Buyer – “Look at the hardwood floors…. they are beautiful!”
Seller – “Cha-ching”
It is the most common refrain from almost any buyer when they see wood floors (of ANY age) that have been well maintained. Not only do they add a sense of luxury and class, they last far longer and greatly enhance air quality. A good wood floor is arguably the ultimate investment in that it is timeless, healthy and durable.
We often tell our clients that hardwood floors are the most important piece of furniture you can own. The tone that is set upon entry with a well installed wood floor is carried through the rest of the home. Think of how you feel when you walk into the foyer of a home … how do you react to wood floors versus tile or carpet? I know how I do.
And today, the number of choices in wood flooring is staggering. Besides the base oak floor that has been used for decades, the new textures, colors and finishes is really giving buyers far more options than ever before. Even ‘engineered’ wood floors, once the less preferred cousin to the traditional ‘tongue and groove finished in place’ flooring that is ever so Richmond, have become far more accepted.
So despite the pressure to upgrade to exotic woods and/or unique finishes that you see in the builder’s showroom, just know you do not have to install expensive inlaid and/or patterned floors to achieve the maximum effect. A good base-level oak floor professionally finished will pay you back in spades when it comes time to sell.
Seriously consider wood floors in place of carpet if you are faced with the decision. Wood floors are an investment, not an expense.
