Please don't use that cheap, fake wood for your floor replacement if you're selling.

[battricia]

for the people saying the realtor should only show homes w/ hardwood, this would be well and great except MANY people who put laminate in list their houses as hardwood and then you get there and it's obviously not. it is actually pretty common. And while it's 'easy' to rip up laminate to put in what you want, most times the person selling the house wants to recoup the money they put into the laminate. Op (and many others) don't want to pay the seller for that upgrade when they're going to rip it out anyway.

I'd also like to add that my SO and I have owned 2 homes, one purchased for less than 100k, and one purchased for less than 200k, in the past 7 years, and both had hardwood floors. Neither house was in an 'upscale' neighborhood with pools and club houses etc. both were very 'middle class' neighborhoods. Our second house had hardwood floors that were 80 years old, and in the one room, when we lifted the old disgusting carpet, the hardwood underneath was in beautiful condition. I swept and washed them weekly with vinegar and water (in a spray bottle), seriously no harder than vacuuming carpet. I really don't see how laminate is easier.

 

[Blue.Fairy2]

for the people saying the realtor should only show homes w/ hardwood, this would be well and great except MANY people who put laminate in list their houses as hardwood and then you get there and it's obviously not. it is actually pretty common. And while it's 'easy' to rip up laminate to put in what you want, most times the person selling the house wants to recoup the money they put into the laminate. Op (and many others) don't want to pay the seller for that upgrade when they're going to rip it out anyway.

I'd also like to add that my SO and I have owned 2 homes, one purchased for less than 100k, and one purchased for less than 200k, in the past 7 years, and both had hardwood floors. Neither house was in an 'upscale' neighborhood with pools and club houses etc. both were very 'middle class' neighborhoods. Our second house had hardwood floors that were 80 years old, and in the one room, when we lifted the old disgusting carpet, the hardwood underneath was in beautiful condition. I swept and washed them weekly with vinegar and water (in a spray bottle), seriously no harder than vacuuming carpet. I really don't see how laminate is easier.

Totally agree. If hardwood floors are finished properly then they will hold up as good as laminate if not better.

No need to bash the OP because she prefers hardwood.

Hardwood or laminate is a choice one makes for all kinds of reasons, your choice may not be the same as you next door neighbors no need to put either choices down, both have their pros and cons.

 

[3boymthr]

Respectfully, while you are each saying this - you don't actually have any idea what the condition of that replaced flooring was. It's extremely likely it was SO bad, you wouldn't have even considered the house.

Instead, just buy the house you like and pay to replace the flooring you don't.

Actually, I do, I saw the house before the laminate was in and I still remember what it looked like because they left it in place. It's under the laminate and viewable under the dishwasher and under the sink. It also runs down the stairs to our basement. It's ugly, as in pattern - industrial/school type stuff, but it's not in bad shape at all. It's in better shape than the laminate that covers it. The stuff that's there is the old fashoined stuff that wears like iron. Like I said, they put in a very cheap flooring to cover the "ugly" unstylish tile, but I'd rather they hadn't and just given a credit so that we could put in something more durable.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

People tend to put when they like and can afford in their homes.. If you don't like it, move along to another house.. Someone else will come along and buy that home who isn't quite as particular..

Exactly. There are tons of things in people's houses...cheap ones and expensive ones...that not everyone is going to like. So...don't buy it.

Aren't there bigger things, OP, than being "appalled" at the overuse of laminate floors?

I have to tell you if a buyer asked for an allowance to replace floors, there is no way I would give it to them. That is like asking for an allowance because you don't like the appliances or don't like the shower doors. The house is what it is. I agree if you don't like it move on. If you like the house but not the floors think about replacing them yourself with what you do like. People pick a flooring based on what they can afford and what fits their family. Laminate wood floors hold up very well with children and dogs.

*Mare, who has hardwood floors and would never be "appalled" at someone else choosing laminate, nor not buy a house just because of that.*

 

[mariolatry]

I love my laminate. It has held up well with pets and is easier to clean than carpet. Just because someone couldn't afford hardwood doesn't mean they don't take care of their home.

Marsha

Is Pergo a type of Laminate? We bought a condo in 2006 which was a flip job. It had Pergo all throughout...what a bunch of crap! Dining room chairs scratched it, dropping canned goods on the floor dented it, my kids rolling toys tore it up. Laminate is NOT the same as hardwood.

BTW, the buyer CAN ask for anything in an offer. Whether or not you give it too them is another matter!

 

[LaraK]

My low class laminates and I are great friends. Along with our buddy Swiffer it's the perfect relationship for the busy mom.

 

[AKL_Megs]

We just bought a house, and we looked at MANY "cookie cutter" houses. We had it narrowed down to two houses, and I am SO glad we chose the one with the hardwoods (and Formica countertops) and not the house with Pergo (and granite countertops). The pricepoint was exactly the same, the floorplan was exactly the same, the location was exactly the same, and other than the floors and countertops, they were exactly the same. I LOVE my hardwoods! I am with OP on this one!

