House flipping is a game of numbers. Ideally, you want to know as much as possible about the property — including exactly what work needs to be done. But when it comes to older homes that are in disrepair, it can be difficult to assess what can be saved. What should you know about hardwood?
Always Look for the Hardwood Floors
Older homes tend to have hidden hardwood floors. They're easy to find under carpeting, but can be harder to find if they've been covered by something like linoleum tile. In older homes, people used to put things over the hardwood to preserve them, and for a time, hardwood just wasn't fashionable. You should always investigate first. And keep in mind that hardwood may be in certain areas and not others, such as in living rooms but not bedrooms.
Try to Keep Any Hardwood Floors
Trends that get rid of hardwood are rarely long-lived. Most people are going to adore hardwood floors, and they dramatically improve property values. Always try to keep hardwood floors when you can. They can be refinished by a professional. They can even be bleached or stained to better suit the home and a more modern look. If you, too, must cover over hardwood for some reason, try to do it in a way that it can be later restored.
Rely on Professionals
Usually, flippers try to do everything on their own. But when it comes to hardwood floors, you can do a lot of damage with a misplaced machine. Hardwood refinishing and staining is a really delicate process. And, when it's done, you're likely to achieve great ROI regardless; even hiring a professional will pay for itself. If you get a contract with a reliable professional, you should be able to use them for a lot of your jobs and get a feel for their bids. Professional hardwood refinishing can add a lot of value to the home.
Know When It Can't Be Saved
Hardwood that is bent, warped, or cracked can't be saved. It will need to be pulled out. If it's a special wood or an exotic wood, you may be able to save it for other projects such as decorative areas of the home. If the hardwood has been refinished multiple times, it's likely too thin to be refinished again.
Being able to identify material advantages such as real hardware floors is part of what being a renovator is all about. But you also need to know when it may not be worth doing. A professional refinishing service is exactly what you need, so contact a local company, like McSwain Carpets and Floors.
The right flooring for your home will look beautiful, be comfortable against your feet, and stand up against heavy everyday use. However, people don't always think about the best things for their home, which can create issues in the long run. From flooring that doesn't wear well to problems with design and detail, the right flooring matters. Fortunately, by working with a flooring professional, you can identify the best products for your home and enjoy them every single day. Find out more about flooring and how it can help you to improve your place every single day. Read more on this website.