Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa April 2018 - 100th Issue! | Page 31

IMPROVING While floors are the workhorse of the home, it’s also an opportunity to elevate its overall style. Look for products that are within your price range and offer the best overall value and quality. If your budget is holding you back, as it sometimes does, consider starting with a smaller room first. You’ll be better off with high quality floors that take a little longer to fully integrate, than a bargain-bin score that leaves you in tears (and with a hefty replacement cost) five years down the line. Area It’s probably not the best idea to lay carpets in a bathroom or kitchen, no matter what retro decor tips would have us believe. But tiles throughout a house can be cold and seem sterile, so that’s not necessarily what you want either. If you’re reflooring an open plan area, do us all a favour and stick to one type of flooring throughout. No one wants a patched-up living/dining room. When in doubt, and over- come with indecisiveness, opt for a simple tile. Then add a bunch of rugs to cheer the place up. Another thing to keep in mind here, is the level of traffic the floors will have to endure. If we’re talking about a kitchen or hallway, you’re probably going to want to go for something that’s easy to clean - and won’t show the slightest hint of dust. If you decide on full floor carpets, your most practical bet would be short pile. While this won't give you that luxurious ’70s flashback, it will save you the hassle of constantly having to clean it. Low pile carpets are less likely to stain or trap dust, making it a better choice for those suffering from allergies, too. Colour Neutral tones are usually best. Lighter colours will help to bright- en the space, while darker woods can add warmth and coziness. Choosing a style or colour of flooring should always tie in with the overall style of the home. You can add your own touches with accents and accessories, but in most cases it’s best to stick to floor- ing that will complement existing features like windows. Maintenance Depending on your choice, you’re going to need to look into the steps you’ll need to take to keep your new floors looking good. If you opt for hardwood, you’ll need to keep in mind that the floors will need to be sanded, coated and polished every few years. If you chose tiles, it’s a good idea to have a few spares in the garage in case you need to replace a cracked or chipped one down the line. Carpets (low or high pile) will require a deep clean once a year. This can be done by a professional cleaning company, or by using a specialised machine. Alternatives We've covered the mainstream options when it comes to floor- ing. But what other options are out there? Concrete floors have become increasingly popular over the last decade. Durability and options for customisation make these a good choice for versatile spaces. They also pack the added benefit of being cooler in sum- mertime, and retaining heat for longer during the winter months. Bamboo floors are making a splash for all the right reasons. Beau- tiful to look at, durable, and comfortable under your feet, bamboo offers all the benefits of hardwood. It’s also a lot more environ- mentally conscious, so you won’t need to feel too guilty. SA Real Estate Investor Magazine APRIL/MAY 2018 29