There are lots to choose from when it comes to flooring materials for your Manhattan single-family rental property. Fret not, we will guide you all the way. The popular choices for property owners are tile, hardwood, and vinyl flooring. If you need to choose only one, then careful research should be done. Tile, hardwood, and vinyl flooring have different qualities from one another. Study these qualities and then make an informed decision for which flooring is best 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. Two strong points of tile are its durability and high levels of water resistance. Since tile comes in many different colors, sizes, and styles, you can have floors with as many different designs as you want. Repair and replacement of tile is also relatively simple since you just remove one and replace it with another. Compared to hardwood, tile is more affordable and requires less maintenance.
Tile, unfortunately, is not a wonder material – it has its weak points too. While the tile guarantees a long service life, this is only true if it is properly maintained. Some household cleaners are not suited for tile. Over the years, tile grout can get stained or dirty and this would need to be cleaned, replaced, or re-sealed. The last point to consider is that if you plan on replacing the entire tile floor, this could prove to be a monumental task. Not to mention that tile availability is not the same over time.
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 like tile, hardwood is very durable and can last for a long time with proper maintenance. With many wood options available, this increases the property value that could attract tenants who are looking into upgrading their rental homes.
There are many things to be happy about when it comes to hardwood except for its price. One of the reasons why hardwood is an expensive type of flooring is because it requires skilled installation. Hardwood floors are also more susceptible to water damage, stains, and wear, so regular maintenance is very important. Harsh chemicals and cleaners can be harmful to wood floors so you must teach your tenants how to properly care for it. It is also a good idea to set aside funds for the refinishing of your property’s wood floors every few years 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. This is because of the many advantages that vinyl brings but it mostly comes down to the cost. Vinyl offers a great deal, at cheaper price for a huge 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. What’s more, vinyl is easy to clean and highly resistant to water damage.
However, it’s not all fine and dandy for vinyl. Here are a few things to think about before installing it. Be aware that vinyl floors get gouged or scratched easily 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 that tenants would need clear instructions on vinyl floor maintenance.
There are many advantages for tile, hardwood, and vinyl flooring but the disadvantages should be carefully studied. 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 Bozeman has your solution! Contact us online or call us at 406-586-2226.
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