Wood Floor Or Carpet In My Rehab?
I'm doing my first rehab and was wondering if refinishing the wood floors would increase the value or appeal. Also what is the general per sq. foot cost to refinish a wood floor?
Thanks in advance fro your support!
On my first rehab, I ripped out the carpet and had the wood floors stripped down to the natural oak, and they became one of the biggest selling points for the home. Everybody that came to look at the house commented on them, and ultimately I think that they helped sell it. Just my two cents. Good luck.
Mike
I had the same option not too long ago. A nasty looking house with 50 year old carpets covering up decent hardwood floors.
The things I took into consideration:
1- The neighborhood - Not really the classy wood floor type.
2- The price $1.50/sqft carpet vs $2-3 /sqft refinish hardwood.
3- Increase in value due to hardwood over carpet. - For this area, minimal.
4- Time - Carpet 1 day, Hardwood 3-5 days minimal (drying time, much more labor, etc.)
I went with carpet and never looked back.
IMO, If you are going for the luxury or stylish part of town where hardwood makes a premium do hardwood otherwise always do carpet.
-Rup
Oh and in response to the cost, we shopped around and found a new guy in town that was willing to do it for $1.50 sq ft. That was by far the least expensive. Other bids we got were for about $2-$2.50 sq ft. Try to use competetive bidding in your favor e.g. "this guy here said he could do it for $xx per sq ft".
Most of the time I would say definately go with the wood floors. Many people don't realize that generally you don't have to sand down the floors. You only need to clean them or lightly sand them and then swab on a new coat of poly. They will look fantastic in about 90% of the cases for about 5 cents/sq ft.
On my first rehab I took up the carpet and keep the wood floor, i rented a sander and did it myself it took me all day, it was about 600sq and then I put on the poly only 1 coat because it looked just fine, if I put on more it would of shined more.
It cost me 55.00 to rent sander and sandpaper 32.00 for 2 gallons of poly that is 87.00 and one day of my labor.
I sure think that is better the 1.50 per sq and if you don;t want to do the labor yourself then hire someone to do it at 7.00 hr, you can find them all over the place.
I have to agree with rup, it depends on the neighborhood. It also depends a lot on if you're going to consider renting the place instead of selling it. I aint refinishin' no floors in Crackville just so some scumbag can let his dog, which isn't supposed to be there in the first place, get it all nasty and scratched up (and stained). But if he's buying and not renting, then refinishing can be cheaper and look better. On the nicer side of the tracks, and especially if the people are buying, it's a different story entirely. I love hardwood floors, and so do a lot of other people. Z