Author: admin

Have you jumped on the remodeling bandwagon? People all across the US are rethinking their living spaces and changing things up.

According to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity put out by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, the remodeling industry will have another record year with remodeling expenditures expected to reach $352 billion in 2021, up from $339 billion in 2020.

That’s because people are buying up homes in record numbers, and when they get there, they want to make the space their own. Even if you choose to stay in your existing home, it’s difficult not to want to lighten, brighten your surrounding area.

No matter what color you decide to paint the walls, or what furniture you choose to decorate the room, it all starts with the floors. Installing new floors gives you a base to grow upon. New floors can make your home more durable, more comfortable, even give it more resale value.

Where do you begin?

Create a plan

Before you make your final selection, talk with a flooring expert. They can help you understand what flooring material will work best in your unique situation.

Tell them what you like and a little about your lifestyle. This gives them a big picture view of what your budget is, what time frame you’re looking at, and more info about the project itself.

Without this big picture view, you might be missing crucial information about what it takes to make the most of your new flooring choice. Are you budgeting enough for materials and installation? Do you understand how long each material truly will last? One of our flooring experts will walk you through from beginning to end.

Dig into the details

Carpet or hardwood? Laminate or luxury vinyl? As you begin to learn more about each product, you might discover a material you never thought to consider before. As you make a selection of material, you’ll dive even deeper into your choices.

What color do you like? What pattern works best for your needs?

Even manufacturers create different products for different scenarios. Does your basement occasionally flood? Maybe resilient flooring is the way to go. Is your family growing? Maybe carpeting will be best suited to your needs.

Don’t forget to consider warranties, and understand what goes into a final quote. This is especially important if you are comparing products or installers. Just because something appears to be a good deal, doesn’t necessarily make it so. At this stage, there isn’t a wrong question. If you don’t fully understand something, dig deeper until you do.

Sign on the dotted line

Once you make it official, your installation will move into motion. You’ll get a date on the calendar for your installation to begin. Be aware that each flooring material has its own needs and requirements. If you’re installing hardwood, for example, the product will need to sit in your home for a few days to acclimate to your environment before final installation.

If materials need to be ordered, that occurs before your scheduled date. If you have any questions during this timeframe, be sure to bring them up. It’s better to be overprepared than underprepared as you get ready for your installation.

The big day

Are you installing new flooring in one room, two, or the entire house? There’s a big difference in the way you maneuver on the day.

When you paint the walls, you simply move furniture away from it, and cover everything with drop cloths. It’s fairly easy to ensure your surroundings stay safe in the process. Not so with flooring. What’s currently on the floor must be removed to ensure the installation process runs smoothly.

Here’s a list of just some of the things you can do to be better prepared.

Remove all breakables – obviously, furniture needs to be removed. But don’t forget about other things that can get damaged in the process. Pull frames and art pieces off the walls. Remove light fixtures and other materials that may be damaged in the process.

Ensure you know who does what – if you need help moving furniture, be sure you mention that to the installer. Otherwise, you might have added costs tacked onto your final bill.

Disconnect appliances – if you’re replacing flooring in the kitchen, you might be moving appliances such as the range or the refrigerator. Be sure to disconnect them from gas hookups, electrical outlets, or water supply before they are moved.

Clean out closets and storage rooms – these are often the most chaotic rooms in the home. Be sure you’ve boxed up any items on the floor, and don’t forget about materials hanging that might get in the way. Pantry items should be removed. Coats, boots, and other accessories from the mudroom. Those boxes you thought were just there for storage – they have to be moved too. If it will be impacted by the new flooring process, it has to be moved.

Remove doors – by removing doors from adjoining rooms, you’ll ensure they don’t get scratched, nicked, or damaged in the process. As you remove them, mark each door and put all hinges, screws, and connectors in a plastic baggie with the door. Mixing up hardware can cause all sorts of problems after the move as you try and reinstall.

