You’ve probably heard the words ‘hardwood flooring’ on almost every homebuyer’s wish list. That’s because hardwood flooring really is the best option for your home. It’s versatile, durable, and just plain looks good.
The best time to get hardwood flooring is when you first move into a new home: Logs End will help you pick out the perfect fit, and you’ll get to spend years enjoying it.
But what about if you’re selling your home?
There is a chance that you’re considering upgrading to hardwood or refinishing the wood floors you already have, but you’re also wondering if it will really make a difference when it comes to increasing your home’s resale value. After all, you don’t want to spend a lot of money for little to no reward when it comes time to pass over the keys.
So how do you know before you take the plunge? Here are the answers to some of the most common questions our customers have about flooring and selling your home.
1. Should I refinish my hardwood floors before selling a house?
The answer is yes! Part of selling a house is making it look like someone else’s dream home. This includes the floor. Refinishing your hardwood flooring is one of the things you should definitely do to create a good first impression.
A shiny, buffed, well-cared for floor will add to your home’s appeal. It will be another check in the ‘pro’ column for interested buyers, and could be one of the deciding factors that sells your home.
2. What is better for selling a house – engineered hardwood or traditional hardwood?
Each type of hardwood flooring comes with perks. The one that is better for selling a house is dependent on the person who is buying it, the home’s location, and even the room itself.
The best way to make this decision is to consider both types of flooring, and determine which one work for your unique situation.
Solid hardwood flooring, made from 100% pure wood, is:
- Thicker and more durable. It is solid wood, after all! It can handle dropped objects and day to day wear extremely well.
- Easy to sand. It can hold up under multiple instances of sanding and refinishing.
Engineered hardwood flooring is layered hardwood over a high quality plywood base, and is:
- More resistant to moisture. There’s a lower chance of warping if there is an accidental spill, or if you live in high-humidity climate. Keep in mind that just because it is more moisture-resistant than solid hardwood, it shouldn’t be installed in damp areas like the basement.
- Easier to install. There are more installation options, including gluing it down.
The truth is, it makes little difference when it comes to your ROI which flooring you pick. Both will make your home look great to prospective buyers, as long as they are well cared for.
3. What is the best flooring option for a rental property?
Investment properties come with their own set of challenges, including what type of flooring to get. According to expert realtor and real estate investor Rae Liu, hardwood is something you should consider.
“On higher end homes and condos (with rents of $1500 or more), consider using hardwood flooring for at least the main floor. With rentals, most people think cheap and durable, but your rent price determines the calibre of your tenant, so at this price and up, tenants are expecting quality upgrades such as hardwood flooring and granite countertops. Most tenants renting at this price range are professionals or people whom have owned homes before and hopefully know how to take care of the house. The upgrade will also add to your resale value.”
4. Would my resale value increase if I install new hardwood floors?
Calculating whether or not hardwood flooring will increase the value of your home will depend on several factors. The current market, your home’s location, size, and overall condition will go a long way in determining whether or not your resale value will increase.
For example, installing hardwood floors in a home that is in a bad neighbourhood won’t give you the return on investment (ROI) you’re looking for. Unless it’s about to become gentrified, that is – in which case it could be the factor that makes the sale.
Jason Polanski, an expert realtor at Paul Rushforth Real Estate says, “If the house will be priced above $400k, it’s definitely worth it to install hard wood flooring. You will not necessarily get your money back, but it would help to successfully get your home sold.”
Remember, it’s not always about increasing the sale price by the exact amount you spend on flooring. Upgrades can mean a big difference to how long your home takes to sell – and if it sells at all. And every month your home stays on the market is a month you have to pay for the mortgage, utilities, and any other costs that come with the home.
There are lots of situations where new hardwood will definitely improve resale value, because you’ll be showing a home that is up to date, and looks better in photos:
- Flooring should definitely be replaced if it is thoroughly outdated or damaged. Today’s home buyers are not looking for a fixer upper anymore. They want something that looks great and is move-in condition.
- Removing that 1970s parquet or wall to wall carpeting will make your home more attractive to buyers. Jason agrees. “Carpets in bad conditions would definitely have to be replaced”. Replacing old, loose, chipped flooring is a great step towards giving your home extra value.
If you’re not sure if new hardwood is the perfect answer for you, it is important to talk to a home professional, like your real estate agent. They can use current market data to tell you what upgrades are worth it.
We Know What Flooring Will Work For You
Whether you can’t decide between oak or pine, engineered or hardwood, stained or oiled, or just want to know your options, Logs End has you covered.
Our commitment to providing you with the highest-quality flooring, along with our commitment to the environment to retrieve as much lost lumber as possible, proves that we care about you, your home, and where you live. We want you to get everything you want from your flooring, and feel good knowing you chose an environmentally conscious company to do it.
Contact us to discuss your project further, finding the perfect hardwood flooring solution. Request a Quote >
