Smart Flooring for First Time Homebuyers

What to look for when buying - or selling - your home

Wrapped up in the excitement of shopping for their first home, young buyers today face a dilemma  how to stay within budget right now, while choosing a home that will have a higher resale value later on.

Flooring makes an important first impression so choosing wisely when it comes to floors is important for both buyers and sellers. The right flooring can make a huge difference in getting a bargain when you buy - and in reaping extra profits when you sell.

Sometimes starry-eyed home shoppers form a positive impression based on a cleverly decorated home’s “look” and “feel” and the current owner’s stylish furnishings. Don’t get swayed by the superficial furniture and drapes, they are transient, but flooring stays with a home.

Buyers of new homes must also beware. Inexperienced buyers generally take what the builder offers and sometimes that’s not best. If builders can cut corners to save a few bucks, they will. New buyers may choose the least expensive flooring, not realizing it will have to be replaced in a few years, depending on active their family is. In the long run, quality costs less and upgrading the quality of the flooring in that new home can pay off.

Room by room inspection a must

Experts advise homebuyers to inspect the flooring in pre-owned homes carefully. You can learn about much more than just the flooring.

When it comes to vinyl floors, open up cabinets under sinks and cast an eagle eye around plumbing fixtures. Vinyl is durable and tough and very hard to stain. So if you see stains around a toilet, sink or bath, it means water has seeped in and there’s a plumbing problem underneath.

Always check the subfloor beneath wall to wall carpeting. If there’s hardwood flooring under the carpeting, it’s a definite plus. Go to a corner in the closet or under a radiator and check for hardwood underneath.

And if you find hardwood, expose it. Hardwood floors definitely add value to your home. If you’re selling and you can’t afford to refinish every room, at least refinish one or two. This will show buyers how beautiful the floors are, and they can do the rest if they so choose.

While hardwood floors definitely ‘warm up’ a home, if you want to be cool, there’s nothing like ceramic tile. Tile is also a great choice for moisture-prone areas around windows and French doors.

Buyers should inspect ceramic tile carefully. Settling cracks in tile can indicate a foundation problem. And if the tile “gives” when you walk on it, there may be a gap underneath, a tip-off that it wasn’t installed by a professional.

Staying neutral

If you’re selling a home and want to replace flooring, resist personal preferences and go with neutral shades that make the new owner’s decorating easier. The same is true for ceramic tile and vinyl, where beiges and earth tones are classic favorites.

Flooring tips for buyers:

• Look for hardwood floors underneath carpets; hardwoods add to resale value.
• Check the brand and grade of floor covering; ask what warranties are included.
• Consider upgrading “builder quality” flooring when possible.
• Beware of stains around bathroom fixtures; these could indicate a plumbing problem.
• Watch for “give” when walking on ceramic tile; it could be installed improperly.

Flooring tips for sellers:

• Clean carpets and floors before showing your house.
• Expose hardwood floors for added resale value.
• Choose neutral shades when replacing tile, vinyl or carpet.
• Consider hardwoods for living areas; laminate, ceramic tile or vinyl for kitchens and baths, and carpets for cozy bedrooms.