Understanding Flooring Options for Selling Your Home

Many of the decisions made regarding flooring, in terms of what buyers will prefer to see, will be market specific. Often the price-point of the house will dictate the extent of upgrades required for flooring.

Updates and Repairs

  • Replace worn, stained, or outdated carpet

  • Stretch and tack down loose carpet

  • Check grout for condition, and re-grout cracked or recessed grout (clean stained or discoloured grout)

  • Touch-up minor floor scratches

  • Refinish worn hardwood

  • Upgrade as necessary

Types of Flooring

Laminate

  • Most often used to replicate wood, this versatile and durable flooring can also mimic the look of tile

  • Available in a range of quality – a good quality laminate can be much more durable than hardwood (not as sensitive to temperature and humidity changes)

  • Not easily scratched or dented, and therefore ideal for use with pets and kids

  • Easy to install, and may be installed over most types of flooring

  • Good for medium to lower priced homes – considered an inexpensive upgrade by buyers

  • Not ideal in areas prone to moisture (i.e. bathrooms, laundry room, or kitchen)

  • Works best in living rooms, bedrooms, and basements

Hardwood Flooring

  • Has a natural pattern and colour, and the pattern will have variations

  • Some woods are not actually “hard” woods, despite their name, and have a low level of durability

  • Will expand and contract depending on temperature – should be installed in rooms that experience a fairly consistent temperature and humidity level

  • If hardwood floors already exist in a home, consider refinishing to update colour and remove scratches

  • Engineered vs Natural

    • Both are great products, very durable

    • For comparable quality, the pricing for either is generally relatively similar

    • Engineered:

      • Less sensitive to humidity and temperature changes

      • Not recommended to be sanded and refinished

      • Available in wider plank sizes than natural

      • May be installed on any level of the house

      • Natural:

        • Will expand and contract due to temperature and humidity changes – should be installed to allow for this without buckling

        • May be sanded and refinished numerous times (approximately 10 times on average)

        • Recommended in above-grade rooms only

        • Works best in living rooms and bedrooms, but great for any room above grade

TIP: Avoid distinct or trendy wood features for the purpose of resale

Tiles

  • Travertine and natural stone tiles have a varying texture and colour

  • Natural stone tiles should be re-sealed regularly

  • Porcelain tiles are harder and more durable than ceramic, but often more expensive

  • Ceramic tiles often mimic porcelain tiles but are less durable and may crack or break if items are dropped on them

  • Tiles should be installed on flat surfaces, otherwise grout will crack, as could the tiles

  • Tiles can be a cold surface if heating is not installed with it

  • Good for installing as an upgrade from linoleum

  • Works best in bathrooms, entries, and laundry rooms

Carpet

  • Once considered a luxury item, carpet is now considered an inexpensive flooring option, and is much less appealing to most buyers

  • Considered less hygienic – people with allergies often opt for a home that is carpet-free (if the carpet is being removed from a home, consider replacing it with a non-carpet flooring alternative – i.e. hardwood)

  • Varies in height, known as “pile” – a higher pile generally reflects a higher cost as well

  • Always ensure a high-quality under-pad is installed to maximize the value of the carpet

  • Works best in basements or bedrooms