Good luck househunting OP!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

As long as the price of the house is reflective on the flooring, I don't have an issue.

However don't try and squeak top dollar out of me, claiming you have new flooring with a subpar laminate.

And yes Pergo is a laminate, however it is considered a "high end" laminate.

It is one thing not to like something however it is quite another thing to overpay for a house and get ripped off.

 

[Planogirl]

I just wonder when carpet went out of style. I like a nice, high quality carpet in the living room and bedrooms but I guess that I'm just old-fashioned.

Our whole house is out of style though. I'm told that we need hardwoods throughout (except Italian tile in the bathrooms), stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and so on. Now if only someone would send me a huge pile of money I'd be glad to make all of these updates!

 

[TwinsinCA]

I just wonder when carpet went out of style. I like a nice, high quality carpet in the living room and bedrooms but I guess that I'm just old-fashioned.

Thank you! I actually would not even buy a house with hardwood floors. I do not care for that look at all. To me hardwood floors either look very cold, sterile, or like some creepy old house. I am talking about in the bedrooms and living rooms. In the kitchen I don't care if it is wood, tile, vinyl, whatever.

To the PP who said they wouldn't want to live in a carpeted house where others had lived before -- I totally get that. But in our case, we have been the first people to live in all three houses we've owned.

 

[princess momma]

Gosh, we're having a flooring war in my household right now. It's time to replace the carpet and I wan't laminate, my husband wants hardwood. I hate the thought of spending top dollar on hardwood and having to constantly refinish it. At least with laminate you can change it out if you get tired of it.

But I honestly can't see not buying a house because I don't like the flooring. It's pretty easy to factor in the cost of replacing it. Floorplan, neighborhood, schools, and price are much more important than the floor.

I like carpet but we've got a lot of allergies in this family and I think getting rid of the carpets just might help.

 

[cats mom]

I am amazed at what people expect allowances for. I can see if something is in disrepair but for something cosmetic, I just don't see how its necessary to give one. You will never find a home that has exactly everything the way you want it unless you have it built specifically for you.
I'm just curious for those who expect an allowance to replace a newly installed floor would you also expect one to have a painter to come in and repaint the house in your colors, or restain the woodwork etc? I know I wouldn't give any allowance for a buyer to do any cosmetic changes, and you walking away would be A-OK because another buyer who doesn't have that entitlement mentality will come along

On the other hand... what about sellers who put in the least expensive floors, light fixtures, etc they can while getting their house ready for the market, and then raise their price by the amount they spent (or more in some cases) Why should a buyer be expected to pay for stuff they don't even want?

Personally I can see past most cosmetic issues and would prefer a seller leave that kind of thing as is and just adjust the price accordingly. Problem is most don't anymore. Gotta be HGTV ready you know.

FWIW I asked for (and got) a significant decorating allowance when we bought what I call "the wallpaper house." That was purely a cosmetic/tatse thing, and the seller wasn't too happy since everything had been done within the past 2 years and was an expensive decorator job. But I've stripped wallpaper before. No way was I going to pay full market price for a house full of wallpaper, tasteful or not.

Anyway, just wondering... have you sold recently or in a down market?
Not justifying it by any means; but if you haven't, you might be really amazed at what buyers expect.

 

[mrsklamc]

I like carpet but we've got a lot of allergies in this family and I think getting rid of the carpets just might help.

I'd bet it will. When we replaced with hardwoods I was horrified at how often I have to sweep, not because i mind sweeping but because All that nasty crap was in my carpet before. Mind you we have a dyson so it's not like I wasn't cleaning my carpet but I just had NO IDEA how fast the dust accumulated. I will never have carpet again.

 

[Chicago526]

Our house (60+ years old) has original hard wood floors that we are restoring...in all rooms except an additon put on in the 70's. The owners put in a plywood sub-floor and carpet in that room. Our dog ruined the carpet, so we replaced it with wood laminate about 2 months ago. I think it looks great. Hardwood would have cost a fortune and we'd never have gotten the investment back as this is a neighborhood of starter homes. Upgrading beyond the basics is a waste of money around here, unless you plan on staying and enjoying said upgrades for 20+ years.

I think it highly depends on the type of home a seller is competing against. If all the other homes in your price range have hard woods, you'd better put in hard woods or give the buyer a credit. On the other hand, if the other homes your area all have laminate or carpet, then do what you can afford.

 

[patsal]

Love my Pergo (it was not inexpensive either!) and I really don't care what the buyer is wanting in a house--don't like my floors don't buy my house! My house had iccky laminate floors in the kitchen and baths and wall to wall avacado carpeting downstairs and gold mixed shag upstairs. I knew I wouldn't have put that in, but wouldn't ask for a flooring allowance either. Kind of like windows and doors, they have to be there, but it isn't my choice as a buyer to tell the seller what they should have. If I didn't want the house I could move on to another. Decorating and flooring choices are very personal and something that you can make changes with. Try building a new house and outfitting it with exactly what you want, you may quickly find out what you want you can't afford...

