We know for sure that that there are aesthetic and functional differences between hardwood and softwood floors. Therefore which kind is appropriate for a rental property? Despite the fact that there is no straight answer to this question, perceiving the important differences between hardwood and softwood flooring, you could more clearly choose which sort could be a real fit for your rental properties in Schaumburg.
If we think about hardwood floors, we typically picture the traditional oak planks that make up the vast majority of wood flooring. But, as a matter of fact, oak is not the only hardwood option there is. Hardwood proceeds from a classification of trees that are slow-growing with a complex structure. This is what exactly makes traditional hardwoods so durable. Besides oak, some of the most typical classes of hardwood used for floors include maple, birch, and beech, along with walnut and bamboo.
Softwood floors, even though less known than hardwood, are among the best alternatives for many property owners. Considered “soft” in relation to its hardwood counterpart, this flooring achieves its name from an increased tendency of the wood to show dings and dents. The most common sorts of softwood floors are formed from pine and fir, but options like cedar, hemlock, and cypress are also available.
For various rental properties, choosing hardwood or softwood floors might both grant an extensive range of advantages. For instance, a traditional hardwood floor could allure certain types of renters or enable your rental home to be more competitive with homes the same as yours. Rental homes in upscale areas can definitely make use of the beauty and durability of a hardwood floor.
Softwood flooring could greatly expand an appealing rustic charm to a property, an actual advantage in localities where tenants are excited about that aesthetic. There are equally long-standing merits that go along with a hardwood or softwood floor. Hardwood floors can surely help you avoid replacing carpet every five years, while just needing minimal maintenance to sustain and keep as good as new. Softwood flooring is often less expensive, allowing you to freely create a custom interior in your rental home for far less than you might expect.
Wood floors (of either variety) come with a few disadvantages, unfortunately. Hardwood can be very expensive, and when taken together with professional installation, it can thus be a significant investment. That investment usually could not be taken back swiftly, and we’re talking years before a hardwood floor could get paying for itself.
More than that, if hardwood floors are not a desirable detail in your locale, you might not see much of an increase in either property value or rental income. Softwood, likewise, could be damaged quite easily, which renders it a poor choice for high-traffic areas like walkways and kitchens. Both hardwood and softwood floors are also susceptible to moisture damage, and may not work well in humid climates or flood zones.
Taking into account both the pros and cons of installing hardwood or softwood floors, it would be a real challenge to work out which choices are best suited for your property. But this issue could be easily worked through with the appropriate information. This makes it imperative to precisely know of your target demographic, your local market, and your financial goals completely.
By identifying who you desire to rent to, how your property can be compared with others in your area, and how much you entail to invest in upgrading the home, you can more clearly choose on the flooring that is favorable for you. Contact us or call us at 847-892-4040 for more needed information on how we can help you with your Schaumburg property management journey.
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