New flooring height – different types of flooring will leave your floors new heights after the install. Carpet will impact doors differently than laminate or hardwood. Have you taken this thoroughly into account? Or you might have a door that no longer swings freely.

Remove baseboards – new flooring should be pushed as close to the wall as possible. Based on new heights and new materials, they might not fit as they did before. This helps to keep your baseboards in great shape, and allows you to adjust their height once the flooring has been installed.

Secure your pets – this might be the perfect day for them to visit neighbors, or attend doggie daycare. This much commotion in their home can set them off. And dealing with a barking dog all day will only add to your stress.

Have a prep area – depending on the material, the installer will need a place to cut and prepare the flooring material. If it’s raining, it will need to be covered – your garage possibly? They will also need good lighting, an outdoor GFCI electrical outlet, and easy entry into your home.

The better prepared you are for installing new flooring, the smoother the project will go.

Is this the year you add new flooring to your home?

The post Installing New Floors? Do This To Ensure There Are No Surprises first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

There are only so many times that a hardwood floor can be refinished to sustain its youthful appearance. Continually performing the refinishing process causes the wood to become thinner and thinner. Since the hardwood needs to be smoothed first, this thinning of the wood is a result of the sanding that is required in the procedure. Eventually, the tongues and grooves that go together on the floorboards will fail to match up and lead to splintering and cavities in the wood; therefore, after undergoing the refinishing process several times, professionals advise that it’s best to replace the flooring entirely.

Water and hardwood floors do not mix. The more time hardwood floors are exposed to water, the more damage is done. Any water that gets onto the floors must be aerated right away so that the hardwood does not keep warping and decay. Buckling and peeling of the floors, spaces between boards, and unstable boards are usually indicators that there is water damage. Once you verify that this is the case, it is extremely important that you replace the flooring immediately to avoid possible injuries incurred from walking on the boards.

Perhaps you want a completely new style of flooring such as planks that are wider than the existing ones or another kind of wood. Some woods are harder than others and more impervious to destruction. It is amazing how solely by modifying your flooring your home will exude refreshing appeal.

Although hardwood flooring can last for decades with proper care, it will eventually need to be replaced. Aging floors become wobbly, pliable, and rotted at some point. Replacing hardwood flooring is a smart investment and can be an alluring perk if you decide to sell your home.

Flooring.org offers patrons a wide array of hardwood flooring options. We combine quality, affordability, and top-notch customer service. Kindly contact us at 1(800) 689-9006. Thank you for your interest in our company.

This post appeared first on http://www.flooring.org

If you are thinking to replace your carpet, have your thought about using parquet block flooring? It is stunning, unique, easy to look after and can last a lifetime if cared for properly.  Parquet block is a great alternative to a carpet and will add an air of sophistication to your home. Read More

With so many different flooring materials available to you, sometimes it can be difficult making a choice.

Maybe you’ve had your heart set on a specific floor covering – carpet, for example – but after even a small amount of research, doubt creeps in. The world seems to revolve around hardwood flooring today. But that’s not what you’re really in the market for. You want carpet. But should you listen to your gut?

Yes.

Carpet is still an excellent choice for installing it throughout your home. The global carpet market stood at $61.9 billion in 2020, and is expected to increase to $73.9 billion by 2025. With that level of increase, carpet isn’t about to dwindle out of the marketplace.

And when you look back through time, you’ll find that throughout history, we’ve brought forms of carpeting into our homes. There is evidence from thousands of years ago that animal furs and hides, as well as weavings from sheep wool and other fibers were made into rugs and placed throughout the home for warmth and aesthetics.

Is it right for you? Consider the benefits.

The benefits of installing carpet

For most of us, we’ve grown up with a variety of different flooring covers installed inside our homes. Vinyl, tile, wood, carpet – these materials are all good inclusions depending on what room they are installed in. Yet carpet brings out a few traits you don’t find as readily as with other flooring materials.

Comfort

One of the biggest reasons people settle on carpet is because of its comfort. Have you ever stood on a hard surface – tile, concrete, or even wood – for a length of time, only to find your joints and back hurt? You won’t find that with carpet because of the padding beneath your feet.

