What's one of the first things a buyer will notice when he/she walks into a house? Here's a hint: look down. Flooring material can make a huge impression on buyers, as it represents an aspect of the house that will be used and seen during just about every household activity. When it comes to getting the most out of your floors, nothing can compare to the style, durability, and functionality of hardwood. In fact, hardwood floors have become so desirable that they will nearly pay for themselves when it comes time to sell your home!
Due to their popularity, some real estate professionals consider hardwood floors a virtual necessity for selling higher-end homes, as buyers have grown to expect the lux material in rooms such as the living room, dining room, and master bedroom. Of course, there's no arguing with the beautiful look that hardwood can give to any room in a house! In fact, the National Wood Flooring Association reports that 99% of real estate agents in the US believe homes with hardwood floors are easier to sell, 82% believe they sell faster, and 90% believe they sell for more money.
Besides the stylish appearance, what else makes hardwood so desirable as a flooring material? For one thing, hardwood is significantly easier to keep clean compared to carpet, the material that used to dominate living rooms across the nation. On a related note, allergy sufferers will appreciate the fact that hardwood doesn't trap irritants such as pollen and dust. Perhaps even more importantly, hardwood represents the most long-lasting of all flooring options. When installed properly, the lifespan of a hardwood floor can exceed that of the homeowner!
For most homeowners, the greatest impediment to wood flooring is the high cost. Popular woods will set you back approximately $10 to $20 per square foot for material and installation, a dollar amount which quickly becomes untenable for most buyers. However, before you rule out hardwood as too expensive, keep in mind that it has a return on investment somewhere between 70% and 80% when selling the home.
In summary, if you're thinking of renovating your floors for yourself or for resale value, it would be difficult to surpass the durability and appearance of solid hardwood!
