A home’s floor sets the stage for every other design concept. The floor is one of the largest surface areas of a house and is the basis for walls, fixtures, art and more. Updating the flooring in a home can improve the value of the home in ways few other improvements can.

One of the first things a guest, potential buyer or appraiser notices upon entering a home is the condition of your floors. Worn carpeting or dingy, scratched floors make a negative impression. Floors in good condition sell a house’s first impression of being an inviting, well cared for property. It shows that you not only take good care of your house, but also recognize the value of good foundations.

When choosing new or remodeled flooring, there are a few considerations. Generally speaking, hardwood floors offer the home owner the greatest value. Durable and easier to care for the carpet, hardwood floors can be adapted to many designs by the addition or area rugs and soft furnishings. They can create a more visually appealing canvas for a potential buyer than carpeting chosen for someone else’s design aesthetic.

Another important feature of hardwood flooring is environmental. Hardwood flooring does not trap allergens and mold in the ways that carpeting can. While hardwood can be easily cleaned at minimal expense, mold and mildew trapped in carpeting only builds over time. The only solution to that problem is removal of the entire carpeting.

Once you make the decision to improve the flooring in your home, you need to consider two practical points. You need to carefully consider the budget you want to spend. The options for hardwood floors have changed since the days of wood or stone. Hardwood floors are still the most attractive surface in a home, but other materials are gaining popularity. Slate, stone, laminate – even the eco-friendly bamboo and cork – allow the home owner greater flexibility in choosing materials to meet their budget.

When considering a flooring project, think of how that floor will be used, in addition to your budget. A simple tile floor in the mudroom can save wear and tear on flooring in the rest of the house. Replacing worn carpets and waxing existing hardwood floors make a definite improvement while leaving room for larger budget projects like a new sealed surface for your garage or hardwood floors for your dining room. It’s a practical consideration that is just as important as the furnishings you put into a room.

In a competitive market, a home has to stand apart from the rest. A warm, welcoming environment starts with beautiful flooring. Combining the right look and the right materials will add value to your home and increase its desirability to prospective buyers.