If you’re a real estate investor or you are a property manager, you should make decisions that impact the bottom line. Out of all the critical choices that you have to make, one of the hardest ones is selecting the right flooring. It definitely has to be something that is going to impact the overall space and also the time you have to spend on maintaining it.
When it comes to perfect rental flooring, you need to balance the upfront cost, long-term maintenance, tenant appeal, and durability. The major debate comes down to two points: carpets vs hard flooring for rental properties, and which one is better. We will mention the details below so you can find out what works best.
Carpet: The Cozy, Budget-Friendly Classic
Carpet is known to be a staple in most of the residential rental especially in bedrooms and multi-family units. But it comes with its own set of pros and cons. We will first mention the pros so let’s find out.
The Pros:
- The upfront cost is really low when it comes to carpets which means it is a budget-friendly option that you can purchase and install. It allows you to refresh your property even when you are on a tight budget.
- Carpets are capable of reducing sound by up to 35% more than hard surfaces. If you have a multifamily building or you live in a two-story home carpeting the upper levels is going to be a lifesaver if you want to mitigate the tenant noise complaints.
- The carpets provide the best thermal insulation while also keeping the heating bills extremely low and making your bedrooms feel inviting and cozy.
The Cons:
Some of the cons of getting carpets include
- The commercial carpet often lasts longer but on the other hand, the standard rental carpet needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years because of stains and wear.
- The carpet fibers are able to trap smoke allergens and spills and if a tenant moves out after they have pets it is going to cost you a lot because you will have to get a deep cleaning or you will have to completely replace it.
- The carpets are vulnerable to stains which means if a single glass is spilled it can ruin the aesthetic of your whole room.
Hard Flooring: The Durable, High-Yield Contender
Hard flooring is another option that has gained a lot of popularity in the last few years and so we will talk about its pros and cons below.
The Pros:
- Hard flooring is an extremely durable option because it can withstand heavy furniture, pets, and heavy foot traffic and will last you for almost 20 years.
- When a tenant decides to move out of the house, hard flooring does not need anything more than a quick sweep and a mop to look new again, which means no expensive steam cleaning services are required.
- Most of the tenants prefer hard floors, so if you install it in your property, there are chances you will attract good tenants at a higher monthly rent.
- The floor does not trap dust or mold, which means your property will be more appealing to renters who have allergies.
The Cons:
There are also some cons attached to hard flooring that we will talk about below
- The upfront cost of the hard flooring is a lot more expensive compared to the carpet so you will have to pay a lot of money initially.
- Another problem with hard flooring is that the sound echoes through hard surfaces, which can really be problematic in all the upstairs apartments.
- These hard floors are susceptible to scratches, even though they are extremely durable, because the laminate can come off due to standing water.
When it comes to carpets and hard flooring, there are different pros and cons for both, and it is absolutely dependent on the person who wants to get it. If you plan on getting carpets, you can go ahead with that, but if you prefer hard flooring, then you should opt for it because it is, after all your property and you should decorate it according to your preference.
Bottom Line
When it comes to choosing carpets or hard flooring, it is often dependent on what the person wants. There are definite benefits and disadvantages of choosing both options. The carpets are often difficult to deal with because you have to work on their maintenance after every few months, but they are cheaper. Hard flooring, on the other hand, is expensive, but they are easier to manage.
You should look at what you can afford and what you can manage properly, and then opt for that. If you feel like managing carpets is easier, you can get them, but if you prefer hard flooring because of its advantages, then you must get it.
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