Knowing when to tackle a flooring project seems to be a big question in the minds of homeowners today. How do you know when it’s time to say goodbye to your current floors and move on to a flooring option that makes more sense?
Whether you want floors that are easier to clean or just hallways that are easier to navigate, changing out your flooring doesn’t need to be a big undertaking. You can dramatically change the look of your home by replacing your floors and compared to a complete remodel can bring a great amount of happiness without a ton of hassle.
When you’re trying to decide if renovating your floors are for you, here are five reasons that may help you dive in and get those dream floors you’ve always wanted.
1. You Are Planning to Sell Your Home
When you are getting ready to put your home on the market you should plan to meet with a realtor to see whether they think your current flooring is up to snuff. Depending on the age and quality of your hardwood floors you may not have to do any work at all.
It’s a well-known fact that the most common flooring choice of homebuyers so if it’s possible to upgrade to hardwood floors then that will definitely see a great return on investment. But no matter what flooring type you choose, replacing old and worn out floors will have your home putting it’s best foot forward and you’ll be able to sell your home quickly.
Buyers love a house that is move-in ready so by updating the floors you can make your home more appealing. All flooring types look great when they are new. While hardwood floors are popular you can opt for laminate or vinyl floors that still have a similar appearance to real wood without the high price tag or the upkeep.
While not every home design is well suited for tile floors, they are great in kitchens and bathrooms because they are moisture-resistant and look beautiful. Even simple tile can look exciting if it’s laid in an intricate pattern. Putting a little bit of work into your floors before your home listing becomes active can certainly help your home sell.
2. You Bought a New House
Unless you bought a house with brand new carpeting, buying a new home is the perfect time to renovate your floors. If you can schedule the work conveniently you won’t even have to worry about moving your furniture since you haven’t brought it in the house yet. Not having to worry about personal belongs can make a flooring renovation go faster.
Carpets can contain allergens and dirt. You could opt to clean the carpets well prior to moving in or you could put that expense towards getting new carpeting that will work best for your family without having to worry about a mysterious stain or odor. Plus you can ensure that the carpet is to your personal taste.
Carpeting has an average lifespan of 5-15 years and older carpet pads are more uneven and deteriorated, making them generally less comfortable. Since you’ve probably opted for a carpeted home for comfort then you want a decent carpet pad.
With so many options in carpeting, there’s no guarantee that the previous owners of your home had the carpeting that you’d pick. Why should you settle for a worn-out carpet pad and a color carpeting that not only doesn’t match your furniture but also shows every speck of lint? Go ahead and get an upgrade.
If the idea of wall to wall carpet isn’t to your taste, feel free to remove the carpet and install a different flooring finish in order to make your new house feel like home. Buying a home can be an investment and so can a great flooring treatment. Remodeling the floors just after getting a new home is a great time to get the floors you actually want.
3. They’re Not in Good Condition
Floors can really take a beating. Spilled water can leave the hardwood floor’s finish looking less than ideal. When it’s time to fix up the scratches or repair some cracked tiles there are times when it makes more sense to do a complete renovation of your floor over replacing one tile or refinishing wood.
If you suspect you may have issues with your subfloor then a renovation is a great idea. Subfloor problems can occur in any home, but if your floors are uneven or sunken in some areas that can be an indication that your subfloor could be the cause.
Exceptionally squeaky floors or tiles that seem to break along the same path could also be signs your subfloor isn’t up to par. Subfloors that are subject to excessive moisture are more likely to be damaged. While replacing the subfloor may not seem like a fun project, having great floors again will leave you smiling.
Filing your subfloors will make any flooring option looking better than if you were to leave substandard subfloors in place. Some installers won’t even install your floor if your subfloors aren’t great so planning to replace them from the get-go may be the best plan if you aren’t sure what the quality of your subfloors is.
When your puppy is all grown up and your kids are less likely to spill it is also a great time to consider an upgrade of your carpet as well. Knowing you can have nice carpets again is a hallmark in a parent’s life and you will certainly enjoy the feeling of fresh clean carpeting.
4. You Want A New Look
A lot of the time when a home is built construction contractors put the same flooring in many of the homes in the area. This saves them time and money on materials, but if you don’t want to have the exact same kitchen floor as everyone on your block anymore then it is time to replace them with a design that suits your style.
There are so many options when it comes to flooring. You first need to narrow down a material. Do you prefer hardwood floors? Vinyl? Have you always wanted to tile your kitchen instead? But even after you’ve selected a material you will need to choose color and style. Even hardwood floors come in a variety of colors, stains, and wood grain patterns.
Choosing a new floor may seem overwhelming but an expert can help you determine what the best material for you may be, for instance, if you have small children or big dogs hardwood floors may not be the perfect fit as they are prone to scratches. You will certainly find a floor that works for you given all the options that are out there.
5. For Your Safety
There are times when a current flooring situation isn’t the safest option. Whether a family member has mobility issues and needs a firmer surface to navigate a walker or wheelchair on, or an elderly relative is at risk for a fall having tile isn’t the best option anymore have a flooring option that is safe for your loved ones is important.
Having consistent flooring without transitions can help prevent slips and falls. Even a transition strip can be enough to cause someone to lose their balance so changing to one uniform surface can be a great idea.
Cork floors are a great choice, they are easy to clean, softer than many options and provide a naturally non-slip surface. Cork is also a great insulator so if you are concerned about your energy costs rising by removing carpeting, cork is a good alternative for you.
You can also read this for more tips on flooring
Conclusion:
No matter what your reasoning for getting a new floor might be, your local flooring experts are ready to help you get the perfect floor. Your renovated floors will look wonderful whether you choose wall-to-wall carpeting or classic oak floors. Any new floors are bound to hello your home shine and make your time spent at home more enjoyable.
Erin Butler
Erin Butler is a freelance writer who works in accounting as her day job. Though she loves numbers, she has wanted to be an author since she was 8 years old and will hopefully finish her first novel soon. She is the mother of two children and an avid crafter.
