Flooring options that can add value
If you're thinking of sprucing up your home to get it ready for selling, consider what type of flooring potential buyers might be interested in. Flooring can immediately influence the buyer’s opinion of the house. Giving the floors an upgrade could potentially add great value to the home.According to Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, when it comes to flooring, what any homeowner or future homeowner is looking for is for it to be aesthetically pleasing, durable, well-maintained, and functional. “You’ll need to think about how each room is used before making any decisions. If you intend to use the house as a rental property, durable floors will offer the most value over time,” he notes.
If you are not sure what will add the most value to your home, RE/MAX of Southern Africa has put together some pointers around various types of flooring and what they could be best used for...
1. Solid vs engineered hardwood
One of the most desirable flooring options is genuine hardwood floors, but these options also tend to be the most expensive. The cost of hardwood floorboards differs according to the type and grade of timber selected. The higher quality hardwood options can start from roughly N$1 000 per square meter. The more affordable way to achieve a similar look as hardwood floors is to go for an engineered hardwood. Simply put, these floors are made of cheaper plywood with just a top layer of hardwood on the surface. The decision between engineered and solid hardwood flooring frequently comes down to personal preference and demands because they both provide homeowners with a comparable return on investment.
2. Laminate flooring & vinyl planks
You can always choose laminate flooring for your home if investing in genuine hardwood floors is not financially feasible. This type of flooring replicates the charm and classic beauty of real wood at a lower price. Melamine resin and fibreboard are used to create laminate flooring, which makes it a great durable option in rental homes. It is important to note that these floors are not waterproof and should be avoided in rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. Unlike laminate, vinyl planks are waterproof and are comparable to laminate floors in terms of their affordability, durability, and ease of maintenance.
3. Tiled flooring
Floor tiles are one of the most popular options, widely used in bathrooms and kitchens for their durability and waterproof nature, and of course, they're easy to clean as well – but are prone to chipping or cracking if something heavy is dropped on them.
4. Carpet
Carpets are good for bedrooms, but they can be challenging to keep clean, especially if you have pets. For many people, there is nothing better than a cosy fitted carpet, especially for a bedroom or lounge. Although carpets have a negative reputation for harbouring dirt, it is always possible to get them professionally cleaned on a regular basis.
“You should carefully consider your options before making any flooring changes in an attempt to increase the resale value of your home before selling. If you make the wrong choice, it could have the opposite effect on your selling price. To help you make the right decision, contact your local RE/MAX office to speak with one of our professional real estate agents to guide you in the right direction.” Goslett concludes.