Get down on the ground. Sit. Lie down. Play a game with the kids, or build a house out of Legos and blocks. You’ll never tire of moving around on the softness of carpet.

Depending on what fibers you select, it can also feel soft to the touch. Run your fingers over it and it makes your home feel a little cozier. It can also make you relax when you dig your ties into it at the end of the day.

Warmth

Have you ever entered a room with hardwood or tile floors on the coldest day of winter? Feels chilly, no matter how much your furnace runs.

That changes when you bring carpet into the room. That’s because carpet has a higher insulation value than other flooring choices. You also install carpet over padding, which has its own insulation qualities. When your furnace turns on and blows warm air into the room, some of that absorbs into the carpet, keeping the heat near your feet longer than other materials. Not only will that make you warmer, but it will also show up as a savings on your monthly energy bill. A win/win for every situation.

Noise

Try and sneak into a room with hardwood or tile floors. You hear every move you make, click-clicking across the floor. And because it’s a hard surface area, the noise carries, bounces around the room, echoing throughout the house.

Carpet fibers absorb the noise, and hold it close to the surface area. This can be a big deal if you have small kids who nap during the day, or have a family member who works odd hours. You’ll find carpet is one of the quietest flooring choices you can install.

Safety

Drop a little liquid on certain flooring materials, and it could be a slip-sliding experience. If you’ve ever walked down stairs made of a hard surface material, you may have also noticed it’s a little more difficult to gain traction; it’s easier to have your foot slide from the step.

Carpet gives you a soft landing if you do fall, as well as provides a surface area that’s easier to navigate, especially on stairs. Properly carpeted stairs increase safety in homes where mobility is an issue. If you do select carpet, be sure to talk with one of our sales associates about installing the right carpet. Ideally, it should provide durability without being too thick, or it moves back into a risk hazard for people navigating the stairs.

Cost

If you’ve decided to install carpet, the first thing you’ll notice is the vast array of choices. If you want to keep costs low, you can do so easily by installing carpet. It’s one of the most budget-friendly flooring options on the market today.

https://pro-flooring.com/flipping-a-house-install-this-flooring/

Many hard flooring choices require special preparation before the material can be laid into place. Not so. Carpet can be rolled into place over a variety of subfloor options. If there is a slight problem – a floor you just can’t get even – that’s not a problem. This can save you a great deal of cost in labor.

Can you move up and get plush, expensive carpet that’s luxurious to the touch? You bet. But if you’re trying to stay on the economical side, carpet is often the one flooring choice that makes sense.

Style

We’ve alluded to it numerous times in the other benefit categories, but with carpet, style is only held back by your imagination. You’ll find carpet selections in every color of the rainbow. And if you’re looking for something special, possibly for your commercial location, you can get custom orders that make anything possible.

You can go with shag or short fibers, patterns, or Berber. Stick with a solid color, or have a variety of colors woven into a pattern. Stick with one color, or use different colors depending on your room. Even carpet tiles can be a playful way to make any room pop with a bit of pizzazz.

Which carpet is best for your home?

That’s the fun part. When you decide carpet is the right choice for your home, you’ll love the possibilities.

Come in and shop around. Look at your options. Select a few choices and bring samples home. Live with them a few days before making your choice.

That’s the best way to choose the right carpet for your home.

The post The Benefits of Carpeting Your Home first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

During the spring, while homes are selling, people wonder will laminate increase home value?  The Carpet Guys want to help you understand the importance of flooring choices when installing for resale value in the home.

What Does Increased Resale Value Mean?

Increased Resale Value means the item (in this case, a home) is worth more than what it was originally purchased for.  Many factors can contribute to resale value including the age, location and overall condition of the home and its fixtures.

If the home is in good repair and less than 50 years old, it will most likely sell for more than you bought it for. If you are interested in what you should do to get your home sale ready, check out our blog on The Top 5 Things to do Before Selling Your Home.

How Long Will You Be in the Home?

