Whether you’re a first time investment property owner or a seasoned landlord, it should come as no surprise that rental units take more abuse than the average family home. Selecting the right kind of flooring can help prevent the need for extensive repairs later and help you lease to new tenants with confidence. If you’re considering putting your property back on the market, follow the tips below to protect your floors from avoidable damage.
Consider the big picture
One of the most important aspects of protecting your floors is to understand the function and needs of every room in your property. Doing so will help you select flooring that is best suited to the area. Factors you’ll want to discuss during the decision making process are:
What is the purpose of this room? What are the corresponding challenges?
Identifying the function of each room should help you select flooring that is appropriate for the needs of the area. Examples include pairing water resistant planks in bathrooms and laundry rooms.
How many tenants am I expecting to live in the unit? How much foot traffic will the floor need to withstand?
If your space is designed to house a family, the demand on your floors will be greater than a unit made for a single person or couple. If you’re planning on making your property pet-friendly, you’ll want to factor that in as well.
Am I planning renovations in the near future? How much maintenance am I willing to put in now?
If you are aiming for a short term rental to help save up for larger renovations in the future, this may help you decide if you want to update your flooring, and what solutions work best in the interim.
When was the last time the floors were updated?
If you’re on the fence as to whether or not your flooring needs an overhaul, it’s best to consider when your current set up was put into place. Certain textiles like carpets and hardwood have more specific lifespan than other materials like vinyl, so you’ll want to take this into account. Starting fresh may actually save you money in the long run compared to having to deal with repairs or the removal of moulding carpets that may not have been adequately cared for by a previous owner.
What to choose
The reality is, every rental unit is different. While the staples of vinyl, cork, laminate, and linoleum are common choices due to their resilience and price point, it’s best to take the specific needs of your property into consideration.
Not sure where to get started? Ashley Fine Floors can help! Our team has been connecting Edmonton and area with leading flooring solutions for over 25 years. Contact our team today to learn more.