When it comes to first impressions, flooring can either be the star of the show that invites guests to kick off their shoes and get cozy or a major deterrent that can cause concerns over safety and cleanliness. Especially in high-traffic areas, like entryways and living rooms, flooring can take a beating over time, and the effects can be cringe-worthy.
Scuff marks, stains, warping, rotting, dents, and other damage can certainly drag down property value. But even flooring that doesn’t have noticeable wear and tear can benefit from a makeover. The good news is that brand new flooring can instantly increase home value by offering improvements in a variety of areas.
Omega+ - Stellar Oak Peanut
Just like shag carpet reeks of the 1970s, outdated flooring is pretty easy to spot. Along with wear and tear, style has a major impact on home value, so it’s important to stay up-to-date and in-tune with current trends — even when it comes to flooring.
Parkway Pro - Ash
New flooring also increases property value by adding the assurance of the flooring’s longevity. Just like low mileage on a car, home buyers are looking for flooring that’s fresh and ready to last for years to come. Many modern flooring options offer premium features like radiant floor heating compatibility and enhanced durability, thanks to special treatments, material innovation, and installation procedures. Just like low mileage on a car, home buyers are looking for flooring that’s fresh and ready to last for years to come.
Hydrana - Gyant Natural
Many people overlook the safety factor that new flooring contributes to overall home value. For one, old flooring may have spots that have weakened from exposure and impact. In addition, many new flooring options offer advanced protection and safety features, such as a lower risk of flammability.
Blacktex HD - Futurist Earth
When it comes to calculating the monetary payoff of new flooring, much depends on the material type, quality, and how closely the flooring design lines up with current style trends. In general, real estate experts assert that wood flooring can boost the sale price of a home by a whopping 2.5%. But flooring preferences and value can also vary by region, as homes in more humid climates tend to feature less wood and more tile.
In general, traditional wood flooring is typically a safe bet for maintaining a high home value. Unfortunately, wood also has some downsides when compared with other materials, such as higher flammability, expense, and risk of warping, rotting, and insect damage.
Vinyl and laminate flooring offers an excellent alternative to traditional wood. These innovative flooring materials are often much more affordable, and they commonly feature treatments that increase durability and resistance to moisture. Many vinyl and laminate flooring options feature wood-like patterns, so homeowners can still cash in on that first impression of wood flooring without the same price tag and risks.
In addition, stone flooring can propel property value due to its luxurious appearance. However, there are also pros and cons to stone flooring. Stone is an eco-friendly flooring option that offers great durability against heavy foot traffic but can be pricey and susceptible to chipping. Other options include ceramic and porcelain tile, which are desirable in coastal regions but lack the same selling power of wood and stone.
Boardwalk - Shore Nightfall
Before you tackle your new flooring project, it is also a great time to consider other upgrades, like acrylic countertops, lighting fixtures, and window detailing, which can also boost home value. The benefit of tackling these upgrades at the same time is that homeowners can carefully pick color tones that mesh. For example, you may be torn between two different shades of flooring, but finding an acrylic countertop in a matching tone may solve the problem. Handrails, handrail brackets, curtain rods, cabinetry, and window frames are other interior design details that offer the perfect opportunity for color coordination with new flooring.
By keeping the interior fresh and welcoming, new flooring can raise the value — and enjoyment — of your home.