First, decide how long you will be living in the home? The average amount of time a person lives in a home is 5-7 years.  It doesn’t make sense to spend a large amount of money on flooring if you’re only going to be in the home for a short time. If you just moved in and are planning to be in the home for many years, there are many durable, hard surface options that may suit your needs.

What Type of Flooring Will Be Replaced?

If there’s already hardwood flooring, it may not be necessary to replace.  Though expensive, have the hardwood refinished to upgrade your resale value.  For outdated or worn carpet or sheet vinyl, in bedrooms or a living space with low humidity, laminate is an outstanding flooring option.  It gives the look of wood, is easy to maintain and is also scratch resistant. If installed properly, laminate will elevate the value of your home when selling.

If you’re looking to upgrade your homes resale value, The Carpet Guys can help.  We carry all the top, American-made flooring brands and styles.  Whether you want laminate, hardwood, luxury vinyl, carpet or sheet vinyl, we have it all.  Set up your Free In-Home Estimate today or call 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) and one of our professional representatives will send a Design Consultant to your home to help you figure out the best flooring for your needs.

The post Will Laminate Increase Home Value appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

You will want to keep your wooden floor looking fresh and new.  It is really important to use the correct cleaning products on a wooden floor.  This will eliminate the risk of damage, and ensure your floor is clean and fresh. Wooden floors can look amazing, but you must remember that it is a natural product and needs to be looked after carefully.  There are some great products to clean your floor with, however, there are also a lot of products that can cause more harm than good. Read More

Thinking of adding new flooring to your home? Have you settled on hardwood floors?

It might surprise you to know your hardwood flooring choice might not be hard at all.

Softwood flooring – never heard of it? You won’t find home improvement stores selling “softwood flooring” anytime soon. It doesn’t really appeal to a homeowner that wants a long life from the flooring they select.

Yet different wood species have different hardness levels. That means some wood flooring choices will have more durability, while others will require more maintenance throughout their lifespan.

What’s the difference?

The difference between softwood and hardwood flooring

When you’re attempting to determine if a wood is soft or hard, it comes down to the physical structure and makeup of the material.

In general, hardwood comes from deciduous trees. These are trees that lose their leaves in the fall, and produce seeds with a protective covering. Maple and oak fall into this category.

Softwood, on the other hand, are gymnosperms, which means they are seed-producing trees that produce uncovered seeds, and are evergreen, such as conifer trees.

Hardwoods will be slower growing, which makes them denser, sturdier, and more difficult to cut through. Softwoods tend to be the opposite, though there are always exceptions to the rule. Yew trees fall into the softwood category because they are conifer, but they produce a strong, tough wood.

Both woods can be versatile in home building, and can be used for a quality flooring cover. Though you’ll tend to find hardwoods in more abundance for flooring covers, both offer opportunity to a homeowner for getting the look you’ll love.

What is a hardness scale?  

Because different types of wood offer different strengths and hardness, industry leaders developed a way of measuring the different qualities to let you know, the consumer, where specific woods fall on the scale.

The scale was developed to show hardness tests of each different type of wood. The test uses a 2”x2”x6” piece of wood and a 0.444” steel ball to determine the force needed to push the ball halfway into the wood. The results are included in the results known as the Janka Hardness Scale.

It starts at zero, with this option being the softest wood. The rating moves to 4,000, with any wood nearing this ranking being at the hardest end of the scale. A wood falling at zero with scratch and dent with ease, while one falling at 4,000 would be almost impossible to cut and install as a flooring material. That means most choices fall somewhere in between.

A deep dive into softwood

If you shop for hardwood and have your eye on pine, fir, or cedar, all of which are popular throughout North America, you’re looking at a softwood flooring product. These all make excellent flooring products because they tend to grow and mature faster than other species of trees. That makes the wood abundantly available, and easier to farm and harvest than other choices. Because of their abundance, you’ll never have to worry about locating sustainable or eco-friendly products.

