Glacier Real Estate

Attract more buyers with hardwood flooring

Jaw-dropping features can sell a home in a heartbeat. A penthouse apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows and a panoramic view of a city skyline likely won’t prove a hard sell, nor will a home with an infinity pool overlooking a landscape of rolling hills. As awe-inspiring as such features can be, some more subtle components, such as authentic hardwood floors, also can do much to make a home more appealing to prospective buyers.

Hardwood flooring is a sought-after commodity, especially for millennial buyers. Data from the National Association of Realtors indicates that 54% of home buyers are willing to pay more for hardwood floors. In fact, NAR figures indicate that 28% of buyers between the ages of 35 and 54 consider hardwood floors “very important” when looking for a home.

Homeowners who are considering selling their homes, or those who simply want to upgrade their existing flooring, may want to consider installing

hardwood flooring, as this project can provide a 147% return on investment. However, those that pursue this project should be aware of the following tips.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL. If you have limited or no DIY flooring experience, hardwood flooring installation is not generally a project for novice DIYers. Flooring projects may present some common challenges, but no two homes are the same. So unless they have prior experience installing floors in multiple rooms or homes, homeowners may save themselves time, trouble and a significant amount of money hiring a professional to do the job.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE SUBFLOOR. New hardwoods won’t erase the problem of subfloors in poor condition. Squeaky floors could be an indication that the subfloor has begun to warp or twist. Sinking floors are another indicator of deteriorating subfloors. Subfloors should be somewhat level before new hardwoods are installed, so be sure to inspect and address subfloor issues before installing new flooring.

EXPOSE TO THE ELEMENTS. Prior to installation, the home improvement resource BuildDirect recommends acclimating hardwoods to the space where they will be installed. Skipping this important step could result in gaps during the winter and cupping over the summer. To acclimate hardwoods, open the boxes and spread them out for about a week while running the air conditioner or heater at normal levels. When storing hardwoods prior to installation, avoid keeping them in potentially moist areas like a basement.

HOW TO CARE FOR

HARDWOOD FLOORING

With its rich tones and distinguished style, hardwood flooring can be a beautiful design element. Wood floors are an appealing project with a high return on investment for potential sellers. To maintain its condition, review proper care for hardwood flooring.

Consider these tips for keeping hardwoods in tip-top shape:

GUARD AGAINST WATER. Water can penetrate deep into the wood, causing stains and ruining the outside finish. Use plastic trays under potted plants and pets’ bowls. Wipe up spills and accidents immediately.

USE AREA RUGS. If you have any heavy traffic areas – by the front door, hallways or around the kitchen table or couch, for example – use area rugs to protect against wear and tear. Area rugs are also an easy way to boost the style factor of your home.

TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES. Encourage family members and guests to take off their shoes when they walk in. Shoes can bring in sand and dirt, so position area rugs at door entryways to act as barriers.

SWEEP OR VACUUM REGULARLY. Dust and dirt can act as sandpaper, wreaking havoc on your floor’s finish. A weekly sweep can help keep this at bay while enhancing your flooring’s general appearance. If using your vacuum, be sure to use an attachment with soft brushes to guard from additional wear.

CLEAN NATURALLY. For a deep clean, ditch the harsh chemicals. Simply pour 1 cup of vinegar into a bucket with 1 gallon of water, mixing well. Use a soft mop and move in the direction of the floorboards. Go over with a clean, soft towel to dry excess water.

By following these simple steps, homeowners can cherish the beauty of hardwood floors for many years to come. Learn more at eLivingtoday.com.