NEW BUILD FLOORING: BETTER QUALITY, LOWER PRICES THAN YOUR DEVELOPER

If you are buying a new build home in the UK, your developer will offer flooring upgrades through an options meeting or choices programme. The products on offer — typically Amtico, Karndean or Moduleo — are good flooring. The prices are not. Developer markup on flooring is consistently and significantly higher than what the same products cost through an independent flooring retailer.

We supply flooring to new-build home buyers across the UK every week. Whether you are purchasing from Taylor Wimpey, Barratt, Persimmon or any other housebuilder, this guide explains your options, what to look out for, and how to get better flooring for less money.

WHY NEW BUILD FLOORING COSTS MORE THROUGH YOUR DEVELOPER

Housebuilders do not sell flooring at retail prices. The quotes presented at your options meeting include layers of markup — the developer’s margin, the subcontractor’s margin, and often a restricted product range that limits your choice to a handful of ranges from one or two brands.

By sourcing your flooring independently through a specialist retailer, you benefit in four ways:

Lower prices on identical products. The same Amtico Spacia, Karndean Van Gogh or Moduleo range that appears on your developer’s options list is available through us at a significantly lower price. Most home buyers find they can floor their entire home for less than the developer would charge for just the ground floor.

A far wider choice. Instead of a shortlist of pre-selected designs, you have access to the full catalogues of Amtico, Karndean, Moduleo, Project Floors, Invictus, Nordikka, Brampton Chase, Textures, Elements Inspirations and engineered wood flooring — hundreds of designs across every price point.

Specialist installation. Developer flooring is typically fitted by general site trades working to a tight build schedule. An independent flooring retailer uses dedicated fitters who install LVT and engineered wood every day, with the time and care to get the finish right.

Direct warranty registration. When you buy through an approved retailer, your manufacturer warranty is registered directly with the brand. Through a developer, warranty claims often fall into a gap between the housebuilder and their subcontractor.

WHICH HOUSEBUILDER ARE YOU BUYING FROM?

We have put together dedicated flooring guides for the UK’s most popular housebuilders. Each page covers what that developer typically offers, how their pricing compares to independent supply, and which products work best for their standard house types:

If your developer is not listed above, the advice on this page applies to all new builds regardless of the housebuilder.

BEST FLOORING TYPES FOR NEW BUILDS

New-build homes share common characteristics — underfloor heating, concrete screeds, open-plan layouts — that narrow the field to two flooring types that perform best in these conditions.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

LVT is the most popular flooring choice for new builds. It is thin and thermally conductive, making it ideal over underfloor heating. It is completely waterproof, extremely durable, and available in highly realistic wood and stone effects that suit open-plan living spaces.

The brands we supply most often to new-build home buyers:

  • Amtico — the most requested brand among new-build buyers. Ranges include First (entry level), Spacia (the most widely specified residential range), Form (mid-premium with enhanced wear layer) and Signature (unlimited laying patterns, lifetime warranty).
  • Karndean — outstanding textures and finishes. Knight Tile for whole-house value, Van Gogh for mid-range quality, and Art Select for premium hand-finished designs.
  • Moduleo — commonly offered by developers at inflated prices. The same product costs significantly less when sourced independently.
  • Project Floors — commercial-grade glue-down LVT with exceptional durability, available in herringbone, chevron and wood plank formats.
  • Invictus — premium quality at a sensible price point. An excellent choice for buyers who want commercial-grade durability without the premium-brand cost.
  • Nordikka, Brampton Chase, Textures and Elements Inspirations — outstanding value for whole-house LVT installations, all available to order online with nationwide delivery.

Engineered Wood Flooring

For living rooms, dining areas and bedrooms, engineered wood flooring delivers the warmth and character of real timber with the dimensional stability needed over underfloor heating. Engineered boards resist the expansion and contraction that would cause problems with solid wood over a heated screed.

Our GF Engineered Wood collection is available in herringbone, plank and Versailles formats — a popular choice for new-build home buyers who want real wood in key rooms with LVT in wet areas and high-traffic zones.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU INSTALL

Screed Drying and Moisture

New-build concrete screeds can take months to dry fully. Moisture levels must fall below 75% relative humidity before standard adhesive installation. If your screed has not yet dried to that level, a damp-proof membrane (DPM) can be applied to screeds with moisture readings up to 99% RH, allowing installation to go ahead without waiting. A reputable fitter will always test moisture levels and recommend the right preparation before starting work.

