When perusing the real estate market, buyers should be picky, thorough and informed on every aspect of their purchase. Exterior foundation, insurance, floor plan, etc. are components of home-buying that should not be overlooked. Even flooring plays an important role in the longevity of your home as well as the quality.
There are tons of flooring options—granite, wood, stone, linoleum, bamboo, tile, carpet, vinyl, etc. — and it can be overwhelming if you’re remodeling. Ultimately the decision will depend on what your budget is as well as what ‘look’ you’re going for. Let’s investigate hardwood, carpet, vinyl and more.
Carpet has its advantages. It’s less expensive than some other flooring options and it absorbs noises. Don’t get me wrong—it’s soft, warm, and quiet but when you have enough spills to give BP a run for their money, carpet can become your enemy. You can try to remove the stains but unfortunately soiled carpet can make a home look and feel dirty. It’s also costly and difficult to have carpets professionally cleaned and the dirty water can get beneath the surface of the carpet. Also, carpet can hold onto dust and pollen, making it a bad choice for someone with allergies. If you’re replacing carpet, the cost ranges and additional fees for labor—pulling up old carpet, moving furniture, etc.—also factor in to the overall cost. Also, it depends on the type of carpet and the retailer or installer you choose. Keeping these issues in mind, it’s important to now look at other options if carpet doesn’t seem like the right fit for your lifestyle.
Hardwood floors are a completely different look. Hardwoods look smooth, clean and chic. They are a great investment because they last forever and actually look better with time. They are natural and non-allergenic and won’t absorb spills as bad as carpets. However, they are also more expensive to install, can become costly to maintain and can be noisy.
If hardwoods are too expensive, laminate might be a good alternative since it can provide the realistic look of wood. Like hardwoods, laminate is extremely durable and will last 15-30 years. It’s easier to install because interlocking floating pieces can attach to each other without glue. It’s also environmentally responsible since it can imitate wood without cutting down all the trees needed for production. Since it is an imitation, it doesn’t have the same perceived value as other natural flooring materials and therefore will run slightly cheaper.
Vinyl, a flooring option with the broadest range of colors and designs, can be a definite value-buy if you’re on a budget. Like laminate, it can also imitate the look of hardwoods and other flooring products. Vinyl can be great because it’s pretty low-maintenance, resistant to water and easier to stand on because of its cushy construction. However, also like laminate, it lowers the value of your home.
Green building is an important trend that has many home-buyers and renovators considering environmentally-friendly building materials and appliances. Bamboo is the ultimate choice for a wood floor that won’t damage the environment. Not only is bamboo sustainable and eco-friendly, it can enhance the look and feel of your home. It can add a classic, rustic or modern style to your home. While bamboo is a great option, it can also be easily damaged by furniture or high heels and it may not last as long as hardwoods or be as easy to maintain as hardwoods.
Between finding an installer, choosing the type of floor, considering all the costs and finally making a decision, it definitely helps to do the research and decide on a budget. Decide what look you’re going for and then consider costs. You’ll be much happier with the finished result if you know that you explored all of your options.
Valerie Carr is the Marketing Coordinator at CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates. Most of the time you will find Valerie laying on the beach with a good book and soaking up the rays. She freelance writes for several local magazines and finds it exciting to research the latest trends in home décor as well as just about any other topic you can imagine.
In just a few weeks, I’ll be moving into a bigger, brighter home and my mind is just twirling with ideas on how I can dress up the space. I tend to favor a more hands-on, crafty approach to decor so these sites have been eye-candy for me lately. If you prefer a handmade approach to decorating, you’ll enjoy these resources!
Lisa Ashby is the Digital Marketing Coordinator for 
Jamie Cook is a real estate professional with 
Sydney Jones is the Advertising Director for CENTURY® 21 Sweyer & Associates.
