Inexpensive Flooring Solutions When Renovating for Sale or Keeps

When you’re preparing your home for sale, the damaged carpet becomes very apparent to the vendor. As a potential purchaser wanders through, they will likely see badly marked or worn carpet. If the synthetic or wool carpet is not in the best condition, consider replacing it. It might seem extravagant, but like walls in need of a paint, seemingly small things can put a potential buyer off purchasing completely. Replacing the carpet, even in the bedrooms, is one less thing for them to think about and pay for when they move in. If you plan on keeping the carpet for the sales campaign, make an effort to remove scuffs and marks before the first open for inspection.

The key to selecting a carpet for your campaign is to not only find a style and colour true to the home’s architecture and interior, but also a design that has broad appeal. Think about what will stand the test of time and not put any potential buyer “off”.

How to choose carpet for a sales campaign:

• • Select a neutral carpet that compliments the rest of the interior.
  • Choose a carpet that fits within your budget by using the “Setting a Budget” page.
  • Try to stay clear from trend based options and choose something that is classic.
  • Think about potential buyers. Twist piles in synthetic fibres might appeal to a family home while a wool loop carpet might appeal to a downsizer market.
  • Consider the light levels in the home and choose the colour accordingly. Darker carpets can also make a space feel smaller which is generally not a “plus” when it comes to selling a home.

No matter how careful you might be, there can be some scratches and marks on your timber or timber-look flooring after years of foot-traffic. While you could replace the whole floor, this is something that is quite a personal decision and probably best left to the purchaser if you’re selling (unless the Estate Agent feels it’s particularly necessary). Try to make your current flooring look as good as it can, keeping it clean and dust-free.

If you have advice from the agent that you need to replace the hard flooring for a particular reason, there are budget-friendly options that you can consider. Like the carpet advice above, stick to a neutral palette and something that will be liked by many.

Hard flooring selection tips:

• • If the flooring is for your home that you intend to stay in, the most important aspect to consider is suitability. Do you have pets? Kids? Live on a farm? These variables can impact what you select. Laminates and vinyls are great for busy homes, laminate flooring is particularly good with pets. Your local Flooring Xtra store would love to help point you in the right direction if you are unsure!
  • Colour is largely personal, of course. If you are selecting for yourself, it helps to create a moodboard to see what you’re drawn to. Our Floor Visualiser is another great tool to compare and contrast ideas. For a property that is heading to the market, consider a harmonious colour that will work with the rest of the home. Mid-toned timbers will always be popular.
  • If you want to make the floors a selling point, you could consider water-resistant characteristics or authentic engineered timber floor boards, for example.
  • Work with your professional flooring team to work through floor board direction and installation styles. There may be a particular style that will work for your home, to even make it seem larger!

While it can be tempting to throw a rug over a particularly bad patch of flooring, it’s not advised that you completely “hide” this damage from potential buyers if you’re selling your home. Use rugs to help people imagine what living in your home might be like. Add colour or interest with a rug in a dull room or to lighten a dark space. You can also utilise rugs to define a living space in an open plan living/ dining area. The use of a rug can detract from flooring in poor condition, but as mentioned, it shouldn’t cover it completely. Most importantly, choose a rug that you love which can come with you to your new home!

If you’re keen on a fresh, new look for your own home, rugs are always a good idea. If you have damaged flooring but can’t afford to have it fixed or replaced, use rugs to disguise the marks (unlike when you’re trying to sell!!). Don’t skimp on a rug that’s too small to save money- it’s never worth it! The rug should be bigger than the largest item in the room (such as a sofa or dining table) otherwise it can look like an afterthought. In short, large rugs are a good idea!

Looking after your rug properly can help maintain its beauty and extend its life, and it’s easier than you might think!

• Rotate your rug every six months to help prevent uneven wear, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Vacuum weekly using a plain suction vacuum. Avoid turbo or rotating heads, which can fuzz the rug surface.
• Clean up spills promptly. Blot gently with a clean cloth — never scrub — and always rinse well with water to avoid sticky residue that attracts dirt.
• Have your rug professionally cleaned three to four times a year, depending on use.

Important notes on soil and stains:

• Dirt and grit act like sandpaper, and wear your rug down, so use door mats and vacuum often.
• Many “stains” are actually soiling from sugar residue or cleaning products left behind.
• Avoid excessive moisture, harsh chemicals, or aggressive scrubbing as this can damage fibres or set stains permanently.

When in doubt, call a professional. Quick action, gentle care, and regular maintenance are the best ways to keep your rug looking its best!

What is a pet-friendly rug?

A pet-friendly rug is a must in a home with dogs and cats! Look for attributes such as washable features, anti-stain qualities and non-loop pile fibres (for pet paws to get caught in).

What should I consider when choosing a rug for my bedroom?

There are a few things to consider here. Do you want the rug to feel plush underfoot or would you prefer a flatter pile? Do you want the rug to become a feature (with pattern and colour) or more understated? Bedrooms are not incredibly high-traffic spaces so you can afford to choose something like wool or a light colour which you may not, say, in an entryway. Ensure the rug is large enough too, you can see a few different size and placement ideas in our Rug Guide.

What type of rug fibre is the most durable for a busy home?

Rugs fibres are similar to that of carpets and if you’re on the lookout for a durable option, a synthetic fibre like polypropylene is a great idea. Something also to consider is an outdoor or washable rug for those really messy areas of the home!