But affordability comes at a cost—vinyl is easily scratched, and repairs often require replacing entire sections of the floor. If laid in tile form, it’s also vulnerable to water damage as liquids seep into the seams. Hardwood As mentioned earlier, hardwood is the gold standard of flooring. It’s durable, easy to clean, and can be refinished every few years, making it look brand new at a fraction of the cost of replacing other types of flooring. That said, hardwood has its drawbacks. It can be cold underfoot and doesn’t retain heat as well as carpet or vinyl. Refinishing hardwood is also time-consuming and can be costly, ranging from $6 to $15 per square foot. But if you can swing it, hardwood is worth every penny. Buyers are actively seeking it out and are even willing to pay more for homes that have it. And who knows, you might just have a hidden treasure under that old shag carpet—an oak goldmine waiting to be uncovered and refinished. If you’re on a budget and can’t afford solid hardwood, consider engineered wood or laminate flooring. These options offer many of the benefits of hardwood at a lower cost. Walls Remember when white walls were all the rage? Or when bold, dark colors were the height of style in the 1990s? And who could forget the wallpaper with tiny prints that looked like they belonged in a Magic Eye book? Times and tastes change, and if you’re planning to sell your home soon, updating your walls is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to boost your home’s appeal. But keep in mind that today’s buyers may have different preferences than you did when you first bought your home.
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