Our constant interest in the flooring world led us to one important question we have never discussed and thought about previously – when wood floors are worth saving? This time we have teamed up with a few real estate professionals asking for their points of view. Real estate agents are normally the people that have direct contact with people, when people are considering the purchase of a property and this means that estate agents are the first to understand what clients usually find as features of the property that cannot be saved and are hopeless, which are the biggest selling points in a property and when and why people are ok with buying a property that needs some major or minor repairs. Some of the results of this discussion with the real estate professionals have surprised us and some of the results were predictable, let’s have a look.
It is an already popular thing that properties with already installed wooden floors usually enjoy higher interest and are sold more quicker. It may look a little bit too silly for you that the flooring choice could be that powerful selling point, but clients really do enjoy wooden floors and this is what the experience of real estate agents shows us. In fact, it is not only about the wooden flooring itself, it is about the specific atmosphere it creates and the cosier, more inviting and more beautiful look.
In addition, clients already know that wooden floors are a good investment, because they are long-lasting and hard-wearing. However, we are surprised to learn that many clients of older and antique properties have nothing against old and damaged wood floors. Almost 95% of the old wood floors can be repaired and improved and it won’t take that much time and that high budget for the project and clients are more and more motivated to bring back the initial beauty and glory of the floor, being very enthusiastic about this project.
The key issue in this situation is expectations. In fact, a high percentage of antique and old wood floors can really be saved and remodelled, however, you should not expect them to look brand-new. Some people are really thrilled by the idea of restoring the old-world charm, but if you are motivated to transform the damaged and old floor into a state-of-art modern one, then maybe it is time to consider the idea of replacing it. Now, when are wood floors worth saving and when to consider replacing them?
Replacing a wood floor usually is considerably more expensive than repairing and re-finishing it. Although almost any old floor could be salvaged by experienced and knowledgeable contractors, or as we like to say, they can be improved with a little “facelift”, some of them are really hopeless and definitely beyond repair. In general, even the most experienced technician cannot help you when wooden boards suffer extreme movement, those that are already sanded way too many times and other substantial structural problems – those that require the boards to be removed so the subfloor can be fixed.
In these situations purchasing a brand-new floor is a better investment. Otherwise, even when the floor looks really hopeless, the next issues can be solved without breaking the bank: termite-damaged planks, insect-invested boards can be replaced if there are not too many, squeaky floors can be tightened with nails and dry lubricant, gaps can be filled, damaged planks can be spot-repaired or spot-replaced with matching new ones, marks and stains can be minimised, scratches can be removed with sanding and wear and tear can be improved with re-finishing.
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