Curb appeal is not limited to the exterior of the house. Flooring plays a key role in first impressions. Depending on the type of house and accommodation, there are many options to choose from. Professional advice is a must and can be easily availed from flooring experts and marble suppliers in London who will not only guide you with the best options but also with advice to enhance the resale value of your home.
At present, the most popular flooring options are:
Hardwood or engineered wood: is one of the most popular flooring options and is the best for adding resale value to the home. Hardwood is a solid piece of wood while engineered wood is layered with hardwood and strong, thick plywood. It is more cost-effective than hardwood, and once the floor is installed, you will hardly notice the difference. Wood floorings are durable and offer relatively easy care and maintenance. Engineered hardwood allows for installation in various grade levels in a home, and the structure of it prevents warping and bowing. There are a variety of colours and designs to choose from, to suit the ambiance of the rooms.
Stone: Besides offering the most attractive flooring with the various designs and colours available, stone flooring is solid and long-lasting. Stone is naturally cool in warm weather, and with underfloor heating systems, it conducts heat well during winter. Stone flooring is eco-friendly and keeps allergens away. However, it can chip or stain, and repairs are expensive. The cost of installation may be high, but the benefits are many. Stone flooring will add to the resale value of your home.
Tiles: are an alternative to natural stone and will be less expensive to install. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are very durable. Tiles are fire-resistant (mostly ceramic) and do not exude chemical fumes. Some are also bacteria-resistant. Another plus point is they are stain and scratch-free (especially porcelain which is less porous) making maintenance easier as well. Anti-slip tiles are helpful in the bathroom or wet areas. The drawbacks are that they are breakable, less resistant to cold and weather. However, tiled flooring can also boost the resale value.
Laminate: is a multi-layer synthetic hybrid floor covering. It has become more popular since the appearance has improved and the performance level has also increased. It is cost-effective and easy to install. There is a variety of style and colour options, like natural wood. It is durable and useful in areas where there is high traffic. It is easy to clean and stain-resistant. However, it is prone to moisture damage and is difficult to repair. Moreover, it will not do much to increase your home resale value.
Vinyl: is an economical option for flooring. It is both stain and water-resistant. It reduces noise, which can be a benefit with children and pets around. There are many designs and colours to choose from. They can resemble wood, with embossed textures, or give the beautiful natural stone effect or even with decorative patterns like stained glass. Vinyl flooring is easy to install, and maintenance is also not a problem. However, it can be damaged by surface dents caused by sharp objects. Also, discolouration can occur over time with dulling of the surface finish. Due to the cost-effectiveness, vinyl flooring will not increase the home resale value by a high amount.
Carpets: While other options are becoming increasingly popular, the snugness of carpet flooring seems to attract people still! Natural fibre carpeting is becoming a trend with the use of recyclable materials. They can be cost-effective with multiple designs and colours to suit each room. Carpet tiles in geometric patterns are popular. They can be changed at intervals, allowing variation in the flooring of your rooms. Carpets are sound-resistant and being soft, are feasible for small children. They also prevent accidental injuries like slipping or falling. Carpets keep you warm during the colder months. They absorb smells, which is a deterrent, but by trapping airborne contaminants, they improve the indoor air quality. However, carpets stain easily, and professional cleaning is recommended. They are not suitable for pets or moisture-prone areas. While carpets in general, do not affect the resale value of a home, it depends on the type and quality of the rug, which may affect.
Before choosing the flooring, some factors need to be considered:
Budget: Your budget will need to accommodate the type of flooring you choose.
Installation: Some flooring can be DIY though hardwood and stone floorings will need professionals for installation.
Accommodation: You will need to review the types of flooring that will suit the accommodation. Certain styles will flow better with particular rooms. However, there should not be a “mix which does not match” with the flooring in different rooms as that will ruin the total effect.
ROI (Return on Investment): Higher quality and cost will result in enhancement of the resale value of your home.
