Floors make or break certain resale values, but many homeowners make flooring decisions the wrong way. They choose what they love in their own homes instead of what the average buyer might want to see. But it’s clear that flooring constitutes one of the largest visual aspects of any room, and no buyer fails to notice it almost the second they step through the front door.
Good choices can increase a home’s value by thousands; bad decisions can decrease marketability. It’s clear what has a long shelf life and what’s trending, but all it takes is a little effort to look beyond personal preference for something that appeals to the masses.
What Do Buyers Want?
Buyer trends indicate that when it comes to flooring, people want less hassle and durability; they want simple, not state of the art. They want something that looks good now and will continue to look good without much maintenance in the future. This is what helps certain materials resell better than others despite costs.
Neutral patterns and colors photograph well for online listings and appeal to the largest segment of the population. People envision their furniture and décor on top of neutral floors, instead of needing to visualize empty spaces filled. Even the condition of existing flooring goes a long way; scratched and warped wood, stained carpeting or outdated linoleum render entire homes as beat up even if the upstairs baths are immaculate. Fresh flooring suggests a renewed appeal.
What’s Worth the Investment?
When it comes to flooring choices, hardwood consistently resells better than others, especially in mid-range to higher-end neighborhoods, as indicated by professional real estate agents who’ve seen it all time and time again. It speaks to buyers who see it as quality, longevity and all-around durability and appeal.
Engineered wood flooring presents many of the same benefits as hardwood but provides better stability (in terms of moisture) and sometimes easier installation. Therefore, it’s a good idea when working with spaces where we don’t want to cheapen things but also where solid hardwood may be difficult, like attics or basements.
Natural stone and tile also work in valid spaces, particularly kitchens and bathrooms, as they’re expected. Professionally tiled floors increase resale value, especially when a proper pattern is established that accommodates neutral tones.
What Should You Avoid?
At a time when carpets are trending downwards in popularity, private buyers increasingly disfavor carpet in main living areas. If it’s in the bedroom, most are cool with it, but carpeted living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms suggest antiquated designs. Also, perceptions of cleanliness and odors related to pets and other issues make carpeting less favorable than hard surfaces.
Trendy materials and patterns that buyers found appealing after installation no longer work if they’re out of style before sale time. If they clearly look like they’re from a certain decade, the material is not worth it and should be avoided.
Additionally, very high-end materials do not return as much in investment as expected – exotic hardwoods or imported stone may cost excessively over what most buyers are seeking; if most buyers are not interested in paying that much money for renovations, then they aren’t worth it.
Room by Room Guidance
Homes benefit from a consistent flooring pattern during walk-throughs, which makes spaces feel larger than smaller. Therefore, trying to keep similar flooring throughout living areas increases buyer appeal – hardwood, engineered wood or laminate are good options for these main living areas.
Kitchens benefit from appealing visuals mixed with practicality; buyers want an attractive space but one that can support kids running in and out with shoes on from outside, spills on the ground and dropped dishes. Tile seems like a good fit (luxury vinyl works as well) but engineered wood tends to appeal better than other materials.
Bathrooms benefit from moisture-friendly options; yet there’s no reason they can’t look nice too! Tiling works well in appropriate patterns and colors; heated floors lend appeal in colder climates.
In bedrooms, there is flexibility since there is less exposure (to dirt) and people spend less time in bedrooms anyway. However, consistent looks with the rest of the home tend to work better than introducing new materials.
Finances to Consider that Matter
Homeowners often think solely about material costs when determining budgets associated with flooring; however, homeowners need to investigate installation costs as sometimes they double or triple project costs associated with potential increases.
Certain materials require specialized skills that may not provide better value for ROI; those we can handle need to be appropriated as such. Additionally, preparation work costs can be extensive – in terms of covering sub-floors or leveling floors or even demolition of materials to get started.
Realistic estimates need to include prep work so that buyer expectations meet reality without exceeding budgets between planning and execution.
Timing is everything – in particular for cost increases or avoidable increases. Seasonal projects often cost more because more contractors are available; offseason projects can help pricing.
How to Make the Right Decisions
The greatest value flooring choices indicate a sense of timelessness; what’s been popular over time – and continues to be – means those decisions will likely pan out over months or years – for buyers and sellers alike.
Quality matters more than homeowners know; installed properties that fall into the mid-range category with quality work often earn better returns than poorly installed high-end options.
Market research can help decisions come to fruition as different trends are popularized in regional areas; don’t assume urban concerns translate to suburban interest (and vice-versa).
Ultimately, if the floors look good, maintain their status and are appropriate for the character and price point of the home they’re in, chances are those decisions will create beauty for now – and along the way – create value for investment.
