What Are The Absolute Best Types Of Flooring Options When Flipping A House?
If you are planning on flipping a house, you will need to choose the right type of flooring. The type of flooring you choose will depend on a number of factors, including the style of the house, the location of the house, and your budget.
There are a number of different flooring options to choose from, including hardwood, tile, carpet, vinyl and laminate. Each type of flooring has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you will need to carefully consider your options before making a final decision.
Our advice is to take direction from folks that have done this on regular basis. We know that the goal of most flippers/housing investors is to make money, but there is nothing worse than seeing an overpriced flipped home that has crappy work and subpar flooring.
To help you make the best decision for your house flipping project, we have put together a list of the five best flooring options.
Why is flooring an important aspect of flipping a house?
Flooring is one of the most important aspects of flipping a house because it can have a significant impact on the overall value of the property. The right type of flooring can add value to a property, while the wrong type of flooring can actually detract from the value. There are a number of different factors that you need to consider when choosing the right type of flooring for your property. The style of the house, the location of the house, and your budget will all play a role in determining the best option for you.
Use Functional Floors Based On The Room
When you start your flipping process make sure you take into consideration what various rooms will be used for. Though it is feasible to consider the aesthetics of the overall space, you still need the space to be functional. Thus you may want to consider not placing hardwood floors in bathrooms and laundry rooms. While the overall is stunning, you may want to opt for luxury vinyl that can mimic the look of hardwoods. You don’t want to install wood floors in rooms that have high humidity such as the laundry room.
Another factor to consider is if you are flipping/rehabbing a property to use as a rental property, then consider how the tenants will utilize the room. Having carpet in a bathroom or hardwood in the laundry room may result in unnecessary damage if the toilet overflows or the washer breaks down and leaks water.
A better option would be to install water-resistant luxury vinyl or tiles. An emerging solution is to install stick-in-place vinyl that is also water-resistant.
The Five Best Flooring Options For Flipping A House
Hardwood Flooring
If you are looking for a classic and timeless look, hardwood flooring is a great option. Hardwood floors are suitable for any style of house, and they can add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Hardwood floors are also easy to care for and maintain, which is a major selling point for potential buyers. The only downside to hardwood floors is that they can be quite expensive. If you are working with a limited budget, you may want to consider another type of flooring.
Hardwood floors stand head and above other flooring options due to their versatility and durability.
Ways to save money on hardwood floors if you’re flipping a home
There are a number of ways to save money on hardwood floors when flipping a home. One way is to purchase your hardwood floors in bulk. Another way is to refinish existing hardwood floors rather than replace them. Finally, you can install the hardwood floors yourself to further reduce costs.
- If the floors are existing, consider refinishing them vs. installing new floors. Make sure that you use a high-quality polyurethane such as Boma. You can view my list of recommendations on the best polyurethane for hardwood floors.
- Find your go-to contractor. I suggest having more than one. You want to ensure that they are licensed and do in fact know what they are doing. If you keep them working often, you are able to negotiate better long-term rates. Having a floor refinisher that does a shoddy job will cost you in the long run. Spend the money to have it done right.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is a great option if you are looking for something that is durable and easy to maintain. Tile floors are perfect for high-traffic areas, and they can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Tile floors are also relatively easy to install, which can save you time and money. The only downside to tile flooring is that it can be quite cold, which may not be ideal for some buyers. If you live in a cold climate, you may want to consider another type of flooring.
Warmer Climates Are Idea For Tile
Tile is actually preferred in warmer climates such as Florida, The southern part of Georgia (Savanna Area), Texas, Southern California, and of course in the Caribbean. The vast majority of these homes tend to be built on slab foundations, hence tile is cheaper and simple to install. If you are looking to cut energy usage, then the tile will impact energy consumption as it helps to cool the home.
Go on Zillow and take a look at some of the houses in Florida to see an example of tiles used. Travertine is a very popular tile that is used in warmer climates. It is not uncommon for you to see travertine use throughout the entire home including living rooms, family rooms, dens, kitchens, and bathrooms.
