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• Replace worn, stained, or outdated carpet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