Underfloor Heating

Most new builds include underfloor heating as standard. Both LVT and engineered wood are compatible with UFH systems, though LVT transfers heat marginally faster due to its thinner profile. All the brands listed on this page are approved for use with underfloor heating — always check the specific range’s maximum temperature rating with your installer.

Builder Warranty

Sourcing flooring independently does not affect your NHBC or builder structural warranty. Flooring is a cosmetic finish, not a structural element. You are free to choose any supplier and installer without impacting your warranty cover.

Timing Your Installation

You can order your flooring before completion and have it delivered ready for fitting once you have the keys. Many of our customers arrange installation within the first week of moving in. If you are working with our supply and fit team, we can coordinate delivery and fitting around your completion date.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Supply Only — Nationwide Delivery

We supply every brand and range listed above with delivery anywhere in the UK. You choose your flooring, we deliver it to your door, and your own installer fits it. This is the most popular option for new-build home buyers outside our local area. Browse our full range and order online.

Supply and Fit — Cheshire and South Manchester

If your new build is in Cheshire or South Manchester, we offer a complete supply and fit service — one price, one point of contact, fitted by our own experienced team. We cover Altrincham, Sale, Stretford, Urmston, Chorlton, Didsbury, Worsley, Hale, Bowdon, Timperley, Lymm, Knutsford, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Prestbury, Macclesfield, Poynton, Bramhall, Cheadle, Stockton Heath, Appleton, Warrington, Northwich, Hartford, Winsford, Middlewich, Sandbach, Holmes Chapel, Congleton, Nantwich, Crewe, Tarporley, Frodsham, Chester, Manchester and the wider Cheshire area.

Visit our Altrincham showroom to see every range displayed at full scale — open 24/7 via smart lock, so you can browse at a time that suits you. Request your free access code here.

ARE YOU A DEVELOPER OR BUILDER?

If you are a housebuilder, property developer or building contractor fitting out new builds, we offer something different. Grosvenor+ is our professional account programme — it gives developers and builders access to trade pricing on LVT and engineered wood flooring, with nationwide delivery, project tools and dedicated support.

Whether you are fitting out a single show home or supplying flooring across a multi-plot development, Grosvenor+ can help you reduce costs without compromising on product quality. Find out more about trade flooring for developers.

GET A QUOTE

Send us your floor plan and we will provide a full quotation — typically within the same working day. Include your developer name, house type and preferred flooring style, and we will recommend the best options for your budget.

Call: 0161 706 0469
WhatsApp: 07535 325966
Email: contact@grosvenor-flooring.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I get the same flooring my developer offers?

Yes. We are approved retailers for every brand we sell, including Amtico, Karndean, Moduleo, Project Floors and all other LVT and engineered wood brands listed on this page. The products are identical to what your developer would install — the only difference is the price.

Will sourcing flooring independently affect my builder warranty?

No. Flooring is a cosmetic finish and is not covered by or conditional upon your NHBC or builder structural warranty. You are free to use any supplier and installer.

How soon after completion can I have flooring installed?

With a DPM applied, installation can often proceed shortly after completion even if the screed has not fully dried. Without a DPM, the screed must reach below 75% RH first — typically 4 to 12 weeks after the slab is poured, depending on conditions. We always test moisture levels before fitting.

Do you deliver nationwide?

Yes. We deliver to any UK address. Many of our new-build customers are outside our local supply-and-fit area and order for delivery with their own installer arranging the fitting.

Which is better for a new build — LVT or engineered wood?

Both work well over underfloor heating and concrete screeds. LVT is waterproof, thinner, and transfers heat slightly faster — ideal for kitchens, hallways and bathrooms. Engineered wood provides the warmth and character of real timber — popular in living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Many new-build home buyers use a combination of both. See our full guides to luxury vinyl flooring and engineered wood flooring for more detail.

Can I order before my home is completed?

Yes. We recommend placing your order once you have a confirmed completion date. We can hold stock and coordinate delivery to arrive when you are ready for installation.