How Does Flooring Affect Home Value?
In-depth look at factors that affect home value
Nov 3, 2020
Flooring plays an important role in the overall value of your home. This crops up in the objective view of potential buyers and the price you can reasonably set for the home. When selecting flooring with the intention of improving home value, you should lean toward hardwood flooring options. Alternatives that can positively improve home value include ceramic and stone tile.
Some things are simply out of your hands when it comes to your home’s value. For example – you can’t pick your home up and plop it into a good school district.
Things you can’t alter in your favor include:
The question everyone wants to be answered is how to get the best ROI from any upgrades you commit to. For flooring, the answer comes down to installing hardwood when considering ROI.
But there are other factors at play, as mentioned previously when it comes to value-added based on the geographical location and price range.
Let’s break down your basic options for the highest ROI.
At some point, you should ask yourself, “Is it more cost-effective to repair or replace my flooring or should I leave it as-is?”
Make sure the cost of flooring fits the overall cost of your house. Someone looking for a lower-priced home isn’t going to cash-in extra for new marble flooring. Consider the homes in your area and the style of your own home when deciding on new flooring.
Consider the flooring already installed in your home and ask the following questions as you decide on any flooring renovations:
If you’re completely renovating your home before you sell or you’re stepping into the home-flipping realm, consider the following as top priority for improving home value.
Ready to boost your home value?
What Factors Affect Home Resale Value?
- Location
- Neighborhood comparable homes
- Home size (unless you’re planning a major construction project)
- Age of Home
- Upgraded appliances, especially the stove and refrigerator
- Improved home condition, especially maintenance to the exterior
- Remodeled rooms, especially the kitchen
- New energy-efficient features, especially windows
- Additions to the home, especially extra bedrooms or a pool
- Installation of smart technology, especially thermostats and security features
What Floors to Install for Highest Home Value
Hardwood Floors
The average ROI for installing hardwood floors is 70% to 80% making it a worthwhile investment for those looking to amp up the value of their home. Another plus is buyers want hardwood and will actively search for it in potential homes. Hardwood floors will cost between $9 to $18 per square foot for combined material and installation.Tile, Stone or Marble
Tile, stone, and marble cost around $12 to $25 per square foot and can net an ROI of around 70%. These are great alternatives to hardwood in tropical climates where mold and warping are a concern. The downfall? The cost. Tile, stone, and marble floors can be pricey to purchase and to install.Vinyl and Linoleum
Vinyl and linoleum can give you the hardwood look without the hardwood price. These flooring types have plenty of options when it comes to size and color. Plus, they’re decently cost-effective at between $2 and $12 per square foot, laminate being the less expensive of the two. But you lose out on the overall increase in the value of your home that you get with hardwood.Carpet
Carpet is fairly cheap in comparison to other options. You can expect to pay under $7 per square foot. The problem is that buyers don’t look for carpet and some actively avoid it altogether. Your ROI for new carpet will only be 25% to 40%, paling in comparison to other options. This may be a good option if you’re short on money to invest and need to replace badly damaged flooring.Should You Repair or Replace Your Flooring?
Tips to Improve Existing Floors Before the Open House
- Does my flooring match across different rooms to create flow?
- Does the flooring color match the style of my home?
- Is the color and style of my flooring attractive to a wide variety of potential tenants or buyers?
What Other Home Upgrades Can Improve Home Value?
- Replacing old windows with new energy-efficient ones
- Remodel the kitchen entirely or replace the countertop and cabinetry
- Update or replace the HVAC or plumbing as needed
- Update all electrical systems
- Replace old or damaged flooring