The split-subfloor reality
Almost every inter-war semi we survey has a two-part subfloor: suspended timber under the lounge and bedrooms, and solid concrete or an old concrete-and-ash mix under the kitchen and hall. The two rarely sit at exactly the same height, which is the first thing we measure.
Where a house has had a kitchen extension, there's often a third subfloor type again, usually a more recent concrete slab, which needs its own moisture check before flooring goes down.
Where this housing sits in Fife
Inter-war semis are common in the outer parts of Dunfermline, Inverkeithing and Kirkcaldy, and in the older sections of Glenrothes that predate the new town development. Most are unlisted, giving more flexibility on finish choices than villa or tenement stock.
What we'd avoid here
- Fitting one continuous hard floor across a timber-to-concrete threshold without addressing the height difference first.
- Ignoring the chimney breast recess when measuring lounge width — it's easy to underorder material.
Hallway wear patterns
Hallways in this house type take heavy daily traffic between front door and kitchen, so durability tends to matter more here than in the lounge, even in houses where budget is focused on the living room finish.
Doorway and threshold checks
- Height difference between timber and solid sections
- Condition of any door bars or trims already fitted
- Whether the chimney breast is still present or has been removed
- Signs of old ash-concrete mix breaking up under lino