These softwoods have been used for years – decades. That’s because they’ve been installed in homes across the US for equally as long. They’ve come to be synonymous with classic good looks inside our homes and offices. It’s friendlier to the environment because just as easily as you can install them, they will decompose faster at the end of life as well.

The one drawback is that its rapid growth also means it’s a softer, less dense wood. That decreases the durability factor, and makes it more susceptible to damage. In high traffic situations, or in commercial applications, softwood may not be the perfect choice.

A deep dive into hardwood

Hardwood will never go out of style. Because it’s one of the most durable flooring products on the market, you’ll find hardwood installed just about anywhere. Look down in your favorite store. Notice the floors when you head into the office. Chances are there is hardwood down there.

Because hardwood is produced from different resources, you’ll never find the same look and feel between species, or even from board to board. That’s part of the allure. You can install any type of hardwood you desire, then pick the stain and finish that best suits your tastes and needs. The look is unique and individual as you are.

Of course, hardwood’s appeal is that it produces a hard, dense surface area. And that takes years to grow. Typically hardwood will be more expensive, especially as you move into exotics. It also takes more work to install to ensure it looks good, as well as more maintenance once it’s installed and you’re living with it.

You can get hardwood in both solid and engineered format. Solid hardwood is created from solid logs, with one piece of wood being milled directly from the log. Engineered has multiple layers and added composite materials to create the plank and overall look.

So which is better, softwood or hardwood? 

It may seem like the best choice for your home is a hardwood floor. But there’s more to it than that. It’s not only what the wood planks are made of that should sway your decision. Maintenance comes into play too.

A homeowner that uses a softwood flooring that is conscious about how well it’s maintained each day, and treats it with care throughout its life will enjoy the look and feel of their choice.

A homeowner that selects a hardwood flooring, but has an active lifestyle that means they rarely clean up after themselves may find their hardwood floors look battered and old after just a few short years. They need replacement long before the household with the softwood installed because of the way they cared for it.

A lot of this comes down to preference and personality. It’s important to consider how you live before you make your final selection. Be honest with yourself. People rarely change, even if they make an attempt when their floors are first installed. Most fall immediately back to old patterns.

What’s the best choice for you?

Would you like to know your options, and find the right wood floor for your home?

Stop by, or give us a call today.

The post Softwood or Hardwood – Which Is Better For Your Flooring? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

When you are struggling with which flooring type to get, you may want to consider vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring is an amazing type of flooring for many different areas of your house. Here is a little more information about the durability of vinyl plank flooring.

Is It Durable?

Actually, vinyl plank flooring is one of the most durable flooring options. One of the best reasons to choose vinyl plank flooring is its water resistance. Plank flooring is very water resistant. If you frequently spill water in the kitchen or laundry room, or you are looking for a type of flooring for your bathroom, you may want to choose vinyl plank flooring. Also, pet owners love plank flooring, because with a puppy who isn’t house trained, you’re going to want vinyl plank flooring.

Vinyl flooring is a multilayered flooring that is genetically engineered to withstand heavy foot traffic and consistent wear. If you have high traffic areas, vinyl flooring is perfect for those areas in your house. Also, vinyl flooring is hard enough to withstand drops, crashes and breaks that happen in any house with children or pets. Vinyl flooring is scratch resistant as well. Vinyl flooring is a great way to put down gorgeous flooring that will last for many years to come.

Another reason people rave about vinyl flooring is because the flooring is reasonably priced, especially when compared to hardwood. There are many types of vinyl that look a lot like hardwood, which may give you the look you want at a price that won’t make you shudder.

When you are ready to select flooring for your next project, Flooring.org is here to help. Give us a call today at 1-800-689-9006. We look forward to helping you with all your project needs.

This post appeared first on http://www.flooring.org

Thinking of installing a new floor in your home?

The fun part may be deciding what flooring to install. Hardwood or tile? Carpet or laminate?

And once you decide on the type, the colors, styles, and patterns can leave you breathless.

Who knew so much was available? How will you ever decide?

