all residents.

Agustina Memoli, Co-founder & Commercial Director at Uplyfted