What You Need to Know Before Buying New Floors for a Rental Property
Owning and maintaining a rental property requires you to pay attention to several important details, not the least of which is the condition of the flooring. This is something that you cannot afford to overlook, because as you are well aware, flooring can take quite a beating over the lifetime of a rental property. Choosing the right type of flooring requires careful thought, because you have to select a material that will not only hold up well to regular wear-and-tear, will also look good and help the property retain its value. While some flooring choices are a no-brainer (e.g., carpeting in the bathroom is hardly ever a good idea), the wide variety of flooring materials that are available now can sometimes make it difficult for you to know what the best choice might be. Keep the following points in mind as you consider what type of new floors you need to buy for your rental property.
1. Carpet Flooring
Carpet is a highly popular choice because it’s one of the most affordable flooring options out there, and it’s relatively easy to install. Carpet also adds a level of warmth and comfort to a living space, and it’s a great buffer against noise, making it a good fit for multi-unit properties. On the down side, one of the main drawbacks of using carpet flooring is that it can wear out fairly quickly compared to other types of flooring (especially in high-traffic areas).
2. Tile Flooring
Tile is well-known for being highly durable, and since it’s waterproof, it’s a great choice to put in kitchen and bathroom areas. Tile is also easy to clean, and it won’t harbor dust, allergens or germs. Tile also offers the benefit of versatility, as it comes in a wide variety of styles, colors and patterns, making it easier for you to find something that matches with your current decor.
3. Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is one of the most popular choices for rental properties because of its versatility as well as its resilience. It’s softer underfoot than tile, and it’s also very easy to clean. In addition, vinyl comes in an expansive array of patterns, colors and designs, so you won’t have any problems finding the right style to match your rental property.
4. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is very versatile, as it is created from a composite material that can mimic the appearance of stone, tile or wood. It’s also very affordable, easy to install and exceptionally resilient, making maintenance and upkeep a much simpler task than with other flooring options.
5. Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood offers a warm and beautiful look that’s simply hard to beat. It’s a timeless choice, and can pair well with a wide variety of designs and decor. It’s also very durable, and can be sanded and refinished to look new again if it gets a little worn.
As you consider your flooring choices, keep in mind that you want to choose a material that makes sense for the type of turnover and wear-and-tear that you expect for your rental property. Climate is another important factor to consider as well; for example, if your rental property is in an area where heat or high humidity is the norm, you might want to think twice about installing hardwood or carpet, and go for tile instead.
With all of the flooring choices that are available, it’s not a bad idea to get some professional advice before making your final decision. McSwain Carpets & Floors is well known for providing quality carpet and hardwood flooring in Cincinnati, and they offer a team of flooring experts who can provide you with the professional insight you need to make a well-informed decision. Call or visit one of our showrooms today to get your flooring renovation started off on the right foot!
