Renovation Secrets: Why Flooring Should Be Your Top Priority

When planning a home renovation, many people, particularly those doing a DIY refurbishment for the first time, tend to pay a lot of attention to high-impact changes.

While these could be anything from kitchen countertops or ornate light fixtures to statement furniture or fresh and inviting paint colours, flooring is often an afterthought – if it is even thought of at all.

However, seasoned renovators will tell you that flooring should be a top priority because it serves as the foundation on which the home’s aesthetic, functionality, and durability will be designed.

In this post, we’ll highlight six reasons why flooring should be your top priority in any home makeover. If you bear these renovation secrets in mind, it will go a long way towards turning your home from good to extraordinary.

1. Sets the Tone

Imagine stepping into a room. What’s one of the first things you notice? It’s likely the floor. For this reason, it is important to get your flooring right because it establishes the mood and character of any space. Sleek hardwood, for instance, suggests elegance, while plush carpet exudes cosiness, and polished concrete oozes modern minimalism.

When planning a renovation, flooring should be the canvas on which your overall interior design is based. You can find flooring options on choices flooring to suit any theme. 

2. Better Flow and Cohesion

A cohesive floor design can make your home feel unified and spacious. Conversely, if different rooms have clashing materials or colours, then the overall flow will be disrupted, which creates a jarring effect.

Opting for consistent flooring (or, at the very least, complementary materials) can tie a space together seamlessly. For example, extending the same hardwood or vinyl planks across open-concept areas creates a sense of continuity that enhances the perception of space.

Additionally, transitions between rooms can be tricky, which is why it is important to address flooring at the start of your renovation, as it allows you to plan thresholds, trims, and staircases to create a more polished look. 

3. Durability Pays Off in the Long Run

Flooring is one of the most used and abused features of any home, particularly if you have kids who are a bit rough with their toys or pets with sharp claws. By investing in high-quality, durable flooring materials at the outset of your renovation, you can save yourself headaches and expenses down the road in terms of repairs.

Hardwood is a classic, long-lasting, and repairable option that can endure decades of wear with proper maintenance. Similarly, luxury vinyl plank is waterproof and scratch-resistant, while porcelain tiles are exceptionally tough and water-resistant, which makes them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and mudrooms.

Ignoring flooring or cutting corners with cheap materials often leads to quicker wear and tear, resulting in you having to redo your floors sooner than you’d like.

4. Flooring Affects Comfort and Practicality

One thing many DIY renovators don’t realise is that the right flooring isn’t just about aesthetics but also about how a space feels and functions, which is why you should make it a top priority.

Materials like carpet or cork feel soft and cosy, so they are ideal for bedrooms or living areas where you want to relax. Likewise, hard surfaces like tile or stone tend to be cool, so they are very suitable for spaces in homes based in hot climates.

Depending on the level of noise you want in your home, you’ll have to choose accordingly because flooring, like carpet, can absorb sound, while hard surfaces tend to amplify it by creating echoes – unless they are paired with rugs or underlays.

Additionally, you should remember that floors need to be regularly cleaned, and on some materials like laminate or vinyl LVP, it is easier to do that on others, like carpet, which might trap allergens and dust.

5. Mistakes Are Easier to Fix Early On

One of the smartest reasons for installing flooring in a renovation is that it minimises the potential for disruptions and mistakes later in the renovation process.

For instance, if you install cabinets or fixtures before your flooring, it can lead to awkward gaps or height mismatches, which look unsightly and ruin the overall aesthetic you are trying to create.

Directing your focus to the floors initially ensures all of your spaces have consistency and reduces the chance of your surfaces being uneven. Moreover, after they have been installed, it is easier to protect new floors during the rest of the renovation with temporary coverings than to retrofit them into an already completed space.

6. It Adds Instant Property Value

If you are renovating with resale in mind or simply want to improve the value of your home, flooring is a surefire way to boost your property’s value.

Potential buyers are drawn to homes with timeless and well-maintained hardwood, modern and durable luxury vinyl, or stylish and sustainable options, and they are willing to pay more for the privilege of living in a residence that has them.

New or well-maintained flooring suggests a home has been loved, cared for, and is move-in ready, which often leads to quicker sales and higher offers.