Whether doing a complete remodel or just wanting to give one room a fresh look, flooring upgrades are an excellent way to increase your home’s value. But how do you do it?
First, you’ll need to decide what flooring you’d like. Generally, hardwood and tile are the most popular choices.
Budget
The budget for flooring upgrades can vary widely depending on a home’s size and design. In addition, some builders offer financing options for upgrade costs, while others allow homeowners to pay out of pocket for the work. Therefore, it’s best to have a clear picture of how much the upgrades will cost before you meet with your builder’s design center.
Then, plan how you’ll pay for them. You can do this through your mortgage (as long as you don’t exceed your permitted debt) or through a separate loan.
You can also add color to your concrete floors by staining them. Whether you DIY it or hire someone, this option can be a beautiful addition to any home. It’s inexpensive – averaging $2-3 per square foot — and durable enough to stand up to spills, shoes, and pets. Plus, stained concrete can be installed in various colors and patterns.
Research
Whether planning a major renovation or simply replacing your existing floors, it’s essential to do your research. You want to choose the best flooring for your needs – from looks to functionality.
While a floor is a great place to start, you should also consider your home’s traffic patterns, the room’s purpose, and how well it will perform over time. For example, if you have young children or pets, upgrade your stain and scratch-resistant floors to protect your investment from the inevitable wear and tear.
The right flooring can help improve the resale value of your home. This is particularly true for hardwood, one of the most popular types of floors today. In addition, its insulation properties can help preserve your home’s temperature, reducing utility bills and improving energy efficiency. It’s also a good idea to research your local suppliers and installers.
Planning
One of the most critical steps in any construction project is planning. Whether you’re putting in new flooring or tearing down walls and replacing windows, you need to consider what you want to achieve and what you want to avoid. For instance, if you’ll have carpet installed in your new home, the last thing you want is to deal with a messy job that’s impossible to clean up.
When choosing the suitable material for your floors, there are many options, including hardwoods, bamboo, laminate, and vinyl. The best way to determine what’s right for you is to research and ask your contractor questions. The most important question is, “What are you looking for in your next floor upgrade?” This will help your contractor provide you with a solid plan of attack and save you money in the long run. In addition, the best floor materials for your next project will enhance the quality of your living space and be a delight to walk on!
Installation
Changing your flooring is one of the easiest ways to transform your home’s look. There are many options, from budget-friendly to luxury carpet tiles.
Installing flooring upgrades can be a do-it-yourself project requiring little planning and prep work. Some are simple cosmetic updates that won’t affect the structure of a floor, while others require more effort and specialized equipment.
Engineered wood planks are popular for DIYers because they don’t require sanding and staining and can be installed over existing floorboards without needing nails or screws.
Laminate is another option, allowing you to get the same hardwood aesthetic but with a lower cost and less maintenance. It also has a broader range of styles, so it’s an excellent option for a busy room like the kitchen.
Hardwood floors are a popular option for many homeowners, but choosing the suitable wood for your needs is essential. For example, certain types of hardwoods are better insulated than another flooring, which can help preserve a home’s temperature and lower utility bills.
