First Flip - Advice Needed on What Upgrades To Include

[Rebecca Mickler]

Hello all,

I'm under contract on my first flip. I'm putting together my SOW and have some questions concerning existing finishes in the home and what to replace them with.

1. There are original hardwoods through the home (built in 1952) except in the kitchen & master bedroom.  The floors are in pretty decent shape and I'd like to refinish them everywhere. However, the master bedroom was a later (1992) addition and carpet was installed (no hardwoods underneath). Should I leave the master bedroom carpet or install hardwoods to match the rest? Both guest bedrooms have hardwood which seems odd to me when compared with the master.

2. The guest bathroom was updated at some point. The ceramic tile is in decent shape and I had planned to keep it. However, the master bath has never been updated and will need to be gutted.  If I were starting from scratch on both bathrooms, I probably would not have chosen tile due to cost  and demographic on this home. (Starter neighborhood, low price point). Again, I think it's weird to have nicer finishes in the guest bath than master.

3. I'm adding a dedicated laundry space in what is now an odd nook off the living room. The current floors are hardwood. Do I tear them up completely or just put new, water resistant flooring over top of it?

Recommendations would be much appreciated!

[Wayne V.]

If the hardwood in the laundry area is in decent shape, I would just "screen sand" it and apply a couple of coats of WaterLox clear finish. It's often used for bar tops and is very water and wear resistant.

I agree that carpet in the master bedroom is a plus. Find a carpet & Tile place that does hotels and motels. They will have large remnants of nice looking carpet usually at substantial discounts, plus their installers are usually very good.