There are lots to choose from when it comes to flooring materials for your Charleston single-family rental property. Flooring types – tile, hardwood, and vinyl are the go-to materials for most property owners. But careful research should be done if only one of these is to be chosen. Tile, hardwood, and vinyl flooring each have their own “strengths” and “weaknesses”. Once you know these qualities, you can then decide which flooring to choose for your properties.
Tile
The tile floor has something timeless about its quality that’s why it remains to be one of the most popular choices. Add to that is the tile’s durability and water resistance. Since tile comes in many different colors, sizes, and styles, you can have floors with as many different designs as you want. When it comes to repair and replacement, it is very simple. Just remove the tile you want to have removed and replace it with another. Lastly, tile is more affordable and requires less maintenance than hardwood.
Tile, unfortunately, is not a wonder material – it has its weak points too. Tile will give you years of service, only if you maintain it properly. Some household cleaners are not suited for tile. Tile grout can get stained and dirty as it gets older, so you have to clean, replace, or reseal to keep it looking new. One last important point to consider is that if you plan on replacing the entire tile floor, remember that it is labor-intensive and you are dependent on the availability of the tile.
Hardwood
The beauty and warmth of a hardwood floor are one of a kind. For this reason, hardwood is usually preferred by property owners. Also, hardwood is like tile in terms of durability. Both can last for ages if properly maintained. Having many wood options out there, this increases the property value and attracts tenants who are in the market for an upgraded rental home.
The biggest downside for the hardwood is its price. Hardwood is an expensive type of flooring since it needs skilled installation. Hardwood floors are also more susceptible to water damage, stains, and wear, so regular maintenance is a must. Harsh chemicals and cleaners can damage the wood floor so you need to advise tenants for its proper care. Plan ahead and allocate funds for the refinishing of your property’s wood floors to maintain its long-term appeal.
Vinyl
Tile and hardwood may be great options but for rental property owners, vinyl flooring is by far the most popular choice. We can tell you about all the reasons for this but it practically boils down to cost. Vinyl may be cheaper than tile or hardwood but it still offers you a wide range of colors, styles, and options. Vinyl is also popular among property owners because it is easy to replace and repair. Vinyl planking, in particular, can be repaired in small sections without needing to replace the entire floor. It is easy to clean vinyl and you don’t need to be concerned with water damage.
Before installing vinyl, there are a few things you should take note of. The first thing to remember is vinyl floors get gouged or scratched easily especially when a tenant moves heavy furniture without protecting the floor beneath it. Vinyl works well in some rooms, but some tenants may not like vinyl in every single room of the house. Just like with tile and hardwood, it is possible to damage vinyl by using the wrong cleaning solution so that tenants would need clear instructions on vinyl floor maintenance.
Tile, hardwood, and vinyl flooring are good choices but each has their disadvantages that should be carefully examined. However, once you have done your homework, choosing the right flooring for your rental property becomes a quick and painless process.
Have you found a rental property to invest in, but are feeling overwhelmed with the management side of things? Real Property Management Charleston has your solution! Contact us online or call us at 843-900-4061.
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