Refinishing Hardwood Floors or Re-Carpeting

[John Fiastro]

I have a small one bedroom one bath unit in a duplex that's coming up at the end of the month.  The carpet is about 9 years old and has been shampooed for the last time.  It will require replacement.  The house was built in 1951 and has hardwood floors beneath the carpets that could be refinished.  This unit turns over on average every 18 months or so and shampooing the carpet usually costs about $150.  Carpet replacements will cost about a $1000, I figure refinishing will cost about $1500.  I am thinking that the hardwood will rent easier perhaps for a little more too and won't require the regular shampooing between tenants.  Has anyone made this decision before and if so, how did you decide?