A Seller’s Guide to Flooring to Improve your Home Value

 

 

 

 

When it comes to selling your home, you want the changes you make to have a big impact on a budget to maximise your profits. Flooring is one of the most lucrative updates you can make to a property, as it can completely transform your home and is a long-lasting change that prospective buyers will be thankful for. Here’s a guide to improving the value of your property by choosing the right flooring for your home, whether you’re redoing individual rooms or updating your entire home in preparation for selling.

Consider what buyers look for

There are various ways to add value to your property before putting it on the market, but when you’re narrowing down the list, you need to put yourself in the mindset of a potential buyer. For floors, many buyers look for hardwood flooring as it’s durable and as a traditional charm that elevates a property. However, it’s not something that suits every property or budget.

Luckily, there are alternatives, such as engineered panels or vinyl flooring which are cost-effective, stylish and practical for a busy home. Engineered planks, for example, are great for giving the illusion of hardwood flooring but are more affordable and still provide that ‘wow factor’ for buyers viewing your property.

 

Engineered oak gives the same look as hardwood floors but is more affordable and easy to maintain. Image: Oak and Wood 

Choose practicality

Think about where you’re installing the floor when deciding on the material, as this can impact durability as well as the overall look of the room. For example, in a bathroom, you want to create a tranquil, spa-like feeling that’s a place to relax and unwind. But, since moisture and heat are going to play a part in this area of the home, you also want to consider the environment and how that will affect your floors.

Natural stone tiles are a popular choice as they’re always in style, they can tolerate water and spillages, and they create a lasting impression. Luxury vinyl tiles are also a great choice if you want something more colourful or patterned to make an impact and add a contemporary edge to your bathroom. These tiles are easy to install, practical and low-maintenance and you can purchase tiles that look like wood, slate or ceramic for a fraction of the cost and with several decades’ worth of longevity.

 

Luxury vinyl tiles are ideal for bathroom floors, as they’re able to withstand spillages and moisture, while also being easy to clean. Image: Harvey Maria

Install where floors matter most

You don’t necessarily need to upgrade the floors in every room before putting your home on the market. In fact, there are certain rooms where it pays to invest and others where your floors aren’t going to make as much of an impact.

Sellers can get away with standard carpet in the bedrooms, for example, and may be able to simply use a carpet cleaner to freshen up what’s installed already. But buyers are more likely to want to see impactful, high-quality floors in the main areas of the home such as the living room, entryway or hallways. So, these are the areas where you may want to consider investing a little more into your floors.

Consistency also really matters – don’t be tempted to go for a different type of flooring in every room, as it can look jarring and lack cohesion. Instead, go for one or two styles that blend seamlessly for a unified appearance. For example, you may choose a hardwood or engineered wood flooring in the living and dining rooms and halls, with floor tiles in the kitchen or bathroom where you want something that’s easy to keep clean.

Use your budget wisely

Ultimately, you want to spend as little as possible and make the most money in return. But in terms of flooring, the higher quality you purchase, the better your returns will be, so consider your budget carefully and upgrade in the right places for the best results. Size can also help here. If your budget is on the lower side, go for larger floor tiles that add impact and visual appeal, but require less installation time and minimise grouting.

Likewise, consider the high traffic areas and invest in more resilient flooring in these areas so that you can be sure they’ll last and will appeal to families or buyers with pets who will likely be looking for durability around the property.

 

When it comes to flooring, the right choices can really help you maximise your profits and get more for your home when it goes to market. The goal is to choose practical flooring that won’t intimidate a potential buyer and aim for consistency as much as possible, whatever style of floor you choose. While there are areas of your home where carpet is fine, such as the bedrooms or home office, aim for hard surfaces in the rest of the property as these are easier to maintain and longer lasting. However, where you have high traffic areas, such as living rooms and hallways, make sure you’re choosing a floor that is durable and fits in with the style of your home.