Sick of your old, rundown carpet? Want to change the style of your home drastically? Switching up your flooring can make a huge impact. But it’s also an extensive project.
Short term, you will enjoy your home more. Long term, you will receive a return on your investment when you sell. And cozy hardwood make homes more appealing in New England.
It’s a good idea to take your time, think about your style, and look at all aspects of the decision. This is a considerable and rather long-term change to your home. Here are a few things you should know about floor renovation.
1. Balance Budget and Quality
It’s important to set your budget thoughtfully and realistically. And research all of the options in your style and price range. Make sure to include all of the components of your project in your budget. Also, think about your home’s value and make sure your budget makes sense comparatively.
When you plan your costs, think about extra things like replacing baseboards and subfloor. These will all factor into the total price of your flooring. You don’t want to blow your budget with unexpected expenses. Try to provide a cushion for items like extra labor and shipping costs.
You want to stick within your budget, but you also don’t want to skimp on quality. You want good materials that will last for years to come. Don’t rush your decision. Take the time to shop around for flooring that meets both your budget and the demands of your home.
2. Think About Your Lifestyle
Consider the wear and tear your floors will take. Your family situation is important when deciding on the material of your flooring. The more active your home, the more durable of a material you will need.
You may want to avoid carpet if you have a family or entertain often. Spills and stains are inevitable and can be difficult to remove from carpet. If you still want that cozy feeling, you can add an area rug that’s easy to clean or replace.
There are some great options for super durable flooring. Traditional hardwood is always a good choice. Engineered wood and bamboo are also good choices that can stand up to pets and kids. Best Laminate floor cutter and vinyl are also low-cost options that hold up well under lots of traffic.
Also, consider the warranty options for different flooring. Your floor is going to take a beating. You’ll want to protect your purchase. And have the option of replacement and repair in the future without a huge cost.
3. Measure Carefully
One of the biggest mistakes in purchasing and installing floors is measuring incorrectly. It’s important to make sure your measurements are accurate. It’s always wise to measure several times and double-check your math.
You could end up with a huge delay if your calculations are off. Especially if your flooring is special order. And you may end up losing out on a bulk discount by having to place a smaller, second order. You can usually purchase over your estimate and return the leftovers or keep it for future repairs.
It’s often better to trust a professional. Flooring companies and home improvement stores will usually offer measurement services for free. They will also stand behind any errors if you order your flooring from them.
4. Consider Hiring Help
It may be tempting to save some cash and renovate your floors yourself. But this is a big project. Unless you have previous experience, it might be worth it to your sanity and your investment to trust a professional.
Your flooring store may be able to recommend a subcontractor. But it’s important that you do your own independent research. Even the most beautiful flooring can suffer in appearance and quality from a shoddy installation.
Ask friends and neighbors for referrals. Check out some examples of the work potential installers have done in the past. You might want to consider checking review sites for feedback from past clients.
When you decide on a contractor, make sure they are insured. Come up with a contract together that is detailed and fair. It’s a good idea to include milestones to keep the project moving on track. The more honest and open you are with your installer, the more likelihood there is for a great outcome.
5. Be Prepared for the Process
Consider how long your floor renovation will take. And think about how it will impact your lifestyle. It will make the process much less stressful.
Removing and installing flooring is not a quick project. This is especially true if you are renovating the floors in your entire home. The logistics of working around a house full of furniture is a tedious and difficult process. Moving furniture back and forth takes a huge amount of time.
Do you time your renovation when the weather allows for furniture can be moved outdoors? Or do you have a space offsite like a storage unit that you could stash some items? The more you can clear your home of objects, the easier the floor will be to install.
Think about how your life will be affected by the process. You may lose access to a kitchen or bathroom. Have a plan in place, so your everyday activities aren’t interrupted.
Floor installation is not quiet work. You may want to think of a way to get away if you work from home or still have napping kiddos. It can also be a very messy process. So you will want to have a plan of action to manage dust and debris, during, and after the project.
Be understanding and patient with yourself or your contractors. There are inevitably delays with every major project. The most important thing is not to rush the project and end up with subpar work.
Plan for the time for the floor to settle. Consider any sealing or staining that needs to be performed after installation. Remember that furniture may not be able to be placed back on the finished floors for a few days.
6. Keep Your Eye on The Prize
Flooring renovation can be a tedious process. And you may think it’s not worth the hassle. But it will be a great investment in your home.
You’ll enjoy your home more when the process is complete. Odds are you will be impressed with the look and feel of your new floor. And you’ll be proud to show your new look off to guests.
The renovation will also pay off should you sell your home. Flooring is a big factor for prospective buyers. You may have made a decision that will ultimately make or break the sale of your home.
Conclusion
Your flooring renovation can be a successful project. Just make sure you do your research carefully. Work with your family and make thoughtful decisions.
Budget carefully and choose the right materials. Take your time to hire the right installers and be realistic about your expectations. These decisions will lead to great results.
Your patience and preparation will pay off. The investment of both your time and money will make a big impact on your home. And your family will enjoy your new, stunning floors for years to come.
