Monday, January 9, 2017

Understanding Flooring Options for Selling Your Home

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  • Replace worn, stained, or outdated carpet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