Effect on property value - carpet vs laminate

pinkshoes

Is it a purpose built flat or conversion, as laminate/wooden floors are too noisy in a conversion.

Personally I hate carpets as they're so dusty, so I would always opt for laminate.

It's all down to personal preference.

GrammarGirl

Why not a bit of both? In our flat we have high quality laminate in the kitchen, living room and hallway, tiles in the bathroom and carpet in the bedroom. It's a pretty good mix as you don't have the hassle of cleaning a fully-carpeted flat, but still get the comfort from carpet in the room you probably need it most (it's lovely to step out of bed onto a carpet rather than a hard, cold floor!).

chickmug

As this is such a 50/50 issue leave what is there alone.

'Sods Law' is whatver you do, or don't do, the next person to view would of preferred the other.

SplanK

if your planning on replacing it, you could give the buyers the option - it could be thrown in as part of the deal if your are trying to sell - offer them one or the other - and do it once you have exchanged - they get the new flooring without the haslte of getting it done themselves!

PasturesNew

In a flat there might be something in the lease/deeds/covenants that insists you have a good quality carpet and good quality underlay.

Personally, I'd want good quality laminate/wood, using rugs for comfort. Rugs are easier to clean, easier to replace, easier to move about ... but laminate/wood is easier to keep clean as it just needs a quick whip round with a damp cloth.

TTMCMschine

We are buying. While i'm not a huge fan of laminate, when i was looking round the house we have offered on, the living room had laminate which they'd just fitted. However she has dogs so even if it was a new carpet, i'd be thinking will it need replacing because of the smell. From my point of view, it might not be what i'd chose, but like the bathroom and kitchen, it's in good condition so we don't need to be forking out to change it for the time being. The attic has a new carpet and it's a neutral colour.
So in answer to your reply, it doesn't matter (i don't think) as long as it looks ok. Also - i think as long as they're fitted properly you can't go wrong with either. If the lady who's selling had fitted new carpets throughout, i don't think it would make a difference in value, but it is a family home and not a flat.

Mini_Bear

the only thing i think that will add value is real wood flooring. cheapo laminate vs cheapo carpet is the same in my book. except laminate can be wiped clean easier.
u will def have sound issues in a top floor flat so check on the lease

benjo

Ultimately....whatever floats yer boat... in terms of carpet vs laminate - cheap or otherwise.

Clean/neat/fresh new flooring always beats tatty flooring.

As Cissi says, the important word is 'personally'.

Personally I hate carpet and laminate in equal measures, not because they dont look nice - but to me they are impractical, have you ever seen two labradors, hitting a laminate floor at full speed? it takes a good 25 feet for them to stop and usually ends up with them thudding their full 12 stone combined weight into the walls/coffee table/door or any unsuspecting visitor who is foolish enough not to scramble to higher ground for safety!! (probably not an issue in a top floor flat since I doubt you will be keeping labrador monsters).

Carpets look nice and feel good under foot, but require te use of a vacuum cleaner - if Im honest, it is vacuum cleaners I hate, not carpets. I just couldnt ever find one I got on with (trust me, I have tried alot of them).

I doubt that carpet/laminate would make much difference to the value of a property...natural wood or slate, that might make me pay a 'little' more.

underlay_guru

Hi,

Agree with Mini Bear: A real wood floor will add serious value to the property. Even when a laminate floor is new, it is still seen as a cheapo alternative to wood, and sounds awful underfoot.

My advice would be to get a decent neutral carpet with a decent underlay: Any potential tennants/buyers will love the fresh appearance and smell that a brand new carpet gives off, and the nice bouncy underlay will be heaven on their feet, and make the carpet feel more expensive underfoot!

barnaby-bear

archie9uk wrote: »

It is top floor.

Most flats have covenants prohibiting laminate/hard floors - to avoid your neighbours being tortured by the sound of a herd of elephants overhead. If you come to sell, solicitors often pick up on this and force you to reduce the price to cover reflooring... also your neighbours may hate you and smash your head in with an axe...... (yes I have lived in the flat below a laminate floor)