A mistake that many homeowners make is to overlook the flooring when it comes to establishing the decor and feel of the home. However, what most people fail to realize is the massive impact that the correct type of flooring can have on the overall look, feel, ambiance, functionality as well as the resale value of your home. Whatever type of floor you might prefer, exploring all your options is the best way to figure out which one is going to work best for your home’s design, location, your lifestyle, and your budget.
If you don’t do your research, it could end up being a disaster. On the other hand, selecting the right type of floor with a professional finish could leave you with a feeling of great achievement as you enjoy your beautiful flooring for years to come.
Factors To Consider Before Selecting Your Flooring
Before you can actually go ahead and have your new floor installed, there are a few key factors you have to consider.
Your budget
Flooring is priced per square foot, and this can quickly add up. How big is the area you have allocated for new flooring? Will you be attempting the installation yourself? DIY installations could cut your costs in half, but you also run the risk of poor installation, which may end up costing you more in the long run. Should you opt for professional installation, you’ll have to figure in labor costs. Your best option is to first figure out how much money you have to spend on your flooring project, and then compare estimates from several contractors. Once you start comparing estimates, you’ll get a much better idea of what is possible within your allocated budget.
Your Lifestyle
The way you and your family live and use your home will have a profound effect on the type of floor that will suit you best. If you have a big family and some pets running around, you’re likely to have several high-traffic areas. You should opt for resilient floorings like ceramic or porcelain tile, laminate flooring, or even plank vinyl flooring. On the other hand, if you don’t have a large family with minimal traffic, your flooring options could change and you could opt for something that’s softer underfoot.
Maintenance Work
Are you interested in a floor that requires very little maintenance, or is maintenance not a major concern? Wood, for example, should be swept or vacuumed regularly if you are to maintain it well. Neglecting it will eventually leave it looking dull and scratched. Stone’s finish will also succumb without some regular sweeping. If low maintenance is your primary concern, you might opt for tile, sheet, or some laminate flooring. On the other hand, if maintenance is not the most important factor, solid or engineered flooring might be a good option.
Location of Installation
Which area have you selected? Is it an area that receives a lot of direct sunlight, or is it a darker area? Sunlight could contribute to your hardwood floors fading over time. If it’s a darker area, lighter floors could brighten up the area and even make the room look bigger. If it’s flooring for your bedrooms, it should be some flooring that’s comfortable for bare feet.
Are you perhaps considering new floors for your bathroom, basement, or laundry room? These are areas that might experience high moisture, and you should consider vinyl tile, concrete, ceramic or porcelain tile. If the area of installation is not prone to high moisture, you can consider any type of flooring.
If you are redoing your entry or foyer, you should consider something with a wow factor. However, should snow and mud at the bottom of your shoes to be a factor, the entry to your home should probably have some durable flooring.
Selecting Your Flooring
When you have the need to lay down a new floor, it’s very important to get in touch with a local professional to get some expert input on what type of flooring will be best suited for your particular project. Request some samples such as wood flooring contractor costs and see how it will match up to the look of your home. Also be sure to compare several estimates from reputable contractors in your area if you want to ensure you get the best price possible.