Recently, I mentioned to my girlfriend that I wouldn’t mind moving to Berthoud and buying a house where the market is friendlier compared to the small Boulder enclave where we currently rent. Although we quickly found a house we liked, it was under contract. The real estate agent told us that it had sat on the market for a considerable amount of time until the owners were convinced to replace the flooring. Soon after, two potential buyers made offers in one week.
It was hard to believe that new flooring became the deciding factor that convinced somebody to finally make an offer on the house. Even though the old carpet and hardwood looked stain-free on the real estate website, the new flooring apparently made the house eye-catching.
“Many times, old floors just last too long. People become used to the appearance and dinginess as time goes on and they can just as easily keep living on them,” explains Gary Kulhanek, owner of Star Flooring & Design in Boulder. “When floors are finally replaced, it often amazes customers how much difference a new bright floor and its updated color, pattern and design can do for them and their home environment.”
There are some easily identifiable signs that floors need to be replaced. If there are any curled edges, loose spots, buckles, stains, deep gouges, scratches, or very dated patterns and colors, it is time to have a conversation with a flooring professional about your options.
“Generally, we first try to get a feel for the type of look the customer is after and what their situation is,” says Kulhanek, who has more than 45 years of experience in the industry. “We also want to consider how many people will be living in the home. What are their ages? Will there also be pets, and how long do they plan on living there.”
While some big-box chain stores boast bottom-line prices, there may be some unanticipated costs down the road if you’re forced to work with someone other than an experienced craftsman. Plan to work with someone who understands the floor plan at your home and can anticipate the foot and paw traffic the flooring may experience in years to follow.
“Price is always an important factor,” explains Kulhanek. “Flooring is generally a long-term investment and if a customer is down to a couple of choices and the more expensive one is much better for them, it only translates to a small difference over the long run.”
Some homeowners plan to replace the flooring, as well as upgrade by using better materials. For them, Kulhanek has options that are durable, sustainable and comfortable. Heated stone and ceramic tile flooring are currently popular in bathrooms.
“I have seen lots of nice stone floors in bathrooms, but a nice travertine or porcelain floor, electrically heated, is like a whole different floor,” says Kulhanek. “It’s very comfortable to walk on and you’ll be happy you added heat to it for many years to come.”
Replacing or upgrading is immediately satisfying and continuously rewarding. Who wouldn’t be happy to step out of the shower on a snowy winter day and have their feet welcomed by warm tiles?
Casey Cisneros is a Lyons freelance writer.
