We have an 8 year old house that has carpeting in the LR, DR, and family room. The kitchen has a vinyl floor that needs to be replaced. We also have several oriental rugs we have obtained while on assignment in the Middle East.
We are planning on replacing the vinyl floor and are considering replacing it with a wood floor. We are also considering ripping up the carpet and putting down a wooden floor.
I think the question of which adds more to resale value here is very subjective. I say there's a loosey-goosey relationship between MOST improvements and added value, at least much of the time. It's difficult to guess what will be the taste of one who walks in the door. I know I've made improvements on previous homes--only to find that buyers have ripped them all out and redone them.
I say subjective, because hardwoods will appeal to some buyers, carpet to others. If the hardwood has more "impact" when a potential buyer walks into a house, perhaps it has a slight edge. But some buyers have the mistaken idea that carpets take less work, and I believe they'd avoid the wood.
OK, all that said, in your case I'd recommend the hardwoods. If you have those oriental carpets, it's a no-brainer in my opinion. Enjoy the hardwoods while you're in the house! And if there's a slight disadvantage price-wise years down the road when you're selling--so be it. (And--another personal opinion--if I were looking at the house, I'd prefer the hardwoods!)
good luck,
-k2 in CO
[This message has been edited by k2 (edited January 05, 2004).]
[This message has been edited by carpetman (edited January 05, 2004).]
By my name I'll bet you can guess which I will recommend. The replies that you have gotten so far are about appearance and personal tastes.
Let me tell you why wood floors increase value. First off they increase the structural strength of the house as you have 3/4 inch tongue and groove oak spanning the joists as well as the plywood.
Secondly, they make the house cleaner. Many people are recognising the health benifits from having wood floors rather than wall to wall carpet.
Thirdly, they can be restored with sanding. Carpeting has to be replaced. With inflation figured in what will replacing carpet costs 30 years from now?
Before the mad rush to wall to wall carpet in the 70's and 80's some finance companies required wood floors in all new homes they financed. They recognized the value of the investment.
Ask an unbiased Realtor which would increase the value of your home more. Don't rely on the someone selling you floor covering to make a decision.
Of course some houses are already at their maximum value for the neighborhood and this has to be factored in. The economy also is a factor. With all other factors being equal a house with a wood floor will be worth more with a wood floor than the same house without one.
Franklyn
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