In addition to a new roof and a repaired ceiling, we are also in the market for new flooring in the great room. Our floors in the foyer, hallways, and kitchen are wood, and the rooms such as living room, dining room, office, and family room are carpet.
Our insurance will only cover the cost of carpet, but we would prefer to have the family room floor done in wood. We will be crunching some numbers to find out if we can swing it.
If we stick to replacing the carpet with more carpet we will know that our flooring choice will quiet the steps of family members and serve to keep them warm. We also know that carpet will allow us to live a bit more casually as there will be no fear of damaging the floors by moving furniture or accidents. The best thing about carpet is the lower price when compared to wood floors.
Still, it is difficult to say no to wood floors. Wood floors are beautiful, and raise the perceived value of the home. With careful care, they can last for the life of the home instead of needing replacement in less than 10 years. For people like me with dust allergies, having one less thing in the house to collect dust would be a God-send.
Ideally, under the best of conditions, I would remove every bit of carpet in the house and replace it with wood. This is a personal preference. I would still find that area rugs would be needed especially in the winter to keep the house warm. By adding area rugs on tip of wood floors instead of installing carpet, you can give the room look of its own without sacrificing your resale value.
If you liked this you should also read my blogs at the homeschool blog, the parents blog, and the frugal blog. You can read my recent posts here.
Also read:
When Remodeling, Consider the Neighbors
Are You Afraid to Call the Insurance Company