Before we detail the modernised flooring options available in today’s day and age, it’s important to separate fact from fiction, in terms of worth and perception. Knowledge of these topics are especially helpful if you’ve been weighing the pros and cons of installing new floors, from a value-added perspective. With this notion in mind, take a brief moment to peruse the enlightening facts and figures listed below:
- Although the exact numbers vary from property to property, homeowners can recoup anywhere from 75% to 300% ofthe initial installation costs of a new floor.
- 90% of registered, authorised assessors attest to the fact that updated flooring allows homes to sell for a higher final price.
- 9 out of every 10 Australian real estate agents state that new floors or upgraded carpets encouragean easier and quicker sale.
- The Australian housing market has experienced red-hot growth over the past half-decade – with 50%+ price increases in the nation’s population centres.However, it’s still a seller’s market, due to the quantifiable under-supply and continued migration. These conditions create the perfect financial climate for lucrative home improvement projects.
Now that you know a bit more about the current landscape, let’s take a closer look at the most cost-effective and valuable flooring options available nowadays.
Timber Flooring
Regardless of whether you opt for a solid lumber solution, or engineered boards, timber flooring is perfect for anyone looking to establish a rustic, traditionalistic appeal in the home. With a wide range of unique hues and grain patterns at your disposal – including heritage oak, merbau, blue gum, and jatoba just to name a few – timber flooring is able to provide the following benefits:
- High-quality, affluent aesthetic
- Strength and durability, with a functional lifespan of several decades
- Better in-home acoustics (no hollow sounds or incessant vibrations)
- No fibres, grout lines, or embossing
Vinyl Flooring
When it comes to assessing vinyl flooring options, it’s important to note that luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is the fastest-growing iteration available in today’s market. All forms of vinyl flooring are relatively easy to install and clean, but LVT is able to deliver a host of additional advantages:
- Fully biodegradable and eco-friendly fabrication
- No heavy metals, solvent-based inks, formaldehydes, or PCP components
- Wide range of veneers, including stone, slate, and wood variants
- Soft, absorbent backing to reduce noise and reinforce insulation capabilities
- Scuff-, scratch-, and stain-resistant
- Built-in waterproof membrane,which protects against mould, bacteria, mildew, and excessive moisture
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is often referred to as a “floating floor system”, due to its click-and-lock assembly process. The materials do not need to be nailed, or glued down, to the subfloor surface. Fortunately, as the third-most popular flooring option in today’s day and age, laminate variants are known for the following traits and characteristics:
- Perfect for high-traffic areas due, to its robustand durable construct
- Hard-wearing and very easy to maintain
- Abrasion-resistant, waterproof, and structurally secure
- The expedited installation process translates to more cost-effective upfront fees.
- A high-resolution printing process allows manufacturers to apply any type of veneer, texture, or façade onto the decorative surface layer.
With this valuable information at your disposal, you’re more than ready to begin assessing, and scrutinising, your options like a true professional!