Homeowners about to put their properties on the market often wonder if they should change the flooring. Many worry if the remodel will pay for itself when the home sells. Yes, a flooring update can have a high ROI, but it all depends on the flooring one chooses. The thing is, there are some flooring types which attract buyers more than others. If you want your sellers to recoup their money when they sell, tell them to choose the best flooring.
One thing that separates wood flooring from other alternatives is its timeless appeal. It offers enduring style and can last for a long time without being repaired. Even if it gets scratched or dented, it can be refinished to reproduce the original look. Wood complements any style and adds lots of value to a property. Best of all, it is loved by a majority of buyers. Wood flooring is more expensive than other flooring types, but its beauty is truly unrivalled. When well taken care of, it can last for generations. Property experts say that home sellers with wood floors can recoup up to 100% of their investment.
Sellers who want to get the look of wood flooring but have limited budgets can get engineered wood flooring. When installed, an engineered wood floor can be hard to differentiate from a hardwood floor. Engineered wood flooring is more resistant to moisture and can be used in any area of a home.
Tile flooring has numerous design possibilities and works well with any space. Tile comes in different styles and is ideal for areas that get a lot of traffic. It is perfect for wet environments as it does not absorb water like wood or concrete flooring. Tile is easy to maintain, highly durable, and beautiful to look at. It can be used on floors, walls, showers, and even backsplashes. Tile is also easy to install so DIY experts can tackle the project themselves. However, DIY amateurs should seek the help of professionals.
While laminate is not a popular choice for homes, it is less expensive than other flooring types. It is ideal for home sellers who want to replicate the look of hardwood or stone without spending thousands of dollars. Laminate is made up of a photographic layer which duplicates the texture of natural materials. The best thing about laminate is that it does not scratch as easily as tile or stain and fade like wood. Homeowners can easily install it without the help of professionals thanks to its snap-together panels.
Vinyl flooring is a great choice for active households. Functional and easy to maintain, it can give a room a striking look. While it was traditionally used in bathrooms and kitchens, it has undergone modifications in recent times and can be used in many areas of the home. It comes in a host of styles including wood, mosaic, tile, and stone. It offers the texture and richness of wood and the inherent beauty of stone. Vinyl flooring goes well with conventional, transitional, and contemporary décor.
Home buyers avoid homes with carpeting because of the cleaning and maintenance associated with it. However, carpeting is an cost-effective option for home sellers with dated floors. It also provides cushioning and insulation – two vital things in cold regions. Advise home sellers installing carpeting to choose colors that hide stains. Light colored carpets show stains and can put off potential buyers. They are also expensive to maintain as an entire carpet may need to be replaced when an accident occurs. Home sellers can also try carpet tiles as they are easy to replace in case of an accident.
Selecting quality flooring can go a long way toward helping sellers get the best offer. Tell your clients to choose flooring that appeals to a wide range of buyers. They will get bang for their bucks.
Ronique Gibson is an Associate Architect and a LEED Accredited Professional, who has been in the design industry for over 13 years. She started her design blog in 2009 and today it has become a premier destination for helping homeowners with everyday lifestyle challenges. Her readers check in daily for help with their homes, DIY project ideas, recipes, crafts, and inspiration to beautify and enjoy their homes.