Handymen: Floor & Curtains

Handymen: Floor & Curtains

You've successfully landed a job and an apartment in the Netherlands. Upon entering your new home, you may find yourself in a peculiar situation

—the apartment might not have any flooring—

because the previous owner took it. Don't be alarmed; this is a common practice here, similar to the lack of kitchen cabinets and appliances in Germany. If you're looking to buy flooring, several options are available to you: DIY Stores like Gamma and Praxis, specialized flooring retailers like Karwei and Kwantum, and online platforms such as Bol.com and Coolblue. When making your choice, take into consideration the type of flooring, your budget, and the desired look for your space (home decorators suggest to go for different shades of brown and avoid grey). IKEA is always a safe and popular option.

Keep in mind that installing laminate, a popular flooring option, is much like putting together a puzzle; you can find many instructional videos for beginners online on YouTube.

Aside from missing floors, your apartment might not have curtain rods either. The first step is to inquire with your apartment owner or rental company for suggestions. Then consider ringing your neighbors' doorbells. Dutch people are often well-equipped for home maintenance, so even if your neighbors don't have recommendations, they'll likely have a ladder and drilling equipment you can borrow. Alternatively, you can visit local hardware stores to ask if they have a list of handymen or can recommend some. Online marketplaces like Marktplaats and platforms like Werkspot also offer a range of handyman services, complete with customer reviews. Other digital platforms that can connect you with local service providers are Zoofy and Hlprs.

*** When hiring a handyman, it's important to: check their credentials and level of experience; read reviews from former clients to gauge their dependability and the quality of their work; get multiple quotes for comparison; have a clear conversation about your requirements and expectations; discuss their availability, payment terms, and ensure they have the required licenses and insurance. ***


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