Eventually, you whittle down your selections and make a final decision.

But your options aren’t over yet.

Will you do-it-yourself? Will you hire a contractor?

Who will you trust to install one of the most important building materials in your home? If you get this part wrong, you’ll have a flooring that simply doesn’t work with your lifestyle. Hardwood may warp or cup. Tile may come loose. Carpet may buckle, creating waves across your floor.

Selecting the right flooring for your needs is only a part of your decision process. An equally important decision should come with hiring the right flooring contractor, one that will ensure the work is done correctly and will give you floors you can live with for years to come.

Where do you start to find the right flooring contractors to suit your needs?

Make sure the flooring contractor is licensed and insured

Anyone can install flooring. Not everyone can install flooring correctly. There is a difference, and yet homeowners often forget that when finalizing their decisions.

And we get it. It’s easy to break the budget upgrading to the material you’ve fallen in love with, then look for ways to cut corners on things you can’t see – like installation. Yet installation is one of the most important parts of the entire project. Get it wrong and you’ll pay for it from the start.

When you hire a contractor who is licensed and insured, you have guarantees if something goes wrong with the installation. It also protects you in the case of a contractor that doesn’t finish the job or damages the property in the process.

Get at least three quotes – don’t fall for the “good deals”

It’s easy to get excited and fall in love with a material you’ve been dreaming about for years. If you’ve looked online, you might even notice a “really good deal” and have a strong urge to jump at it. They even offer installation at a “low cost.” What could be better than that?

That’s how many homeowners fall for scams and pay the price dearly in the long run.

Companies don’t stay in business by offering unbelievable deals. They look for easy ways to pull people in, and charge exorbitant fees on the backend when you’re frustrated, panicked, and a little overwhelmed. What choice do you have at that point?

When you see things in writing, you can start to ask questions. And when you ask for at least three quotes, you can start comparing. This gives you a chance to thoroughly understand all the pieces that go into installing your new floors, and make an informed decision in the process.

Ask questions

Speaking of asking questions, we can’t recommend this enough. Before you start the process, create a list of questions that apply directly to your project. Keep adding to it. Then bring it with you when you start looking for flooring.

A reputable flooring contractor will answer all of your questions with care. They want you to be happy with the final results, and will take the time to ensure you’re happy with your purchase.

A less-than-reputable flooring contractor will get agitated quickly, try and spin the answers into something you can’t understand, and will try and press you for the sale, cutting you off in the process to do so.

Need a few ideas for great questions to ask? Start with these:

• How much work is involved in this project, beginning to end?
• How long will it take?
• What problems may occur along the way?
• How can I best be prepared on the day of installation?
• What are your recommendations for the best flooring?
• How should I maintain my flooring choice?
• What problems could arise during this process?

Now think of a few questions based on the type of flooring you’re considering, and the rooms where you’ll be installing the product you choose.

Do a little sleuthing online

This is the age of the internet, after all. If a flooring contractor is in business for the long term, they know enough to pay attention to creating a viable internet presence that helps them reach out to potential customers.

They care about the presence they are creating online.

When you search, you’ll find a bunch of information in a variety of places. They may have a website, a Facebook page, and an Instagram account. They may have reviews on Google and Angie’s.

But when you’re looking, don’t make rash decisions based on one bad review. Get a feel for what the contractor brings to the table. After all, we all have bad days. We all have bad experiences, where our needs just don’t mesh with the person we’re doing business with. One bad review never sets the stage. It’s the overall feeling you get by doing your research well.

If a company has been in business for a while, you’ll easily piece together a picture of who they are. Couple that with the feeling you get by talking with them, and you’ll quickly be able to finalize your decision.

Experience, experience, experience

There is something to the phrase: Jack of all trades, master of none. Installing click and lock laminate, or rolling out carpet in the bedroom may seem like an easy task. What about creating patterns with tile, or installing exotic hardwood flooring?

There’s a right way, and a way that will leave you vulnerable to living with problem flooring for a very long time.