 

[Lisa_M]

I just wonder when carpet went out of style. I like a nice, high quality carpet in the living room and bedrooms but I guess that I'm just old-fashioned.

Our whole house is out of style though. I'm told that we need hardwoods throughout (except Italian tile in the bathrooms), stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and so on. Now if only someone would send me a huge pile of money I'd be glad to make all of these updates!

Thank you! I actually would not even buy a house with hardwood floors. I do not care for that look at all. To me hardwood floors either look very cold, sterile, or like some creepy old house. I am talking about in the bedrooms and living rooms. In the kitchen I don't care if it is wood, tile, vinyl, whatever.

To the PP who said they wouldn't want to live in a carpeted house where others had lived before -- I totally get that. But in our case, we have been the first people to live in all three houses we've owned.

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who prefers carpeting. When we were looking at homes, most of them had pergo or hardwood throughout. These were old starter homes. It seemed like they were so cold. I definitely like carpet better, but I don't think I could cover up the floor if it was already good looking.

 

[zachnsamsmommy]

I love, love hardwood floors. But I would prefer a high quality laminate to the engineered hardwood crap my builder put in. It scratches easily, and can only be refinished once b/c it is so thin. So, even if a house is advertised as being 'hardwood floors'...it can be engineered wood floors, which really aren't that good.

I would choose a real, solid hardwood floor before anything laminate (just my preference). But if it was between very nice, expensive laminate and engineered hardwood...the laminate would win.

Also, we moved out of our last house in 2006...and had ugly 'country blue' carpet. We really didn't want to replace it, b/c so many people like tile or hardwood, and not carpet. We did a small flooring allowance, up to $2000...then our house sold within a week.

 

[ReneeA]

I like the look of carpet, but man alive was the upkeep terrible and they were NEVER clean...even after having them professionally cleaned.

We tore up all the carpet and refinished the original hardwood floors in my 1927 house. My DH went from needing allergy shots once a month to never getting another shot. It was immediate - the day the carpet left the house, his allergies were gone. He occasionally still has seasonal allergies, but the yearlong struggle with them is now gone.

As for the flooring issue, I like my hardwoods, but they are not in the best shape. It's been 7 or 8 years since they were last refinished, and they are scratched and rough looking right now. I guess in a couple years we'll suck it up and redo them.

 

[luvmy3]

On the other hand... what about sellers who put in the least expensive floors, light fixtures, etc they can while getting their house ready for the market, and then raise their price by the amount they spent (or more in some cases) Why should a buyer be expected to pay for stuff they don't even want?
Personally I can see past most cosmetic issues and would prefer a seller leave that kind of thing as is and just adjust the price accordingly. Problem is most don't anymore. Gotta be HGTV ready you know.

FWIW I asked for (and got) a significant decorating allowance when we bought what I call "the wallpaper house." That was purely a cosmetic/tatse thing, and the seller wasn't too happy since everything had been done within the past 2 years and was an expensive decorator job. But I've stripped wallpaper before. No way was I going to pay full market price for a house full of wallpaper, tasteful or not.

Anyway, just wondering... have you sold recently or in a down market?
Not justifying it by any means; but if you haven't, you might be really amazed at what buyers expect.

They aren't, they can offer what they think is fair and the seller can take it or leave it. Or if the house doesn't have what they want they don't have to offer to purchase it at all. OTOH, a buyer asking for an allowance is expecting the seller to pay for their *style differences*.

 

[Disney Doll]

I love my hardwood, but more importantly, I love my hardwood installer...the best guy in the world IMHO.

Most of my 1st floor (the "public" area of the house...livingroom, kitchen, den, diningroom, bathroom) has hardwood, except the bathroom which is tiled. It is natural color red maple (so it is colored more like a golden oak). It has a water-based acrylic finish (per the recommendation of Mike from Custom Hardwood Floors in CT) which holds up like iron to dogs, kids, people, dropping knives (in the kitchen), dragging big pieces of furniture across it...everything. I have lived int his house for 15 years, had the floors done when we bought and then redone again about 6 years ago. They look brand new, there is one spot in the kitchen that has a small divot in it where DH dropped a HUGE heavy pot....my guess is that pot would have damaged laminate as well. I wash the floor with a 1/2 & 1/2 mixture of water and window cleaner...shines up, looks great, has held up like iron...I am assuming that is because of the finish.

I've never seen a laminate, high or low end, that even comes close to looking as nice as my hardwood or that is as easy to care for. I have seen both high and low end (DH is a realtor so I sometimes tend to see some big $$ houses if he is previewing them). And I assure you, I do not "baby" my floors in any way. And while I do not have kids, I have a lot of people, including lots of kids and all their inherent equipment, in my house a LOT.

My 2nd floor is the bedroom space and I like carpet in a bedroom, so that is all carpeted, except for the bathroom which is, again, tiled.

I wouldn't trade my hardwood for laminate ever. And if I was house-hunting, laminate would make me think twice (especially cheap laminate because I would wonder what else was done cheaply in the house). Guess I'm a floor snob too!