Whether you’re remodeling a home, flipping one, or putting one on the market very soon, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to flooring. Maybe you already know which rooms need new flooring (great start!), but whether it’s just one or two rooms or an entire house, you’ll want to make sure you’ve asked yourself and your flooring provider all the right questions before making your purchase. For example, it’s helpful to know the most appropriate and practical flooring for each room type, how to prepare for the installation process, how certain floors hold up against kids, pets, different types of traffic, and more.
Here at New York Carpets & Flooring, we’re helping you get started with ten pertinent questions to think about in preparation for your visit. This will make your purchase process smoother, stress-free and ensure that you’re happy with your decisions.
1. What are the best flooring options for Southern California homes?
If you’re new to Southern California, be aware that we are in a desert climate, meaning that for most of the year and especially into the hot summer months, you’ll benefit from flooring that keeps your home cool and is impermeable to hot temperatures. Tile not only meets this requirement, but is also the ultimate durable, low maintenance, easy-to-clean flooring material. Luxury vinyl is another great option when it comes to durability and ease of maintenance – perfect for homes with kids and pets!
2. What are the best flooring options for specific rooms?
Typically, hardwood or laminate flooring is best for high-traffic areas like great rooms, family rooms, entryways, hallways, and staircases. Laying down the same flooring in several rooms that flow into one another can also make your home look bigger. Carpet is more comfortable and quieter for bedrooms that aren’t subject to as much foot traffic or for media rooms, home theaters, dens and libraries. For carpeted rooms that are more heavily trafficked, we recommend a low-pile carpet which is easier to keep clean. Laminate or vinyl is great for playrooms since kids can be rough on flooring and spills can be quickly and effortlessly cleaned up. Some of best options for kid’s rooms and playrooms is our line of Pergo Extreme® flooring.
3. Can New York Carpets & Flooring show me flooring that look best with different types of kitchen cabinetry or countertops?
If you’ve already done some research online or have a photograph from a magazine that displays the look you’re after, bring it in and let us match it. If you’re retaining the same counter, cabinetry, backsplash, or wall colors in the home you’re remodeling, take some quick photos to show your New York Carpets & Flooring representative, so they can recommend the best flooring options that will coordinate and complement what’s already in the home. The more information you can provide – photos or actual countertop, cabinetry or backsplash samples that we can work with – the better.
4. What flooring is easier to maintain?
Over the years, the amount that you spend on floor maintenance will depend on the type of flooring you choose, how much wear and tear a space is likely to get, or whether it’s in an area that may be susceptible to staining, water damage or other abuse. For example, bedrooms typically don’t experience the wear of other more communal living areas.
For high-traffic areas in the home, tile is the ultimate choice when it comes to durability and cleaning as it’s virtually impossible to scratch and can be cleaned with just about any chemical, plus, water won’t damage it. Luxury vinyl offers a similar ease of maintenance and longevity. Of course, all flooring types have their pros and cons. Your New York Carpets & Flooring representative will be happy to give you advice on the best cleaning methods and products to maintain any of the flooring types that you choose.
5. What flooring is best for kids and pets?
Kids and pets can be hard on flooring. For the most part, you’ll want to select a durable flooring surface that’s easy to clean, resists scratch marks, and potentially provides a level of cushion. Typically, we recommend luxury vinyl or tile for this purpose.
Our latest favorite kid and pet-proof flooring solution is Pergo Extreme, which features two distinct and amazing collections – Wood Originals and Tile Options – that stunningly and accurately recreate the look of real wood and stone and that are even more durable than ever before. To discover more about the new PERGO EXTREME line and all the options to choose from, click here.
5. What flooring is best for kids and pets?
Kids and pets can be hard on flooring. For the most part, you’ll want to select a durable flooring surface that’s easy to clean, resists scratch marks, and potentially provides a level of cushion. Typically, we recommend waterproof flooring, engineered hardwood or laminate for this purpose.
Our latest favorite kid and pet-proof flooring solution is Pergo Extreme, which features two distinct and amazing collections – Wood Originals and Tile Options – that stunningly and accurately recreate the look of real wood and stone and that are even more durable than ever before. To discover more about the new PERGO EXTREME line and all the options to choose from, click here.
6. Are there flooring options that are better for people with allergies?
Most hard surface flooring is preferable for those who suffer from allergies or asthma because pollen and other particulates don’t generally linger or get embedded in the surface. Routine cleaning with a wet pad or hardwood floor polish effectively eliminates these allergens. Carpet can be a bit more challenging. While carpet does tend to trap and contain dust, pet hair, dander and other particulates, in order to minimize allergic reactions, homeowners often find themselves vacuuming and shampooing their carpet more often. New York Carpets & Flooring also offers flooring surfaces like Air.o by Mohawk, which is hypoallergenic and minimizes any concerns about allergens.
7. What percentage should flooring be in the overall remodeling budget?
Remodeling projects vary greatly in scope, so there isn’t one correct answer here. Our recommendation is to work with your designer or contractor to determine the most mission critical aspects of the project that need to be attended to first – whether it’s architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, or any costly repair work necessary to bring the home into compliance. Then you can make a better determination what you have left in your budget for flooring, kitchen surfaces, appliances and furnishings.
That being said, when a prospective buyer steps into your home, flooring is a significant factor in creating a positive first impression. In building out your project budget, you might consider incorporating a flooring estimate from the beginning. We are happy to come measure your home, help you explore the best options for your space and provide an estimate for the total cost so you can understand how it can fit into your total budget.
8. Are there additional costs to consider?
When your new flooring is installed, be aware that any existing baseboards and/or trim along the home’s walls may need to be replaced. When compared to other remodeling budget items, replacing trim is typically a nominal expense, but may be something worth planning for.
9. How quickly can the new flooring be installed?
As OC’s largest stocking dealer, we keep a large variety of flooring products in-stock at our location in Anaheim. In addition to providing great prices, this enables our team to install most flooring projects within 72 hours. This is different from most local flooring dealers who need to place manufacturer orders for flooring products displayed in their showroom, often taking 2-3 weeks to install.
10. Is the new flooring and the installation under warranty?
At New York Carpets & Flooring, we offer a 2-year warranty on all of our team’s installations. In addition, we’ll always assist you with the manufacturer’s warranty available on whichever flooring product you choose. These will vary depending on the manufacturer and flooring type.
Have more questions? Be sure to check out our other blog posts where you may find answers to them and feel free to contact us any time for a free consultation or visit our beautiful showroom in Anaheim.
1225 South State College Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 778-3585