Carpet can be hit or miss when it comes to home value. Some buyers prefer it for bedrooms and cozy spaces, while others see it as outdated or harder to maintain. If you opt for carpet, focus on high-quality materials and neutral colors to appeal to a broader audience.
If you install cheap or poor-quality carpet, your buyers will notice. They might see this as a drawback of buying your house, even though you thought the carpet was an upgrade. Conversely, you don't want to overspend on carpet that buyers plan to replace anyway.
Look for visible signs of wear, such as stains, tears, or worn-down paths. Consider the age and overall quality of the carpet as well. If your carpet is old, heavily stained, low-quality, dated, smelly, or damaged, it might be worth replacing to attract more buyers.
From warm, comforting earthy neutrals to bold, nostalgic prints, refresh your floors with this year's most luxurious carpet trends. Luxury carpet, once thought to be a relic of the past, is experiencing a dazzling resurgence in 2024.
It's a smart idea; hardwood flooring is preferred by home buyers and renters across the United States so it could improve the resale value of your home when it comes time to sell.. But consider all your options carefully. Here's more about flooring made from hardwood and why you might prefer it to wall-to-wall carpet.
One factor sustaining high end's momentum is the way carpet is used in the home. Most of the time carpet is reserved for the bedroom, common areas, basements and stairs.
The more expensive flooring upgrades yield the highest returns and appeal most to homebuyers. And hardwood is the clear winner, followed by engineered hardwood and tile. Carpet and luxury vinyl tiles add comparable value, though vinyl is the cheapest option.
Both carpeting and hardwood flooring with large area rugs are in style for bedrooms.
Additionally, the rise of minimalist and modern interior design trends has led to a preference for clean, sleek surfaces that are easy to maintain. Carpet, with its tendency to trap dust, allergens, and stains, requires more frequent cleaning and maintenance compared to hard flooring options.
Age: If carpet is more than 12-15 years old, and hasn't been professionally cleaned at regular intervals, it most likely will need replacing. Conditions such as filter soiling, crushing, and traffic patterns will have taken their toll on the carpet, and a single cleaning will not undo decades of wear.
Choose carpet that is cream, tan, beige, pale gold, caramel or cafe au lait. Lighter colored carpet makes a room feel larger and a neutral color is more likely to match existing tile or flooring already installed in the house. Additionally, neutral colored carpet is more likely to go with a potential buyer's furniture.
While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, we can guide you through the factors that influence carpet lifespan and the telltale signs it's time for a refresh. Typical Carpet Lifespan: Well-maintained carpets: 5-15 years (depending on quality) High traffic areas: May need replacement sooner.
Benefits of Carpet
There are several reasons you should have carpet in your new home. These include better air quality, quieter spaces, cozier spaces, a splash of style, and safety features.
Carpet is harmful to your and your family's health, breeds unneeded bacteria, mold, and other nasty particles, and it's a high maintenance hassle if you want it to look good. It's easier to switch out the carpet for a hard surface flooring.
First and foremost, a carpeted floor is a safer floor. The soft surface and cushioned under-padding not only reduce the impact of a fall, but also the likelihood of it happening in the first place. Carpet is inherently slip-resistant, meaning it's harder to slip and fall.
Carpet was once considered passé, and for many, what comes to mind is seas of beige plush. But that's far from the only option available to homeowners shopping for carpet in 2024. Subtle patterns and textures can elevate neutral-colored carpets, providing visual interest and depth.
While carpet is generally cheaper than many other types of flooring, its low return on investment may not make it worthwhile. Buyers often prefer other flooring types, especially hardwood, and may plan on removing any carpeting anyway. Other flooring options you may want to consider are hardwood, laminate, and vinyl.
In recent years, natural wood floors layered with area rugs have been a go-to look, replacing wall-to-wall carpet in both public and private areas of the home. However, as Griffin points out, carpet is still a relevant choice that's particularly well suited for rooms where comfort and relaxation is a key priority.
If your carpet is stained or moldy, it should be removed. Not only will this make your home look better, but it will also make it healthier. Stains and mold can cause health problems, so it is best to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Carpet is making a remarkable comeback in 2025, and homeowners are embracing this timeless flooring option like never before. With advancements in technology and evolving design choices, carpets are now more stylish, durable, and eco-friendly.
Resale considerations
One of the most significant considerations is the local real estate market and buyer preferences in your area. In some regions, carpet may be more desirable for its comfort and insulation, while in others, laminate flooring's durability and low maintenance may be preferred.