What many home sellers may not realize is that once a potential buyer walks into the home, the first thing they see is the flooring; and, therefore, the first appearance of the floor is critical. If the flooring is tacky, old, and visually unappealing, rest assured that the buyer will end the visit quickly and look for another home to view.

Like many other things in the home, not only is the flooring material important, but it should have the right design, proper installation, and aesthetics if you are considering selling the home. 

New flooring can increase home value.  When considering new flooring, several factors should be kept in mind.

  1. Be consistent: Do not use several types of flooring in the home – this can spell disaster for homebuyers. At most, you should not deviate from three flooring materials. For example, you may want to have hardwood everywhere in the home, except the bedroom where you may prefer carpet. In the bathroom, you may want to add tiles, ceramic, or stone. But keep the pattern consistent; if one bedroom has carpet, all the bedrooms should have carpet.
  2. Consider the decor: When selecting flooring material, you should consider the décor of the entire home first. You will need to choose the right color and style of flooring so that it will complement the rest of the home’s décor.
  3. Go hardwood: If you are undecided between carpet and other flooring material, go with hardwoods. Except for the bedroom, most people prefer hard flooring as it will withstand traffic, wear and tear, and it is a lot easier to clean.
  4. Installation: No matter which new flooring you choose, it should be installed by a professional to ensure it has been installed correctly.  You do not want any loose gaps or spaces. You want the flooring to be aligned with the walls and it should be installed snugly around the corners. Skilled flooring craftsmen are the best option.
  5. Keep the flooring clean: Finally, when you are considering selling a home, it is vital that you thoroughly assess the flooring for dirt, grime, dust, and wear and tear. These features can be the seller’s undoing if the flooring is not cleaned and properly maintained. Carpet flooring should be professionally cleaned. All other floorings should be clean, vacuumed, and look immaculate as well.

What type of flooring?

  1. Hardwood: There is no question that hardwood reigns supreme when it comes to the flooring of a home. Hardwood flooring comes in many styles, designs, and shapes but all of them can enhance the aesthetics of a home if carefully chosen, installed, and maintained. Maple, oak, mahogany, birch, walnut, and ash are some of the favorite hardwood floorings installed in many luxury homes. Besides the ageless quality, hardwood reflects long-term investment. It’s easy to maintain, clean, has excellent acoustics, and reflects opulence. However, hardwood still needs effort to be put forth in maintenance to preserve its lifespan; excess humidity in the home should be avoided. 
  2. Laminate: The latest laminate flooring is tasteful and very sophisticated. Laminate is available in many styles and designs and can mimic several other expensive flooring materials. Besides being durable and beautiful, it is also much less costly than hardwood. More important, laminate flooring is easy to maintain. When the right design is installed, laminate flooring can increase home value.
  3. Luxury vinyl is another option to choose from if you want to increase home value. Luxury vinyl comes in many designs that will mimic porcelain, mosaic tiles, and even reclaimed wood. Best of all, it is also comfortable to walk on, has good acoustics, and is easy to maintain.
  4. Unlike the first-generation linoleum, the latest designs of linoleum can make most homes look refined. Linoleum is very durable; it is easy to maintain, and it can absorb a significant amount of traffic. Some of the latest linoleum flooring materials are eco-friendly and made from renewable materials. Unlike other types of flooring material, linoleum is inexpensive to install and will last many decades.
  5. Tiles are fast becoming a good option to increase home value. Tiles work very well in the kitchen, bathroom, and hallways. Tiles are the flooring of choice, especially if you reside in the southern part of the country as they impart a cool sensation. Tiles are available in many styles, shapes, sizes, designs, and include arabesque, geometric, marble, mosaic, ceramic, etc. Tiles are also very easy to clean and maintain. 

Conclusion

Several types of flooring material can be used to increase home value. But it is important to understand that flooring is just one aspect of the home. You also need to pay attention to many other features of the home to boost the value. If you are confused as to what type of flooring to use for your home, consult with a flooring specialist and let him or her help you decide. No matter what flooring you select, remember to keep it consistent throughout the home.