Colorado Realty and Property Management, Inc. knows that rental properties have different flooring needs than a personal home. In a rental, flooring needs to be durable, water resistant, and easy to clean, maintain, and replace, since it absorbs the majority of the property’s daily wear and tear. That makes it one of the most important investments you’ll make in your rental property.
Many flooring options are often dismissed, but it is important to remember that flooring options are very different from what they were five, ten, or even twenty years ago. Be sure to consider all options, as the materials you might reject could be the greatest fit for your investment property. Here is an overview of common flooring found in rental properties, along with the most common pros and cons of each.
- Carpet: It is an affordable option, lasts around 5-7 years in a rental and it is easy to replace. Carpet is a great option for lower traffic areas and areas that would benefit from added warmth and comfort. On the other hand, it is susceptible to wear and tear, stains, odors and the occasional need for stretching.
- Laminate: Being that laminate is 99% wood product, it looks like real wood, it is affordable, and resists dents and stains. It is warmer and softer to walk on compared to tile or stone. A big drawback is that water can easily damage this flooring, making it less suitable for a kitchen and bathroom.
- Hardwood: Hardwood flooring is durable, beautiful and considered a fantastic upgrade. On the other hand, it can be expensive. It is also a material that requires occasional upkeep as it will need to be refinished every so often. Hardwood is not necessarily a great choice for upper level units with downstairs units as it is noisier.
- Tile: Glazed or sealed tile is waterproof, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and entryways. It is long lasting, easy to care for, and there are many opportunities to create amazing designs. However, a disadvantage to tile is that it can be cold and hard, which may make it less than ideal for living spaces or bedrooms. Other minor drawbacks are that the grout needs to be sealed, and the installation is labor-intensive.
- Vinyl: Vinyl is stain and water resistant as well as durable, making it practical for high traffic areas such as kitchens but it can be seen as a very cheap flooring option. Most tenants are not thrilled about living with the cheapest options, but if you are just getting started as an investor, this could be a money-saving option. Vinyl flooring design has evolved over the years and there are now some beautiful and modern options.
- Linoleum: The benefits of linoleum are that it is easy to install and very easy to clean. It is also a very affordable option, making it great for rental properties. It is best if used in the kitchen and dining area. The drawbacks are that it is more prone to dents or even tears, compared to other flooring options. It’s also heat sensitive as hot items will burn or melt the flooring.
Different areas of the rental property may require different flooring options, but it’s important to consider all materials when choosing the best fit for your rental. Colorado Realty and Property Management, Inc. has an extensive network of professional, licensed, and insured vendors who can help our investors install the best flooring for their rental property.
Have questions about flooring or turnover costs? Contact us today, we’re here to help!
