It’s no surprise that rental properties can take a beating, and because of that, it’s important to ensure that you have highly durable materials in your investments – particularly in areas like flooring. Otherwise, you could find yourself repairing and / or replacing items on a regular basis (which in turn, can significantly cut into your net profit).
When choosing the right flooring for a rental property, there are several factors that you’ll want to keep in mind. First, even though you certainly want the floors in your properties to look nice, the primary goal here is to ensure that it will last a long time – even in light of potentially heavy use.
You will also want to consider the pros and cons of various flooring options that you have available. For example, while carpet can be a good alternative for providing insulation and reducing noise, it can also stain easily, as well as trap odors and allergens.
In addition, if your rentals are primarily located in Florida, you may not require the “warm” insulating that carpet offers. Plus, if your property also offers a pool or other water-related amenities, this type of flooring material won’t make much sense, as it can easily get wet and produce mold.
A viable flooring alternative for Florida properties is tile – and this option comes in various forms, including stone, porcelain, and ceramic. Here, the material is much easier to clean than carpet, and it is also water-resistant.
In most places throughout the U.S., tile is a good flooring option for kitchens and bathrooms, however in Florida, you will also see tile in common areas like living and dining rooms, as well as in the bedrooms. If you opt for tile in your properties, know that you will still need to clean the grout periodically, and that individual tiles can crack or come up. The good news is that this can easily be addressed. And, if you’re budget conscious, tile flooring comes in a wide range of prices.
Depending on the type of tenants you serve, you could consider hardwood and / or laminate flooring for your rental properties. Good solid hardwood floors can literally last a lifetime – especially if they are well taken care of. This type of flooring can be expensive, though, and it can also scratch or dent more easily than carpet or tile.
Today, there are also many nice laminate flooring options available. While these can give the appearance of hardwood, they can be easier to install, and are usually much more affordable than a true hardwood flooring option. If you go this route, though, keep in mind that laminate will typically have a shorter lifespan than hardwood, and that it cannot be refinished if there are scratches or other imperfections.
Keeping your rental properties updated can be a time consuming endeavor, as can finding and managing tenants. If you’re looking for a way to lessen the time you spend on your rental property endeavors, give Central Florida Property Management a call. We’ll provide you with all of the details you need for how to work in conjunction with a property manager, while at the same time still reaping the benefits of your rental property investments.