Six Affordable Flooring Replacement Options Before Selling Your Home
Mar 6, 2023
Installing new flooring to meet all of your needs as a homeowner can be costly, especially when considering the price per square foot of different materials and paying for labor expenses. With all the stress of moving, understanding the different flooring replacement options can save you time and money, while still updating your home for new buyers and increasing the value of your house.
How Much Value Can a New Floor Add to Your Home?
Before you start to sell your home, it’s important to consider what you can do to increase your home’s value before it’s listed. Replacing the flooring can be an inexpensive way to add up to 54% value to a home, depending on the materials used. If potential buyers see that the floor has recently been replaced, they’re more likely to offer higher.
What Are the Most Affordable Flooring Replacement Options?
When you replace your floor pre-sale, you’ll want to maximize the potential return on investment. Here are six budget-friendly flooring replacement options that can increase your home’s value.
Laminate Flooring
With floating installation, laminate flooring sticks together as opposed to being glued to the subfloor. The material can easily mimic other stone or hardwood flooring, giving off a shiny, clean glow.
Pros of Laminate Flooring
- Quick Installation
- Clean, Modern Appearance
- Scratch Resistant
Cons of Laminate Flooring
- Water Damage
- No Refinishing
- Slippery
Cost
The average cost is $2.50 per square foot. This does not include labor costs and can vary depending on the size of the flooring you wish to replace.
Carpet Flooring
Options are plentiful when it comes to carpeted flooring. It’s cheap, popular, and is used in family-style homes across the country. There are many different styling choices one could go with when installing carpet and it can be kept for years if properly cleaned with stain removal or frequent vacuuming.
Pros of Carpet Flooring
- Soft, Comfortable
- Quiet Sound
- Versatile
Cons of Carpet Flooring
- Wear and Tear
- Not Useful in Moist Environments
- Slippery
Cost
The average cost is $1 per square foot. This usually includes wall-to-wall flooring or peel-and-stick carpeting. However, wall-to-wall flooring may require heavy labor costs.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has a variety of installation options for homeowners. Depending on your individual flooring needs, plank vinyl, and sheet vinyl are well-known flooring options. There is minimal upkeep required for vinyl whether sheets or planks are used for installation. With the right care, vinyl flooring can be long-lasting for the future owners of your home.
Pros of Vinyl Flooring
- Waterproof
- Durable, Longlasting
- Can Be Installed Anywhere in a Home
Cons of Vinyl Flooring
- Labor-Intensive
- Doesn’t Add Any Added Re-Sale Value
- Not Environmentally Friendly
Cost
The average cost is $1.39 per square foot for plank vinyl and $1.29 for sheets. The cost can depend on the vinyl thickness and overall manufacturing quality.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is a simple, sustainable flooring option for those looking for affordable flooring. Its easy installation is great for those needing a quick refurbishment before selling their home who have minimal design or aesthetic preferences.
Pros of Cork Flooring
- Eco-friendly
- Comfortable for Families
- Easier to Install Than Other Flooring
Cons of Cork Flooring
- UV Damage
- Softer Texture Can Lead to Wear and Tear
- Requires Regular Sealing
Cost
The average cost is $2 per square foot. Cork flooring is relatively affordable, however, it is not the cheapest out of all the options. The slightly higher cost is due to the material being made from oak trees, a renewable resource.
Tile
Tile flooring is versatile and easy to clean. This makes it a great option for the budget-conscious. It’s water-resistance also makes it a smart option for places that receive a lot of moisture to help reduce the likelihood of mold. One thing to consider with tile flooring is that it may not be as long-lasting as some other types of flooring.
Pros of Tile Flooring
- Adds Home Value
- Stain Resistant
- Low-Maintenance
Cons of Tile Flooring
- Noisy
- Cold, Sterile Feeling
- Time-Consuming to Install
Cost
The average cost is less than $1 per square foot. Ceramic tiles make for an extremely affordable option for flooring replacement. However, labor costs may increase with the added time it takes to install tiling.
Refinished Flooring
If you’re simply looking to revamp your already existing flooring, a refinishing project could be all you need to update a home. The gloss of a refinish is shiny and can be stained in whichever color or shade you desire. Refinishing can be cheap and durable, however, the finish can sometimes fade over the years.
Pros of Refinished Flooring
- No Need to Buy New Flooring
- Can Have a Custom Stain Refinish
- Less Carpentry Replacement Needed
Cons of Refinished Flooring
- Dust Collection
- Not Long-lasting
- Labor-Intensive
Cost
The average cost of refinishing is not set in stone, so to speak. It can vary depending on the size and current condition of your flooring but is an affordable option for those simply looking to refresh their home before new people move into the space.
What Are the Next Steps?
Once you’ve decided on a type of flooring, it’s time to purchase. Stop by our showroom in Longwood, Florida to browse through our selections or check out our virtual showroom online.
Get Your Flooring Professionally Installed
Some flooring types are easy enough to DIY if you’re so inclined, but a professional may be a good choice if you’re busy. Ask Flooring HQ to recommend an installer to handle installing your new floor for you.