You don’t need to completely renovate your house to give your home a makeover. Transforming your home could be as simple as upgrading your flooring. That’s because the floor is one of the biggest visual interior design elements in the home. It not only defines the style and design of the space but also withstands heavy traffic and daily wear and tear.
If your flooring is old and worn-out, this is especially important. Installing new flooring will dramatically change the appearance of your space. Here are a few ways new flooring can transform your home and increase its value.
New Floors are a Value Booster
New floors will increase the value of your home and will likely result in your home selling for more. This is especially true if you install hardwood flooring as it is highly sought after by homeowners. Hardwood has proven to stand the test of time thanks to its natural beauty and timeless style. If you want the best value for your money, hardwood floors are the ideal choice.
A survey of real estate agents concluded that homes with wood floors sell faster and for more money than homes without wood floors. The survey further concluded that the increase could be as much as 10% more, which is a significant increase in overall home value.
– National Wood Flooring Association, 2020
If hardwood is beyond your budget, don’t worry. Luxury vinyl and laminate have advanced so much in recent years that they closely resemble real hardwood. Homeowners have more options and styles than ever before. Plus, these materials are highly durable and easy to care for, attributes any homeowner would appreciate.
Other Factors to Consider
If you are updating the flooring in your home to add more value for resale purposes, you will also want to consider the colour and the overall “big picture”.
When choosing a colour, it’s wise to opt for a safe, neutral choice. Select colours that have broad appeal and complement the overall style of your home. Trends and fads in flooring can change quickly, so it’s best to avoid options that are too unique or personal to your own taste. Appeal to the masses and keep an eye on what is current in interior design. Additionally, think about the overall flow of your flooring throughout the home. If you have different types of floors or colours, ensure they are cohesive and create a unified look from room to room.
Keep in mind that these guidelines apply whether or not you plan to sell your home. However, if you intend to stay for the next decade or so, you can afford to infuse a bit more personality into your choices!
A Modern, Updated Look
Old floors can quickly make your home look dated. New flooring can work wonders in refreshing your home’s appearance. Here’s how different options can give your space a modern update:
- Carpet provides a soft, cozy feel underfoot and with a wide range of colours, patterns and textures available, it can add personality to any room. Not only does a well-maintained carpet increase the overall comfort of your home, but it also makes it more appealing to potential buyers.
- Hardwood floors are timeless and elegant; they complement any design style while remaining fashionable for years to come.
- Laminate offers the look of hardwood, tile or stone at a fraction of the cost. It is also very durable and low maintenance which makes it a practical yet stylish option that can enhance the overall appearance of your home.
- Tile has a timeless appeal with an ability to create intricate deigns which add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your home. Additionally, it is very versatile and durable.
- Luxury vinyl provides an exceptional combination of durability, affordability, and aesthetic appeal. This flooring option mimics the look of natural materials like hardwood or stone allowing the homeowner to achieve the desired look making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas and homes with pets or children.
Improved Functionality
The look of the floor is important but don’t forget to think about the everyday use and practicality of the floor you select. Every room in your house serves a different purpose and for that reason, a different type of flooring may be required. For example, kitchens, entryways and hallways experience a lot of foot traffic and may require a more durable material such as tile. If you are looking for something that is easy to maintain and care for, laminate and luxury vinyl floors are a great choice, and many are now water-resistant. All you need is to regularly sweep or vacuum.
Reduce Allergens
Installing new flooring can significantly reduce allergens in your home, leading to a healthier living environment. This is because old, damp, and worn-out floors can harbour harmful bacteria. Over the years old flooring can accumulate dust, pet dander, mold and other allergens. When you replace your floor, you remove the source and create a cleaner base for your living environment.
New flooring, especially when combined with proper underlayment and sealing, helps minimize the amount of dust and particles that circulate throughout your home. In addition, new flooring, particularly those with a smooth surface like hardwood or laminate, are easier to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping, mopping and vacuuming can help keep allergens at bay.
Additionally, moisture-resistant options such as tile, laminate and luxury vinyl are ideal for preventing the growth of mold and mildew, especially in high humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
There are also hypoallergenic flooring options such as cork, hardwood, laminate, vinyl and tile that are easy to clean which reduces the buildup of dust, pollen and pet dander. Cork for example is naturally hypoallergenic. This is because cork contains a natural substance called suberin, which makes it resistant to mold, mildew, and other allergens. It also has antimicrobial properties, which means it naturally repels dust mites, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can trigger allergic reactions.
Heating
New floors can completely transform the atmosphere of your home, making it feel warm and inviting. The right choice of flooring, such as plush carpet, rich hardwood, or luxury vinyl with a wood-like finish, adds both visual and tactile warmth to any space. These materials not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also create a comfortable, cozy environment that feels welcoming underfoot.
To elevate the cozy factor even more, consider installing radiant heating beneath your new floors. Radiant heat provides gentle, consistent warmth, which makes your home feel incredibly comfortable, especially during the chillier months. Unlike traditional heating methods, which can create drafts and uneven temperatures, radiant heating evenly warms the entire floor, ensuring every corner of your space feels cozy.
On top of adding comfort to your space, radiant heating is also energy efficient. It uses less energy compared to forced-air systems because it heats the objects and people in the room directly, rather than warming the air. It noy only reduces your energy usage, it lowers your utility bill, making it an eco friendly choice that enhances both your comfort and homes energy efficiency.
Conclusion
Updating your flooring is a powerful way to transform your home. It enhances its appearance, functionality, and overall comfort. Whether you are looking to increase the value of your home, reduce allergens, or create a warm and cozy space, new flooring offers numerous benefits. By selecting the right flooring material, you will not only achieve a fresh, modern look that aligns with your style but also meets your practical needs. By adding features like radiant heating, you can further enhance the comfort and energy efficiency to your home, making it a welcoming haven during the colder months. Investing in new flooring is not just about updating the aesthetic of your home, it also contributes to a healthier, more comfortable and valuable living environment.
Originally Published February 28th, 2023 | Updated August 2024
