Rental property, install tile/laminated floor in the living area or bedrooms

[Eve W.]

I have read a lot of stories about how the value of the properties will increase and property becomes more attractive towards the renters after the tile/laminated floor are installed.

My question is should i only install the new tile/laminated floor in the living area,s and choose the carpet in the bedrooms?

[Joel Owens]

Depends on what is customary for your tenant base and rent level for the area.

Carpet usually gets thrashed in common areas that have heavy wear patterns but do better in the bedrooms. Laminate floor can get burn marks, tears, peeling, buckling (trip hazard) etc.

Tile is more durable and takes more abuse but the materials with tile is cheap but the killer is the labor. That is what you really have to search around for an get a good deal on. You have to catch a contractor on a day of weak ness between bigger jobs where cash is lean.

[John Thedford]

I tile every inch if it needs flooring. That costs more up front but is more durable. I just bought a rental with carpeting. I dont know what to anticipate as far as its life. If it wasn't in good shape at purchase I would have put tile end to end. If you allow dogs or cats then that would be another concern with carpeting. I try to exclude any tenants with pets when possible.

[Mike Franco]

yes, that's a good compromise.

I'm going to put tile in the living room once this carpet gets torn up.

I recently got some beige ceramic tile on clearance from Lowes for 10 cents per square foot.

Installed it myself. Really easy after watching youtube how-to videos.