Replacing the flooring can be a transformative and impactful upgrade to any rental property increasing the aesthetic appeal, improving the functionality of the space, and increasing the value of the home. But with all of the modern options to choose from, making a selection that best fits the profile of your property can be challenging. There are several key considerations to take into thought that will help to make the most informed decisions on flooring material and budget.
Usage and Traffic
Always consider the space and what it is traditionally used for. You would never install carpet in the kitchen because of the likelihood of spills and stains. If you’re considering carpet at all, bedrooms are usually the best location considering the lower amount of foot traffic and less likelihood of food and beverages present. In living rooms and entranceways, a hard and easy-to-clean surface like hardwood, tile, or vinyl would be a great option because of the high volume of foot traffic.
Refinish instead of Replace?
Hardwood flooring can last a lifetime, and a little sanding and buffing unveils a brand new layer of untouched wood surface. Rather than replacing those wood floors, consider refinishing them, saving you money and resources while repurposing the home’s original charm. Tile can also be brought back to life by cleaning and bleaching the grout and buffing the surface to get rid of the cloudy buildup that dulls the material over time. There are also professional grout treatment services like GroutBusters that clean and restore it to like-new appearance. When dealing with carpet, it is important to consider how long it has been installed, and the severity of the stains. While a professional carpet cleaning surface can remove the stains and the majority of the dirt, some carpets hold onto odors that have embedded into the padding. If this is the case, it is best to replace it entirely.
Noise Factor
If you own or manage apartment properties that have downstairs neighbors, noise should be an important factor to consider when selecting the type of flooring to install. Materials like hardwood, laminate, and bamboo can impact the room itself and the neighbors below due to the reverberations from sounds like heels, music, and even voices. Carpet and laminate are great sound-absorbing flooring options. In addition, installing underlayment pads beneath the surface of the flooring can greatly help in muffling noise.
Budget and Cost
First things first, budget and cost of labor and materials. Take the type of property into consideration when determining your budget. Is your property a luxury home? Do you own several small houses in a college town where your tenants are typically students moving in and out from one year to the next? Do you allow tenants to have pets in this specific property? These are all important questions to ask yourself when determining how much you are willing to invest in new flooring. If we are looking at a property where transient college students are living with 4 roommates, odds are they won’t mind the cost-effective carpet. But if this is a property where tenants are expected to stick around and call it “home” for a few years, you may want to invest in more quality materials that will add value to the property and durability.
Alternatives to Solid Wood
While the luxury of solid wood flooring is highly sought after the price tag can cause property owners to shy away from that as an option. Nowadays there are many alternatives to solid wood flooring that are just as beautiful and even more durable. Laminate is one of the most popular alternatives as it is budget-friendly, easy to clean and install, and scratch, stain, and fade resistant. Wood-look tile is a low-maintenance material that is incredibly durable, easy to clean, and completely waterproof. Bamboo flooring has made a name for itself because is an eco-friendly and more sustainable option than hardwood. It’s a great option for just about any room in the house. This wood alternative is also durable and can be refinished in the future if the planks are thick enough.