STR conversion: Carpet or No Carpet?

[Kim Beresford]

Hi everyone, 

I have a house that I'm converting from a LTR to a STR - the carpet upstairs (where all 4 bedrooms reside) was replaced earlier this year (so it's almost new) but I'm wondering what your sentiment and experience has been with carpeting in STRs? And what you've heard from your renters as to their feelings about carpeting?

The cost to replace with vinyl / laminate will be steep as it's a 2500 sqft house - my contractor quoted me at $7400 to rip out existing flooring and replace with vinyl / laminate + the cost of materials so I'm estimating this to be a $12k project (give or take) - does that sound about right? 

Appreciate your input!!!

[Bruce Woodruff]

If it weren't new carpet, it would be an easier choice...but I'd say keep the carpet for a few years. It is ok to have in the bedrooms anyway, nice on the feet in the mornings. And you'll need all the profit you can get since you're starting out new.