Replace Carpet with Laminate Flooring?

[Nir]

Hi,
Do you, as a rule of thumb, replace all carpets with laminate flooring whenever you have a vacant unit?
Example: I have a vacant apt. in Orillia. carpet has few stains that can easily be removed. still, should it just be replaced with laminate?
Thanks.

 

[lgrossi]

QUOTE (investmart @ Oct 29 2009, 08:44 AM) Hi,
Do you, as a rule of thumb, replace all carpets with laminate flooring whenever you have a vacant unit?
Example: I have a vacant apt. in Orillia. carpet has few stains that can easily be removed. still, should it just be replaced with laminate?
Thanks.


Hello investmart,

We have three townhouses: one with hardwood floor, one with laminate, and one with carpet. I would say that to replace carpet with laminate depends on your preference or the feedback that you receive from your tenants. I can see advantages with the laminate: easy to clean, you don`t need to call a company when tenants move like you do with carpets, if the tenants have pets, definitely laminate is better than carpet. I`m not sure about the cost. I think laminate is even cheaper than carpet.

We have decided to keep one townhouse with carpet because some tenants like carpet, so we have that option. They pay for the carpet cleaning by themselves when moving out or it will be deducted from the security deposit. I have heard that in Ontario, you cannot ask for security deposit...

I hope this helps,

 

[invst4profit]

I would wait till the life of the carpet is up then replace based on the quality of the rental.

 

[Mitch Collins]

I`m doing more and more laminate these days, but depending on the property..

If the property is suited I will typically stick with carpeting upstairs as it really dampers the sound between the units better than even think underlay under the laminate flooring can.

But laminate can be done cheaper than carpet, is easier to clean, lasts longer (if installed right and not in areas where water damage occurs) and shows nicer.

My $0.02


Regards;

 

[Nir]

Great feedback everyone,

Mitch, the unit in question is in a 4-plex and yes 2nd floor. So apparently, based on your feedback, in a Plex (2-4 units), carpet might actually be better or at least not a disadvantage(!) The reason is 2nd floor carpet has less affect on sound for 1st floor tenants. and 1st floor carpet perhaps better too as warmer if on concrete.

Interesting as I thought most REIN discussions actually concluded laminate is generally better as it improves appearance and perhaps even property value(?)

Thanks,
Neil

 

[fumbrunner]

QUOTE (investmart @ Oct 29 2009, 06:45 PM) Great feedback everyone,

Mitch, the unit in question is in a 4-plex and yes 2nd floor. So apparently, based on your feedback, in a Plex (2-4 units), carpet might actually be better or at least not a disadvantage(!) The reason is 2nd floor carpet has less affect on sound for 1st floor tenants. and 1st floor carpet perhaps better too as warmer if on concrete.

Interesting as I thought most REIN discussions actually concluded laminate is generally better as it improves appearance and perhaps even property value(?)

Thanks,
Neil

If cost is a consideration, have a look at the kangahide product. The lack of a need for underlay significantly reduces the cost and they come in a number of colours. It`s glued down, but comes out pretty easily.

 

[Mitch Collins]

QUOTE (investmart @ Oct 29 2009, 04:45 PM) Great feedback everyone,

Mitch, the unit in question is in a 4-plex and yes 2nd floor. So apparently, based on your feedback, in a Plex (2-4 units), carpet might actually be better or at least not a disadvantage(!) The reason is 2nd floor carpet has less affect on sound for 1st floor tenants. and 1st floor carpet perhaps better too as warmer if on concrete.

Interesting as I thought most REIN discussions actually concluded laminate is generally better as it improves appearance and perhaps even property value(?)

Thanks,
Neil


Hi Neil;

I prefer laminate to carpet myself. However, I really dislike getting tenants calling me often about sound issues, and I`ve found that tink carpet with underlay really helps out this problem in a big way. So, in a single family home I will typically use all laminate, and ceramic tile in the entrance/kitchen/bathroom. However in the case of a secondary suite, I`ll use carpet on the main level - especially in the living room/bedrooms/hallways as this is where the sound really comes from.

Laminate floor is loud when you walk on it..loud when things are dropped, etc. I`ve just started making this change to my suited properties recently, and I`m glad that I did..way less problem calls due to noise.

That is just my stance on this based on my personal experience...I also tend to use carpet on concrete floors in basements where I think there may ever be an issue with flooding, or backing up of water/sewer lines. Laminate is usually destroyed even after a small instance like this where if you`re quick on the draw carpet can be salvaged.

Best of luck!

Warm Regards;

 

[ShannonMurree]

if it only has a few stains that could easily removed, why spare the expense? In my opinion, I agree with the other post, wait until the end of the carpet life, or just won`t come clean. I prefer laminate in rental units for aesthetic, cosmetic and cost. However, if not necessary, neutral colour and looks fine, not now.

As far as the noise, then tenants could put their choice of nice area rugs down.