ARE TILES, CARPET OR WOOD BEST FOR YOUR INVESTMENT PROPERTY?
It’s time to think seriously about replacing those worn and out-dated floor coverings in your investment property. But which flooring is going to be right for your property? Carpet looks fantastic but can be impractical in warmer climates, while washable flooring such as tiles or wooden floorboards can sometimes be too cold for cooler climates.
Experts say that it all depends on what you plan on doing with the property, as flooring can be installed for different reasons. If you are intending to sell the property, you should take a different approach than if you were planning to rent it out.
Renting out an investment property
Let’s face it, carpets add warmth and cosiness to a room that simply cannot be achieved with floor boards or tiles. But that said, when it comes to investment properties it can be impractical for many reasons with the main one being that it’s not durable.
How long carpet lasts will depend on how well a tenant looks after the property. A good tenant will take great care of the carpet by demanding shoes be removed and by cleaning the carpet regularly. But even with the best care, high traffic areas can wear out quickly, and that’s if you have a good tenant. For rentals properties with a high-turnover of tenants, it’s best to avoid using carpet in the main living areas.
Floor boards are a good option. These also come in a huge variety of choices, from genuine hardwood floors to MDF clip-together versions. Although wooden floors are much better than carpets when it comes to investment properties, they also require a fair amount of maintenance, depending on the type of floor boards. A sealant will need to be applied at least once every twelve months to maximise the life of the wood, whereas the imitation laminate floors need minimal maintenance but tend to not last as long.
If you are after a flooring that is long-lasting and wears well, natural stone tiles are the best option. Available in many colours, textures and designs, this durable flooring option can last for many years if regular maintenance is performed.
The best part about using tiles is that they are easy to replace in the event that one of them gets cracked. It’s advised to order extras on installation so that you have spares from the same batch number to avoid mismatched tiles.
Selling an investment property
The flooring you choose when renovating an investment property to sell is the total opposite to what you would use in a rental property. Avoid using durable, practical carpet, and instead aim for plush, luxurious looking flooring to make a person feel instantly comfortable and at home.
With tiles, it is best to keep to simple but elegant designs – always remember that the pattern you have fallen in love with may turn another person off. Instead stick to solid, basic colours that can have bright décor added to compliment the shades. A perfect example of this is a pure white bathroom where red towels and linen are used as a feature.
If you prefer wooden floors, avoid using the laminate version as it can end up looking cheap, especially in rooms where wood is a feature. When selling a house, invest in the high-quality hardwood options and watch it pay for itself.
One other thing to consider when you are installing new flooring – regardless of whether you are selling or renting – is to think about the climate the house is in. Humid weather can cause carpet to grow mould easily, while ceramic tiles aren’t necessarily as good an option in houses where the weather is always cold.
Whatever flooring you choose, make sure it’s the right one for your property’s needs.