Hardwood floors are a highly desirable feature in many homes, offering warmth, durability, and timeless appeal. As a house flipper, you need to assess the condition of existing hardwood floors to determine if they can be refinished or if they need to be replaced.
Aesthetics and market expectations are key considerations for hardwood flooring. Original hardwood floors, when properly refinished, can be a major selling point in older homes. However, in newer homes or modern renovations, buyers might expect different styles or types of wood flooring.
Consider the aesthetic appeal of the hardwood floors.
Style and Color: Evaluate the style and color of the floors in relation to current trends and the overall home design. Are they a traditional oak color, a modern gray wash, or something more unique?
Floor Layout: Assess the direction and pattern of the floorboards. Do they flow well with the layout of the room?
Neighborhood Standards: Compare the style and condition of the floors to those in comparable properties. Are other flippers refinishing existing floors, installing new hardwood, or opting for engineered wood or laminate alternatives?
Evaluate the overall condition of the hardwood floors.
Damage: Look for any signs of damage, such as deep scratches, dents, gouges, or pet stains. Assess whether the damage can be sanded out during refinishing.
Water Damage: Check for signs of water damage, such as discoloration, cupping, or buckling. Water damage can be difficult or impossible to repair, potentially requiring replacement.
Previous Refinishing: Determine if the floors have been refinished previously. There's a limit to how many times wood floors can be sanded down.
If you're familiar with the trends in your local market and what buyers expect in comparable properties, you'll often know right away whether the existing hardwood floors can be salvaged. Do they have character and charm, or do they look too damaged or outdated? Trust your instincts!
To estimate hardwood floor refinishing or replacement costs:
Square Footage: Measure the approximate square footage of the hardwood flooring.
Patching: If there are areas that need to be patched or replaced, measure those areas separately.
Shoe Molding: Measure the linear feet of shoe molding needed around the perimeter of the rooms.