Having problems choosing which flooring materials you should get for your Newport News single-family rental property? Flooring types – tile, hardwood, and vinyl are the most popular choices for property owners. Choosing only one of these can be quite challenging. Tile, hardwood, and vinyl flooring each have qualities that are unique from one another. By being familiar with the “strengths and weaknesses” you can then decide which flooring is best suited for your properties.
Tile
Tile never seems to go out of style and 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 different colors, sizes, and styles, the floor designs that you can have are virtually endless. Repairing and replacing tile is simple. Just remove one tile and replace it with another. Yet another advantage of the tile over the hardwood is that it is more affordable and requires less maintenance.
But tile has a few disadvantages too. The tile promises years of good service, only if you do your share of proper maintenance. Be careful of household cleaners as some kinds can damage tile. As it gets older, the tile grout can get stained or dirty. To improve its condition, you have to clean or replace or reseal them. 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 is something special. That’s why many property owners choose hardwood. Also, hardwood is like tile in terms of durability. Both can last for ages if properly maintained. Since there are plenty of wood options, this could increase the value of your property and this could attract tenants who want an upgraded rental home.
The biggest downside for the hardwood is its price. Also, the need for skilled installation makes the hardwood an expensive type of flooring. Hardwood floors are also more susceptible to water damage, stains, and wear, so regular maintenance is a must. Harsh chemicals and cleaners may cause damage to the wood floor so tenants must be aware of how to care for them. It is also prudent to have a budget for the refinishing of your property’s wood floors once every few years to maintain its long-term appeal.
Vinyl
While tile and hardwood have plenty of advantages, for rental property owners, vinyl flooring is by far the most popular choice. We can cite many reasons for this but foremost is the cost. Vinyl may be cheaper than tile or hardwood but it still offers you a wide range of colors, styles, and options. Property owners also like the easy way of replacing and repairing vinyl. Vinyl planking, in particular, can be repaired in small sections without needing to replace the entire floor. It is easy to keep vinyl clean and it also is quite resistant to water damage.
However, here are a few items to look into before proceeding with vinyl. One drawback of vinyl floors is it gets easily gouged or scratched especially when a tenant moves heavy furniture without protecting the floor underneath. 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 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. Once you have weighed both sides, 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 Dominion has your solution! Contact us online or call us at 757-395-4274.
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