ARE YOU SELLING A HOME AND NEED NEW FLOORING?

Quick, cost effective upgrades before selling a home always pays off, but which repairs bring the biggest return? 

In many neighborhoods, most of the homes are older which means the floors are original which means they might have carpeting over hardwood.   Carpeting became popular in the 1960’s after it became too expensive to install hardwood.  Some homes today still sport the 1960’s shag carpeting.  So, if you are selling your home, low on budget and need a quick fix, there are some ways you can do it without making it look cheap.

Hardwood Floors 
If your home has hardwood floors, that's what buyers want, and it would pay to have the carpeting removed and the floors refinished.

Carpeting 
If your sub-floor is plywood, then replace the carpeting with light tan. Neutral carpeting is your best bet for resale.

Ceramic 
Replace chipped or cracked tiles. Clean or replace the grout. But don't install ceramic (it's too expensive) unless it's for aesthetic reasons in an entryway.

What you’re looking for are discounted floors that have been reduced in price but still look good.  For example, flooring manufacturers are always producing different lines of flooring, different colors, different finishes and some floors just aren’t as popular as they originally thought.  These types of floors won’t sit in the warehouse too long before they are liquidated.

Depending on the amount of flooring you need, you can sometimes pick up flooring at a great price that has been placed in the “odd lot” inventory.  This means there is a limited supply or it has been discontinued. 

You can also choose “seconds” to complete a room.  These floors might have a minor defect that you don’t event notice.  There might be a slight blemish in the finish; the color might be a little off or some other minor issue.  With these small imperfections the cost of the flooring will be greatly reduced.

Your local flooring retailer like Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas very often has supplies of flooring that can be used to upgrade your home before it goes on the market.  So, if your home has been on the market for a while and you’re looking for some information to sell your home more quickly, try installing a new floor.  It may tip someone in your direction.  Contact Cinderella today for your Free In-Home Measurement. Also, don’t forget to see what’s on sale this month.  It might just be what your looking for!

CHOOSING THE BEST FLOORING FOR KIDS

Some of the most important features when choosing flooring for a kid’s room are safety, easy to clean and durable enough to withstand all the jumping, scraping and playing.   Flooring that has some ‘give’ would be ideal to soften falls and prevent injury. But, the floor would still have to be durable enough to withstand spills, falling toys and wear and tear.   Luckily, there’s a wealth of choice available and all you have to do is pick the one best suited to your and your active family.  Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas can show you all the available options and give you the assistance you need to make an educated decision. 

Carpet

Crawling toddlers and active kids will thank you for the softness of carpet.  It’s easy on the knees and will help cushion their falls.  It may be soft underfoot but it is also vulnerable to stains.  So make sure you choose a stain resistant carpet.  Children who suffer from allergies may want to stay away from carpet it can breed mold and mildew if liquid is not cleaned immediately.

Hardwood

Children’s toys and spills can damage hardwood.  However they can be made scratch-resistant and more durable with protective coatings or by choosing a particularly hard brand.  The downside is it can be less comfortable to play on. 

Laminate is another option where spills won’t damage the floor and are easy to clean up.  The slippery surface can be a concern for small children but area rugs can help to minimize this problem.  Laminate can give you the look of wood but requires much less maintenance.

Cork offers all the desired features and is green choice, which is durable and comfortable to the feet.  This antistatic surface is great for playful kids, while the softness is a great shock absorber for kids just learning to walk.  The downside to cork is it can easily be gouged or scratched because of its softness.  Cork absorbs noise more that laminate or hardwood and is great for kids with allergies because it is hypoallergenic and resistant to bacterial growth.

Bamboo

Eco-friendly bamboo offers a trendy floor that is easily refinished if scratched.  But remember, these floors are more susceptible to scratches so the natural bamboo may be your best option.

 If you love the flooring you currently have and you don't want to replace it, look into foam mats that go over existing flooring. Many foam floors now come in bright colors with the ABC's and 123's so kids can play in a safe environment and also one that is educational.

With any flooring there are trade-offs and will come down to the needs of your family.  Whatever your needs, Cinderella can help.  Visit our showroom on 6 Rossi Circle in Salinas or schedule a Free In-Home Consultation.  With over 450 different flooring choices you are sure to be able to find what you are looking for at Cinderella.