Does tile or hardwood floors raise the value of a house more?

Question

I am asking because our house is only two years old and the carpet is already garbage because of our two year old. I wanted tile, but my husband says no because we would spend a lot more laying it than we would get out of it when we sell the house. I guess my question is would it be smarter to lay hardwood floors?

Answer 1

You know, it depends on what area you live in. In the Southwest, tile is more value because it's so blasted hot outside. In most other areas, hardwood floors are better return.

The answer, for your area, would come from a Real Estate sales person who knows the "buyer's wish list".

I might caution you on moving too quickly on this, though. You say the carpet's trashed because of a two year old. I understand you so thoroughly you won't believe it. My two kids trashed the carpet in record time (by the time the youngest was two). Being an architect, I decided to remove the carpet, fix the hardwood underneath, and regreted it for the next 16 years.

Carpets absorb 80-90% of the ambient noise of a room. Trust me, kids make LOTS of noise and a room with hardwood floors or tile ECHOS those kid noises. Throw rugs helped but not enough. Between ages 2 and 7-8 is the worst. If I had it to do over again, I'd replace the carpet one more time and, about the time they turned 10, go fo the hardwood and throw rugs.

Your solution depends on how long you intend to be in the house:
* Under 5 years, do the hardwood now and buy throw rugs and headphones. Disallow presents from grandparents that are noise-makers.
* Over 5 years, replace the carpet this time. When you get ready to sell, decide if you want to do the flooring upgrade then.

Answer 2

I suspect it depends on the buyer, in large part. Tile, by the way, is as good as hardwood, for any resale. Neither will be appreciably noticed if the house doesn't suit those who view it.

The other consideration is cost versus how much YOU believe you can increase a sale price just by installing either.

Both also happen to be "trendy" but well made carpet can be just as big a seller, as the finest rare wood, or most beautiful imported tile.

Certainly all that said, I wonder, are you doing this to actually list and sell? OR are you asking that just by installing either, the value of your house increases? It won't matter one splinter to the tax assessor. The only time you'll notice a value is in selling. OR perhaps in replacing carpet every time you get weary of it. The same can be said of wood or tile.

Rev. Steven

Answer 3

I would have to agree with your husband. Hardwood is easier to lay. I love tile floors but they are cold in the winter and it is a constant chore to keep grout clean. Also think about breakable items.

Raising the value would depend on how well each has been installed but both would definitely increase the value if your carpet is ruined.

Answer 4

My apartment has all the above. Kitchen & bathing room are tile. The corridor, place of work, lounge, and get admission to are carpet. & hardwood interior the bedrooms (lol, i only observed how incorrect which could sound...)

Answer 5

I'm not sure about tile but I know hardwood raises the value.

Answer 6

For an appraisal, you might be surprised to learn that neither does much. A floor is a floor and its material is a matter of taste--which is NOT what an appraiser assesses. Now, a buyer might favor one over the other, but for refinancing purposes, save your money.

Answer 7

yes to both
if in excellent condition

Answer 8

of course it does.