As a rule of thumb, you want to go with lighter color tiles as they retain less heat if you are in a warmer climate. If you have ever walked on natural stone you will discover that it is naturally cool to the touch.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a great option if you are looking for something that is durable and easy to install. Vinyl floors are also relatively easy to care for, and they are available in a wide range of styles and colors. The only downside to vinyl flooring is that it can be slippery, which may not be ideal for some buyers. If you have young children or pets, you may want to consider another type of flooring.
Vinyl is an optimal solution when hardwood flooring simply isn’t in your budget. Go to any Floor & Decor and you will more than likely see something that piques your interest. I suggest that you go with something that is slightly off-color to give your flip a little jazz. If you are also pressed for time, then vinyl is an option as it is relatively easy to install and you don’t need an expert, whereas, with hardwood flooring, you should be using someone that has that specific skill set of installing and finishing hardwood floors.
My favorite premium luxury vinyl floor planks are from Home Depot. I installed them myself and it was easy to do. Vinyl tile should not be confused with laminate flooring as they are two different types of flooring.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum flooring is a great option if you are looking for something that is durable and easy to maintain. Linoleum floors are perfect for high traffic areas, and they can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Linoleum floors are also relatively easy to install, which can save you time and money. The only downside to linoleum flooring is that it can be quite slippery, which may not be ideal for some buyers. If you have young children or pets, you may want to consider another type of flooring.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a good option for investors who flip houses because it is the most cost-effective of all flooring options. Laminate is easy to find at most big box stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, and Floor & Decor. Laminate is also easy to install and can be floated over most existing floors, which makes it a quick and convenient choice for investors who need to get a house ready for sale as quickly as possible. In addition, laminate is available in a wide range of styles and colors, so it is easy to find a look that will appeal to potential buyers. Overall, laminate flooring is a practical and attractive choice for investors who flip houses.
Concrete Flooring
Concrete flooring is a great option if you are looking for something that is durable and easy to maintain. Concrete floors are perfect for high-traffic areas, and they can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Concrete floors are also relatively easy to install, which can save you time and money. The only downside to concrete flooring is that it can be quite cold, which may not be ideal for some buyers. If you live in a cold climate, you may want to consider another type of flooring.
House Flip Tips:
- Consider the price: When flipping a house, it’s important to stay within budget, so choosing a cost-effective flooring option is important. Laminate and vinyl flooring are both budget-friendly options that can give a high-end look without breaking the bank.
- Look for durability: The flooring in a flipped house needs to withstand wear and tear from potential buyers touring the property and from the new owners once the house is sold. Materials like tile, stone, and engineered hardwood are all very durable and can handle heavy foot traffic.
- Choose a neutral color: While you may have personal preferences for flooring colors, it’s best to choose a neutral color when flipping a house. This will appeal to the widest range of potential buyers and make it easier for them to envision themselves living in the space.
- Consider the home’s style: The flooring you choose should complement the style of the home. For example, a modern home might be well-suited to a sleek, contemporary flooring material like concrete or porcelain tile, while a traditional home might be better suited to a classic wood or stone floor.
- Think about maintenance: When choosing flooring for a flipped house, it’s important to consider the level of maintenance required to keep it looking its best. Hardwood and stone floors may require more frequent cleaning and sealing, while materials like vinyl and laminate are much easier to maintain.
- Get samples: Before making a final decision, it’s a good idea to get samples of the flooring materials you’re considering and see how they look in the space. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you choose a flooring option that will appeal to potential buyers.
Our experts have spoken: Allow the house to speak for itself. If all the homes in the area are contemporary, then stay in the lane of contemporary.
Final Thoughts
To Wrap Things Up When it comes to flipping a house, the type of flooring you choose is important. The right type of flooring can add value to your property, while the wrong type of flooring can actually detract from the value. There are a number of different flooring options to choose from, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Take your time and do your research. Figure out what the area requires. You don’t want to go with laminate flooring when all the other homes selling around you in your price point are opting for luxury vinyl.
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