Common types of flooring, such as cost-effective, durable, and easy-to-clean ones, are ideal for your tenant improvement (rental property). We outline the advantages and disadvantages of various flooring options.
As time goes on, your rental property is bound to experience some wear and tear. This is especially noticeable with the flooring, so it’s a good idea to do your homework on the best flooring options for your rental.
To find out what your best options are for the future regarding renter-friendliness, continue reading:
Important Factors When Choosing the Best Flooring For Your Rental Property
When performing a tenant improvement, you need to consider several factors when choosing the flooring.
- Cost: Is it a worthwhile purchase, or is the price excessively high?
- Durability: Can I easily take care of it, and will it last long?
- Appearance: Will future tenants think it’s appealing, and will it resonate with the residents who use it daily?
5 of the best flooring choices for your tenant improvement
Pros and Cons of Carpet in Rentals
Rental properties frequently choose carpets due to their affordability and the wide range of styles available. So, you can find something that fits your vibe and wallet. On top of that, it does a great job of keeping the heat in and the noise down, which is awesome for chillier areas. And let’s be real, it adds a nice cozy touch to any room.
Renters usually expect carpets in bedrooms and living rooms, but they come with their own set of issues. Carpets aren’t waterproof, they can get stained pretty easily, trap odors, and are tough to clean. Unless you’re using carpet tiles, dealing with a tough stain or burn means you’ll have to replace the entire floor.
Carpet can be a pretty solid choice for bedrooms and living rooms, but it does have its downsides.
Pros and Cons of Tile in Your Rentals
Tile is another timeless option. You’ve got tons of colors and sizes to pick from, making it easy to find something that fits your style and budget. Plus, it’s tough against spills, stains, and odors, and super simple to clean, so it’ll last a long time. That’s why it’s a solid choice for kitchens and bathrooms, where cleaning happens regularly.
The tile might feel cold and hard, but that can be a plus in warmer areas, where soft carpets can get a bit too warm. Just keep in mind that tiles can crack or chip if something heavy falls on them.
If you’re on the hunt for tough flooring for your kitchen or bathroom, tile might be your best bet. Just ensure it’s installed correctly in the right spaces, and don’t forget to consider the tiling costs. You can get a good idea of what to expect by using a simple tile project estimator. This will help you understand the expenses involved and compare quotes from different contractors.
Pros and Cons of Hardwood for Your Rentals
When it comes to looks, hardwood floors are eye-catching. They have a classic charm that can boost your home’s value. Plus, if they get a bit worn out, you can easily restore them without needing to redo the entire space. Scratches and scuffs can be sanded down, and a sealant can be added to make them resistant to stains and water.
Hardwood floors might be a bit pricey, but they add a touch of luxury and elevate the look of living rooms and bedrooms in your rental property.
You need to be more careful when taking care of hardwood floors because they can be pricey and hiding bigger dents and scratches is tough.
Varnish does a good job of making hardwood floors mostly water-resistant, but it doesn’t make them waterproof. That means moisture can still sneak in and cause problems like swelling, mold, and buckling.
Installing hardwood flooring in your tenant improvement property is a smart move to boost your property’s value, with a return rate of around 106%. If your budget can handle it, it’s a solid choice for enhancing your rental space.
Pros and Cons of Laminate in Your Rentals
If you love the look of hardwood but need to save some cash, laminate flooring is a fantastic choice. It’s super simple to install, even if you’re a newbie, plus it’s resistant to stains and a breeze to clean. Not only is it budget-friendly, but you can also put it right over your current floor, which helps keep your renovation costs down.
If your laminate flooring gets seriously damaged, you can’t just sand it down or refinish it like you would with hardwood. You’ll need to replace the damaged planks, as they can be prone to water damage. Because of this, laminate is a great choice for living rooms and bedrooms, but it’s best to steer clear of using it in kitchens and bathrooms.
Laminate might not skyrocket the value of your rental property, but it’s definitely a solid, budget-friendly choice to consider for tenant improvement.
Pros and Cons of LVT – Luxury Vinyl Tile
Luxury vinyl tile, often called luxury vinyl plank, gives the appearance of natural materials while being made from vinyl instead of wood or stone. This makes it way more durable and super easy to clean.
Installing, cleaning, and maintaining it is a breeze, just like laminate flooring. Plus, it’s waterproof, which sets it apart from a lot of other flooring types. This means you can use it in bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms without worry. It’s super versatile!
LVT might look like hardwood from afar, but it has a unique vibe and texture compared to the real thing. If the tiles are glued down, getting that adhesive off can be a hassle, especially if you ever want to switch up your flooring later on. Still, since it’s super durable, it’s a great choice for renters.
Replacing the flooring in your rental a capital expense or just a repair?
The IRS sees Tenant Improvements as an upgrade, so you should classify them as capital expenses. A capital expense counts as an improvement if it enhances your property, brings it back to its original condition, or changes it for a new purpose.
What Is a rental property repair?
A repair involves any action that brings the asset back to its original state, such as sealing the hardwood floor every five years to keep it strong. Considered an operating expense.
Best Flooring For Your Rental: Final words
When picking the right flooring for your rental property, you’ve got plenty of choices. Think about your budget, how long the flooring will last, and how it looks to make sure you’re boosting your property’s value while keeping it cozy and low-maintenance for your tenants.
