First home buyer grants and stamp duty exemptions have made it easier for more people to enter the property market. This means there are more potential buyers in the market than ever before. But, this does not mean that you can neglect a few home improvement projects to increase your property’s value.
Having an attractive home certainly increases the likelihood of getting more enquiries. Studies show that one way to improve the worth of your home is to improve or install new floorings. Replacing flooring doesn’t have to be very expensive. If you choose the right materials and source them from the right places, you could save thousands of dollars and increase your property’s value.
Affordable Home Flooring Improvement Tips
Add Visual Warmth with Wooden Floors – Wooden floors are a classic choice. They continue to remain very popular, and they effortlessly add appeal and value to your home. Timber floorings are on the higher end of the scale. They can cost anywhere between $40 and $100 per square meter depending on the quality. They’re generally around 19mm in thickness, but you can request for a thicker product if you wish. The cost of installing the floorboards, along with the cost of the underlay, could average around $30 to $40 per square meter (therefore totalling around $70 to $140 per square meter with purchase and installation).
A more affordable alternative is laminate. They’re also known as engineered floorboards and cost approximately $40 to $60 per square meter. Most laminates are either 8mm or 10mm in thickness. The more expensive ones are around 12mm thick. Dark stains and shades of blonde are popular colour choices this year; using them will help keep your property on trend. Greys are also quite popular because of their calming visual effect.
Tile it up – If you’re not a fan of wooden floors, you could always opt for tiled floors instead. They come in an assortment of designs, are affordable, and offer a clean and consistent look throughout your home. You could choose from porcelain, ceramic, vinyl, or marble tiles, depending on your needs and budget. Apart from the cost of the tiles, you also have to calculate the cost of installation and sealing. Glazed ceramic tiles from your local hardware store will cost you around $3 each (for a 330x330mm glazed ceramic tile).
Porcelain floor tiles with a timber look could cost you around $24 per pack (around nine tiles). Installation costs vary from $40 to $150. There are many suppliers offering very competitive rates and quotes, which means you could get a new tiled flooring for a very good price if you’re willing to look around.
Go for Vinyl – Vinyl is an economical and durable option. It’s resistant to stains, looks stylish, and lasts. It can give your home a facelift and make it look more attractive. Vinyl costs around $30 per square metre. If you opt for vinyl plank-floorings, you can expect to pay up to $90 per square metre. To save money on the renovation project, go for cheaper vinyl tile varieties and install them on your own.
Carpet Comfort – Carpets add visual and physical warmth and make a property look and feel plush. Look for eco-friendly, hypoallergenic varieties such as cotton and silk as potential tenants might ask a few health-related questions about your property, especially if they have kids. The cheaper varieties cost approximately $20 per square meter. Wool carpeting is a good choice for making a space look more comfortable and homey, costing around $50 to $60 per square meter.
Rugs to the Rescue – If you have little time to renovate, pick up a few rugs and hallway runners to quickly give your home’s flooring a makeover. Rugs vary in price. On the lower end of the scale you can expect to pay around $60 to $80 per rug. Rugs made from premium quality materials such as woven fabric (wool and felt) could cost you around $350 or more. You could choose contrasting shades and colourful designs to significantly upgrade your home’s appearance but be careful not to visually overwhelm people, this will dissuade people from your property. Textiles with a handcrafted bespoke feel are trending this year, so keep an eye out for them when you’re looking for new rugs.
In addition to taking measures to enhance your home’s looks, also consider seeking professional financial and investment advice to secure the best deal for your property. Here’s where our experts at Whether you need financing or investment tips, we’re always ready to help so don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation.