Profiting From Real Estate Investments An Investor Newsletter From HomeVestors Of America, Inc. By Marcie Geffner / Vol. 1 No. 6 03/31/2006 How To Pick A New Carpet Carpets are one of the most high-turnover components of many rental houses since they are always underfoot and are subject to excessive wear and tear. Yet the most expensive carpet on the market isn’t always the best value for this purpose. Here are some tips that can help you choose carpets wisely. Avoid overly plushy or high-pile carpets because the deeps of the carpet will trap dirt and show more wear, especially in such high foot-traffic areas as hallways and family rooms. Heavy-duty low-pile carpets will last longer without showing excessive wear. Avoid carpets in dark colors like navy blue or chocolate brown because these colors will fade faster than lighter or neutral colors, particularly in rooms that are exposed to a lot of sunshine. An unevenly faded color can ruin the appearance of an otherwise still-serviceable carpet long before the end of its normal lifespan. Good-quality carpet padding is a wise investment because better padding will wear well and can be reused with subsequent new carpets if it has not absorbed odiferous substances like cigarette smoke or pet urine. Good padding can make less expensive carpets more comfortable and cushy to walk on and can make a room feel quieter and warmer as well. Consider the fiber content as well as the pile of the carpet. Some fibers wear better and last longer than others. A good salesperson should be able to explain the differences among different types and grades of carpets. Borrow carpet samples or swatches from the supplier, take them to the house and lay them on the floor in the rooms where they’ll be installed. There’s no substitute for seeing a piece of the product in place before you make a choice. Ask whether lower-priced carpets have been treated for stain and dirt resistance. This feature used to be available only on more expensive carpets, but is now standard on apartment-grade and industrial-grade products as well. Don’t try to mix and match carpet throughout a house since it’s easier and less costly to use the same carpet in all the rooms. Renters often will appreciate the simplicity of sameness, particular if the carpet is neutral enough to not clash with whatever style they prefer for their own furnishings. Don’t carpet kitchens and bathrooms. These rooms are subject to more dirt and moisture than other rooms and carpets here will be very difficult for tenants to keep clean. A better option is smaller rugs that tenants themselves can place over linoleum, tile or wood floors and throw into the clothes washer as needed. Hire professional carpet installers or a handyperson who has experience in laying carpet to put down new carpeting. Carpets that are poorly installed will not wear well and can create trip-and-fall hazards in the house. Inexperienced or careless installers can cause a lot of damage to walls, baseboards and even the new carpet itself. Hire professional carpet installers or a handyperson who has experience in laying carpet to put down new carpeting. Carpets that are poorly installed will not wear well and can create trip-and-fall hazards in the house. Inexperienced or careless installers can cause a lot of damage to walls, baseboards and even the new carpet itself. Manufacturers’ warranties on carpets typically cover only defects in workmanship, not damage caused by abuse, mistreatment or normal use. Hang on to that paperwork, though, because if the carpet is defective or completely wears out, the written warranty could help you make a case for replacement. Copyright 2006. Marcie Geffner. All rights reserved. COMING NEXT ISSUE: Understanding the housing market: What the statistics really mean? The Investor e-Newsletter is provided free by HomeVestors of America, Inc. HomeVestors of America HomeVestors franchisees bought more than 6,500 homes last year. One franchisee bought more than 140 properties! Many of our franchisees were just like you, wanting to know more about the real estate investment business. If you are interested in knowing more about owning a franchise from the industry leader, give us a call at 1-866-249-6932 or visit www.uglyhouses.com. If you have a question, comment, or an idea for our newsletter, please click here. <back | printable version