Expert: liznarr - 2/25/2006

Question
We are preparing to sell our home located in the northwest Atlanta, GA suburbs.  We are in an 18 year old subdivision where comparable home selling prices are in the vicinity of 200K.  We must replace the carpet.  We plan to put new carpet upstairs but are struggling with the decision on the 1st floor.  We have ceramic tile in the foyer and sunroom.  We plan to keep the tile. But what is our best investment for the carpet replacement?  Wood flooring or new carpet?  Wood seems VERY popular these days but carpet seems much more cost effective.  Linoleum is in the kitchen now.  What is the best choice there?  We want to be cost effective.  Thank you for your help!

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

Hardwood flooring is back big time as far as a flooring selection.  The newer hardwoods are easy to clean and do not stain as carpet does.

If to be most cost effective is your goal, however, definitely replace your existing carpet with carpeting.  I'm sure you are aware that even within the same manufacturer's selection of a particular style, there are different grades and density.

In my area, one can replace carpeting with a decent builder's grade for around $20 per square yard installed, while hardwood flooring usually STARTS at about $44 per square yard installed, and that would not include any floor prep that had to be completed.

If you are replacing the linoleum in your kitchen, there are types of vinyl flooring you can purchase now that look VERY similar to tile but are much less expensive than tile … and they look GREAT!

I hope the above is helpful and points you in the direction you need to go.

Good luck with the sale of your home, and feel free to write again if you have additional questions.

Regards,
Elizabeth Narr