back to archiveAdding value to your home with natural tile
Article by Pembroke Tile & Stone
With real estate prices not what they once were, it's only natural for homeowners considering selling to be thinking of ways to increase their home's value. Upgrading your home with beautiful tile – whether it be porcelain, ceramic or natural stone, is a great way to update the look of your home and is a great return on investment (ROI).
Here are a multitude of areas in and around the home where tile can be utilized to add value:
Kitchen
A dated kitchen will turn off potential buyers. It can make or break a sale. A kitchen remodel is one of the best investments you can make in your house. It’s one of the most expensive areas of the home in terms of construction and also where people tend to spend a lot of time.
Vinyl flooring can make a room look dated and should be replaced with tile. Ceramic tile provides a durable surface, which is easily maintained and available in a wide range of sizes, styles and colours. A good rule of thumb, if planning to sell your home, is not to personalize the space too much, but keep things relatively neutral. This goes for upgrades made to any part of the home.
Beyond appearances, high quality floor tiles are very durable and resistant to impact, chemicals, water absorption, staining, and scratching. Maintenance is very easy, particularly with a well-glazed tile. This also makes it a very hygienic choice in any room, particularly the kitchen and bathroom and that’s a selling point with any homebuyer.
Backsplashes – there is a large variety of materials that can be used for a kitchen backsplash. Classic ceramic tile works well, but consider other materials such as glass tiles and glass or stone mosaics. The design options are endless. Be sure that your backsplash works well with your new flooring.
Bathrooms
Like the kitchen, many homebuyers look closely at the bathroom when house hunting. Dated, discoloured and broken tiles, vinyl or carpet flooring will most likely turn off potential buyers even if the rest of the home is in good condition.
Your bathroom’s surfaces do more than just contribute to the overall aesthetic of an otherwise awkward room - they also take lots of abuse. Porcelain tile is a favorite for use on the floors and walls alike because of their strength and durability. It’s also easier to clean and doesn’t harbour germs. Upgrading the tile in your bathrooms will guarantee a great ROI as well as giving your bathroom an updated, more modern look that will appeal to potential buyers.
Flooring
Nothing turns a buyer off more than worn and stained carpets or cheap flooring. Tiles floors are not just a source of beauty and enjoyment, they are also an investment in the value of your home.
With tile you can create any number of looks, from contemporary sophistication to charming beach cottage. The look and feel of tiled floors instantly and effectively conveys quality, simplicity, and a hint of opulence at the same time.
Do you prefer the look of wood? Consider wood look ceramic and porcelain tiles. There are a huge variety of finishes available and wood look tiles are a more budget friendly option than real wood. They are also much easier to install, easier to maintain, as well as practical and durable.
The more resilient and long lasting the flooring is, the higher the upgrade is, but also the higher ROI. Vinyl flooring and low-end carpet is at the bottom of the upgrade spectrum.
Outdoor
These days, living space isn't confined to the indoors. Bermuda weather lends itself to enjoying time in the garden almost all year round and just about everyone loves spending time outdoors. Consider investing in a tiled outside entertaining area or adding beautiful tile to your patio or pool deck. Your backyard is an extension of your living space and a tiled outdoor area will not only appeal to potential buyers, but can increase the value of your home.
Tile is a very popular flooring material both indoors and out, as it’s durable and easy to care for, especially with today’s hi-tech, stain-proof grouts. Design-wise, there is a limitless combination of colours, styles, textures and shapes available to complement your home and suit your tastes.
Going online is great for researching products and design ideas for your home upgrades, but materials and finishes aren’t always as they appear on your computer screen. That pale wood look tile might actually be quite dark in real life. We always recommend visiting a showroom or design center before you buy. While you’re there, you may find something even better!
For more information contact Pembroke Tile & Stone at 292.8453 or visit www.tile.bm
