Flipping a House? Explore Your Flooring Options

If you are flipping a house in order to make a profit or to get your name out there as a professional, you’ll be surrounded by decisions. One of the biggest decisions to make is what type of flooring you’ll want to use in the home. After all, the flooring needs to be something attractive yet durable, and something that fits in with the style or culture of the area. With so many different flooring options out there, how do you decide which is the right one to choose? If you are flipping a house, these are the flooring options you should consider.

 Originals

Depending on the condition of the home, it may be possible for you to keep the original flooring as is instead of replacing it. No matter if it’s hardwood, tile, laminate, or even carpet, flooring may be something you can leave as long as it’s in good condition. For instance, if you want to update your deck, you can opt to update it with a new feature, like deck waterproofing, rather than paying for an entirely new deck.
You may be able to leave it as it is at the moment, or you may be able to refinish the current floor with a new stain or color to save money. While keeping the original flooring is an option, you need to be sure the floor is in a good condition. If you try to keep a floor that’s in bad shape, it will likely come up in the home inspection, and you could end up having to redo the floor anyway in order to make the home compliant with new regulations or codes.

 Laminate

Laminate flooring has gained popularity over the years because it has stepped up in terms of style and durability. Many homeowners with kids or pets prefer laminate because it holds up better than traditional wood floors. In addition, laminate is also much cheaper than hardwood flooring, so it’s a great choice for those who are flipping homes and like to save on cost. If you are looking into laminate flooring, it’s a good idea for you to see what other homes in the area are using. If you use laminate but all the other comparable in the area have hardwood floors, you may be putting your flip at a disadvantage.

 Carpet

Carpet is another cost-effective option for those looking to flip a home. Like laminate, carpet will cost less to install than traditional hardwoods, and you can even have your choice of styles or colors. If you are flipping a home, know that carpet is a good choice, but keep in mind that people with allergies may not want a home with carpet. If you’re looking to be comparable but also effective, then you may want to consider doing both hardwood and carpet, as carpet is a good choice for the bedrooms or living areas.

 Hardwood

Hardwood flooring has gained in popularity over the last few years, and homeowners are enjoying the flexibility they have in options. When it comes to choosing the right hardwood, you’ll want to take a lot of factors into consideration, especially when flipping a home. For instance, if you’re flipping a home in a very fancy neighborhood, then you’ll want to opt for a higher-end Alderfer’s cherry lumber. However, if you’re working in a neighborhood that’s pretty average, then opting for a high-end hardwood could put you over budget or be something you won’t receive a return on investment on.

When it comes to choosing hardwood, thinking about the neighborhood and area is also important. For instance, if the home you’re flipping is in a very hot area, you may want to choose a hardwood that can do better with extreme heat, as the wood will expand as it gets hotter, which could lead to buckling. Talking with a hardwood flooring expert can help ensure you’re making the right choice for your flip.

Tile

Some people only think of tile as an option for bathrooms or kitchens, but if you live in a beachy or very warm area, having tile throughout the home is more common than you think. After all, the tile doesn’t expand or contrast with the weather, and it holds up better to areas near water. If you are flipping a home near a beach, then be sure to consider using tile as the main flooring options instead of hardwood tile or carpet.

If you are flipping a home, remember that the flooring is an important piece to the flip. Because you have so many flooring options, it’s a good idea for you to find the flooring option that’s right for your specific flip.