Many of the decisions made regarding flooring, in terms of what buyers will prefer to see, will be market specific. Often the price-point of the house will dictate the extent of upgrades required for flooring.
Updates and Repairs
- Replace worn, stained, or outdated carpet
- Stretch and tack down loose carpet
- Check grout for condition, and re-grout cracked or recessed grout (clean stained or discoloured grout)
- Touch-up minor floor scratches
- Refinish worn hardwood
- Upgrade as necessary
Types of Flooring
Laminate
- Most often used to replicate wood, this versatile and durable flooring can also mimic the look of tile
- Available in a range of quality – a good quality laminate can be much more durable than hardwood (not as sensitive to temperature and humidity changes)
- Not easily scratched or dented, and therefore ideal for use with pets and kids
- Easy to install, and may be installed over most types of flooring
- Good for medium to lower priced homes – considered an inexpensive upgrade by buyers
- Not ideal in areas prone to moisture (i.e. bathrooms, laundry room, or kitchen)
- Works best in living rooms, bedrooms, and basements
Hardwood Flooring
- Has a natural pattern and colour, and the pattern will have variations
- Some woods are not actually “hard” woods, despite their name, and have a low level of durability
- Will expand and contract depending on temperature – should be installed in rooms that experience a fairly consistent temperature and humidity level
- If hardwood floors already exist in a home, consider refinishing to update colour and remove scratches
- Engineered vs Natural
- Both are great products, very durable
- For comparable quality, the pricing for either is generally relatively similar
- Engineered:
- Less sensitive to humidity and temperature changes
- Not recommended to be sanded and refinished
- Available in wider plank sizes than natural
- May be installed on any level of the house
- Natural:
- Will expand and contract due to temperature and humidity changes – should be installed to allow for this without buckling
- May be sanded and refinished numerous times (approximately 10 times on average)
- Recommended in above-grade rooms only
- Works best in living rooms and bedrooms, but great for any room above grade
TIP: Avoid distinct or trendy wood features for the purpose of resale
Tiles
- Travertine and natural stone tiles have a varying texture and colour
- Natural stone tiles should be re-sealed regularly
- Porcelain tiles are harder and more durable than ceramic, but often more expensive
- Ceramic tiles often mimic porcelain tiles but are less durable and may crack or break if items are dropped on them
- Tiles should be installed on flat surfaces, otherwise grout will crack, as could the tiles
- Tiles can be a cold surface if heating is not installed with it
- Good for installing as an upgrade from linoleum
- Works best in bathrooms, entries, and laundry rooms
Carpet
- Once considered a luxury item, carpet is now considered an inexpensive flooring option, and is much less appealing to most buyers
- Considered less hygienic – people with allergies often opt for a home that is carpet-free (if carpet is being removed from a home, consider replacing it with a non-carpet flooring alternative – i.e. hardwood)
- Varies in heights, known as “pile” – a higher pile generally reflects a higher cost as well
- Always ensure a high-quality under-pad is installed to maximize the value of the carpet
- Works best in basements or bedrooms
Contact Beyond The Stage Homes today to find out how to get your property sold!
Phone: +1 (226) 240-0766
Email: info@btshomes.com
www.beyondthestagehomes.com
Phone: +1 (226) 240-0766
Email: info@btshomes.com
www.beyondthestagehomes.com
