The big make-over has begun at our house. After a (very) great deal of discussion, we have found and bought some fairly crappy white vinyl flooring for the kitchen and cloakroom, which both have chipboard floors.

As we'll be fitting it ourselves, does anyone have any tips/dos and don'ts?

We've both fitted the stuff before, but I'm not very good at it...

Any chance of finding a specialist who will do it for cash. Guys who know what they are doing can do it lightning fast and very well.

It's a cost thing, MRS. We're getting the carpet fitted professionally, but figured we'd do the lino ourselves. As usual, every penny counts...

Understand that, Jim - I just wonder if the amount you'd save is worth it or whether the carpet fitter would do it for some pocket cash.

Other than that, I'd try YouTube

We did ask the carpet fitter, but it seemed more than we expected (although he is pretty reasonable for the carpets). Might be worth asking again how much extra to tag on 2 small bits of vinyl...

We are expecting to do a bit of reconfiguring in the next couple of years (finances allowing), so are keen to keep our spending on stuff that may well be ripped up in the not-too-distant future to a minimum.

http://youtu.be/fDUD36VPD_U

Good old B&Q to the rescue. Looks pretty straight forward which means it will be massively complicated and next doors cat will become a permanent feature under the flooring.

Don't be tempted to kick or push it with your knee when trying to stretch it out to fit, it can tear quite easily! Also try not to fold it when moving it around since the crease mark might not go away. Need to make sure floor is smooth and flat and free from any small debris. Best if you can tuck the edges under things like carpet bars into next room, under cupboard plints or skirting boards, or you can use laminate edge strips, but if you have to cut it to butt up against a wall use a sharp knife and consider laying down a bead of sealant to cover the inevitably wobbly cut line...just my 2p worth...

I watched that, Jimbo. It's always a useful yardstick for these things if you can compare the video with your own experience. In this case, I estimate that it will take me three days and cost me two fingers. At the end of which, I'll need to order more flooring. I think I'll have another word with the fitter as MRS suggested...

If you have a cat then note its whereabouts if you pull up any floorboards during the install. Double check said whereabouts before replacing the flooring and triple check it before moving the washing machine back into place. It will save you loads of time trying to work out where the miaowing is coming from.

No need to ask how I know that.

Get a contour gauge, helps with marking out the odd shapes for cutting. eg. ebay # 400838963336.

All good advice. Our two cats and recently acquired puppy will not be moving in until all decorating/ flooring activities have been completed. They are enough of a handful in a non hazard-enriched environment.
I think we may allow the professional to take charge...

What size is the vinyl and how much were you quoted by the carpet fitter?
Carpet fitters sometimes price there selves out of vinyl jobs deliberately....
As they can't really fit it, ALOT more skill and precision involved in fitting vinyl!
Customers always ask if vinyl can be done by themselves to which I reply, no, not really, have a go a carpet fitting by all means as if you cut it a little short you can get away with it as it will stretch.... Vinyl won't, therefore you have to be really precise...

Nick

Carpet AND vinyl fitter

Nick, er, what are you doing this afternoon...?! Don't fancy stopping off in Stroud on the way to see Flea...?!

The carpet fitter is - I think - also a vinyl fitter, but I don't know if he would rather not do the job.

Basically, it's a 3.5 x 2m kitchen, straight across, with no cut-arounds and a 1 x 1.75 cloakroom with a loo and basin pedestal. Nothing complex.

The worst bit (for me, anyway) is cutting around the moulded doorframes.