Bathroom and Kitchen Floor Types

[Account Closed]

I have a my first 2 properties that I have purchased, both with ARV's in the $100k range. I will be putting new kitchens in both and will be redoing floors and tub surrounds on both as well. Each house has hardwood floors throughout except in the kitchen and bathroom. What type of flooring do you install in new kitchens? and new baths? Tile looks great, but is really time consuming to install and can be costly. Also, if the walls of the bathroom have tile on them in colors that haven't been popular since the 60's and 70's, do you remove and put new tile back up or do you drywall? And last, do you do the pre-made big box store tub surrounds or do you install tile there as well.

Would love to hear what everyone thinks.

Thanks in advance.

[Steve S.]

@Account Closed

For kitchens and bathrooms I am a big fan of vinyl. It's highly durable, can be easy to repair and it's cheap. Bathrooms I may spruce it up a bit more and use Allure or a similar flooring product. Once again very easy to install, good for high traffic, easy to repair and very economical.

The tile is a whole different ball park. If your only problem is that the tile isn't that appealing in colour... I would just pass, it's aesthetic and not worth the work or the cost just to change. If you are going to change your tile do NOT go with a really dark colour nor should you pick white or anything off white. I will also never use a white grout again. I like grey, taupe or something neutral with a grey or light brown grout. (make sure that you reseal your grout each year and it will last a long LONG time)

Those cheap tub surrounds.... I would pass on. They can break and crack and when you try to repair them it just looks like crap. You're far better off putting the money in up front and getting something of high quality and durability.

With respect to drywall, if you're getting stuff for the bathroom or even the kitchen I would also pay a little more in this area and get the "blue or green" product that is mold and mildew resistant. Both of those areas are known for having high humidity and it's always better to put a couple dollars up front that will last you 20 years over something you will have to change in 5 b/c a tenant never puts on the the bathroom fan.