Which is Better for Your Home: Hardwoods or Carpet?

When it comes to putting your house on the market or simply making a few equity-increasing renovations, one of the most common upgrades chosen is the installation of wood flooring.

In general, wood flooring tends to add value to your home more easily than carpet or laminate because, aside from staying in style, it has a tendency to be extremely long-lasting. Since there are so many different types to choose from, the actual cost of making this switch may vary greatly depending upon whether you opt for an exotic or high-strength wood or choose to go for a more eco-friendly choice like bamboo. Still, even with some of the more pricey options, the switch to wood from one of the other flooring alternatives will almost certainly add value to your home.

A study conducted by The National Wood Flooring Association showed that 99% of U.S. real estate agents suggest that homes with hardwood flooring are easier to sell. Still, it’s important to remember that carpeting can increase the value of a home if it is being used to replace old or cheap vinyl options. Some homeowners or buyers simply prefer the warmth and feel of carpet, especially in upstairs bedrooms; however, if you ultimately decide to go that route, you may want to take into consideration that not only does carpet wear out more quickly than sturdy hardwoods, with the array of colors and styles to choose from, it can rapidly fall out of style and decrease the value of your home (think 70’s-style shag carpeting).

In addition, a question that’s worth asking is whether you prefer vacuuming or sweeping. While wood floors require polishing and a bit more care when it comes to things like wearing heels or moving furniture, sweeping tends to be a lot easier than vacuuming. With that, it’s no surprise that carpet holds an abundance of dust, allergens, and germs, which can be troubling if you’re someone who already deals with allergies or respiratory issues. While periodic cleaning by a professional floor cleaner is important regardless of whether you’re dealing with wood floors or carpeting, the long-term maintenance on wood floors tends to be much less labor intensive.

In the end, while both choices have pros and cons, if you’re not planning on making the jump into the real estate market anytime soon, don’t be afraid to reflect on your options and go with whatever works best for your family and budget. If you’re simply someone who loves carpets and likes the warmth they bring to your home, don’t feel like you have to go with hardwoods simply because they’re popular.

When in doubt, feel free to contact a local Realtor who can help you weigh your options and select a choice that will keep the integrity of your home’s value intact.

If you’d like some assistance or want an assessment of your home before making a final decision, I’d love to help. Please feel free to contact me.

Pam Evans | Hello Pam Evans Real Estate | www.HelloPamEvans.com | 678-778-6551