If you know exactly the type of flooring you want installed, ensure the flooring contractor understands the little nuances of installing that type of floor. Do they have the appropriate tools? Have they worked with different manufacturers of this type of product?

In some cases, manufacturers may even require you to go with an experienced contractor to ensure the flooring is correctly installed. That keeps your warranty valid.

Installing new flooring?

Finding the right contractor doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow these simple rules, and you’ll fall in love with the results. And live happily ever after with a flooring that meets all of your needs.

The post How Do You Find The Right Flooring Contractors? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

Spring has sprung and with it comes the real estate boom.  Read on to find out what are the most important things to do before selling your home.  It will maximize your resale value and minimize the strain on your wallet so you can put more into the new home of your dreams.

1 – Start Packing to Remove the Knick-Knacks and Clutter

The items in your home that make it “homey” are specific to your taste.  They may not appeal to a potential buyer.  Also, collectibles and mementos are interpreted as clutter in a buyer’s mind.  It’s important for the buyer to notice the home, not your collections or family travel keepsakes.  This includes clothing in your closets.  You want the closets and rooms to look spacious and overcrowding gives the illusion of a smaller space.  Packing these things away make a room look more spacious.

2 – Paint and Repair Walls

Make sure to repair walls from any holes or dents. Painting the walls, a neutral shade like white, cream or gray is important. A potential buyer is more likely to envision their furniture and family in a neutral-colored room. Don’t have time to paint? Call a company that specializes in painting and repair to make your life easier.  The Carpet Guys recommend 1-800-PAINTERS

3 – Fix Broken Appliances and Fixtures

It is not recommended that you purchase new appliances if you’re planning on selling your home.  It does not increase the value of your home enough to recoup that cost. If you are taking all appliances with you, note it on the sale contract. It is important that the things you are planning on leaving behind are in good working condition.  The heating and cooling system should be clean and functional.  All pipes and faucets should work well and not leak.  If you have any extras like an invisible fence, sprinkler system or wet bar, these should all be working and in good shape.  Most real estate agents will recommend that you leave any receipts and manuals that you may have for the appliances, as well.

4 – Replace Broken Windows and Roof

Inspectors and appraisers are focused on major features including foundation, walls, exterior structures, roof, windows, heating, and air conditioning.  These things should be in good repair when choosing to sell your home.  In most of these cases, especially roof and windows, you can recoup up to 70% of your costs for new in the value of the home at sale.  When buying a home, most families do not want a home that will require major repairs like the roof and windows.

5 – Change Dated Light Fixtures and Flooring

The bathrooms and kitchens are an area homeowners’ value. Nothing dates a bathroom or kitchen more than the light fixtures.  It’s safe to go with something simple and timeless and make sure to have all working lightbulbs.  Fixtures are easy to replace.  And if you want to keep your fancy new fan or chandelier, you need to replace it before selling.  Otherwise, it is considered a fixture of the home and must stay when you leave. Also, make sure all outdoor lighting is functional and renewed.  Many potential buyers will drive by the home at night to see the neighborhood before making a final purchase decision.  Equally, you’ll want to make sure your flooring is not damaged or worn.  Hardwood gives the highest return on your home’s resale value, but if it’s scratched and dented, it can hurt your chances of finding a buyer quickly.  The same goes with carpet.  If it’s outdated shag or has wrinkles, a potential buyer may turn away.  The Carpet Guys recommend if you replace flooring, go with something practical and inexpensive.  Also, make sure it’s a neutral color like cream, tan or gray.

Once you have completed this initial checklist, make sure to keep the home clean and ready for walk throughs. It helps to have your landscaping trimmed and some flowers planted. It may seem daunting, but it will pay off.  And when you decide where you are going to live after you move, don’t forget to call The Carpet Guys to refresh your new home with the flooring of your dreams.  We provide an installation warranty that will last for the life of your home ownership!  Set up an appointment today for a Free In-Home Estimate or call us at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897).

The post Top 5 Things to Do Before Selling Your Home appeared first on The Carpet Guys.