The flooring in your home can make a massive difference to how it looks and feels. However, could it also add value to the property? That is the question a lot of homeowners ask themselves when looking for a new floor.
While certain types of flooring can make the property more desirable, it is unclear exactly how much value they can add. Here, you'll discover everything you need to know about how different types of flooring can impact the value of your investment.
Solid and engineered wood flooring
Solid and engineered wood flooring tends to add the most value to the home, although the exact amount is unknown. It boasts the most aesthetically pleasing designs and is considered the most popular type of flooring for homeowners.
The main reasons these floors are a popular choice is because they're easy to maintain, contain low allergens and they look visually more appealing. So, having these types of flooring in the home will greatly increase its appeal.
You could get away with charging slightly more for a property with wooden flooring. However, it will largely help you to sell the home rather than add significant value. If you do want to add value, make sure the floor complements the rest of the home's décor. It should flow between the rooms and have a luxurious effect.
So, to add value with solid or engineered wood, ensure you're buying from quality companies such as Stories Flooring.
Luxury vinyl flooring
At one time, vinyl was considered one of the least popular types of flooring. However, the development of luxury vinyl flooring has made it a popular choice with homeowners.
Luxury vinyl flooring is available in a huge choice of designs. When you buy through brands such as Amtico and Karndean, you'll also find the designs look remarkably like real wood and stone. So, you'll get that real wood effect without the higher price tag.
Not only is luxury vinyl more affordable than real wood, but it also comes with a host of other great benefits too. It's incredibly easy to maintain, easier to install and it tends to be much more scratch resistant than wood. It's definitely the more practical choice for those with pets and children.
The question is, does this practical flooring type boost the value of your home? Well, it's not going to increase it to the same levels as solid or engineered wood flooring. However, it can add some value if you choose a high-quality luxury vinyl floor. Where you install it will also make a difference.
For example, solid and engineered wood floors can't really be installed in bathrooms. This is because they are prone to changes in temperature and humidity. So, you could add value to the home by installing a realistic looking wood effect luxury vinyl floor in the bathroom.
Laminate flooring
Although it isn't as popular as solid and engineered wood, laminate is often seen as the next best thing. Like vinyl flooring, this type has come a long way since it was first introduced. Newer laminate floors are highly scratch resistant, easy to maintain and they won't fade like solid or engineered wood. You'll also find that laminate floors aren't as expensive as real wood so you can add value by spending less.
Some types of laminate such as Aqua-Step, are also waterproof. So, like luxury vinyl they can be installed in bathrooms and other high-moisture areas. However, in terms of adding value, laminate isn't seen as attractive as solid and engineered wood. Therefore, it isn't going to deliver as much additional value as real wood.
Carpets
Carpets are considered the worst type of flooring to add value to a home. Homeowners generally prefer wood or at least wood effect flooring in the home. The only exception here is adding carpets to the bedroom.
A luxurious carpet in the bedroom can increase the room's appeal. It will feel soft underfoot when you get out of bed and can add a real sumptuous feel to the room. However, in all other areas besides the stairs, you'll want to add alternative flooring types.
Key considerations to make
Now that you know briefly how different types of floors can affect the home's value, there are a few factors you'll want to consider.
Any new floor can add value to your property. As long as it isn't a cheap floor, you'll find any newer floor will look far better than your old ones. However, if you do want to generate the most value, focusing on solid or engineered floors is a good idea.
You'll also find different types of floors add value depending upon the room they are installed in. So, if you were to install a solid wood floor in the lounge, a sumptuous carpet in the bedroom, a waterproof laminate in the bathroom and a luxury vinyl floor in the kitchen, it's going to make the home more appealing to buyers.
When choosing the best floor to add value onto your property, the key focus should be on selecting the highest quality floor. Avoid cheaper options and ensure the floor matches the rest of the home's design.
