LUXURYVINYL TILE (LVT) “LVT suits all classes of properties, and my guys can normally get a whole house done in one or two days. Also, you don’t have to worry about staining like you do with carpet, and it’s better for people with allergies. I use vinyl tile because it’s cheap, easy to replace, and super-easy to install.” – Robert Draiss, SWFL Home Solutions LLC
IS GROUTWORTH THE GRUNTWORK?
Installing traditional tile involves not just beautiful squares and mosaic designs, but also a labor-in- tensive process using mortar, grout, and various tools. Grouts come in light and dark colors. While light-colored grouts are easier to work with during installation, darker grouts are extremely popular right now thanks to the “dramatic con- trast” they provide, and owners and renters love them because they are easier than white grouts to keep clean. Be warned, however: Using a dark grout may add days and dollars to your budget due to additional time spent on clean-up.
TRADITIONAL TILE FLOORING “I have been in love with using tiles in my flooring designs forever because they make your floor so unique and beautiful. It’s nice that using unique tiles and patterns is “in” right now. Hopefully it will last!” – Lorraine Beato, Property Envy Consulting Tile flooring offers limitless design options thanks to the flexibility that comes with using individual tiles and grout for installation. The most common types of tile are ceramic, por- celain, and stone tile. Because tiles are often natural materials and emit no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that lower indoor air quality, in some cases, they may contribute to a building’s LEED points and credits in other green-building certification programs.
PROS + Infinite design options + Eco-friendly + Durable + Hypoallergenic + Life cycle as long as 50 years
LVT (example above) is engineered to replicate the look of real ceramic, slate, and stone tiles with a durable, affordable, luxury vinyl material. Some providers actually offer 24-hour turnaround on installation because the process is so simple.
CONS - Labor-intensive installation (see sidebar on opposite page) - May not hold heat - Weight considerations Some types of tile may be too heavy for upper story installations.
PROS + Low maintenance + High durability + May be textured for even more realistic look + Allergy-friendly + Lifecycle of 10+ years
Cost of Installation:
National average: $1,757
Typical range: $866-$2,676 (HomeAdvisor.com)
CONS - Higher upfront installation cost than carpet in some cases
The investors who installed this shower in a trendy townhome flip project reported that they loved the finished look of dark grout but would be unlikely to repeat its use in future properties.
Traditional tile comes with a substantial design advantage thanks to detailed patterns like the blue and gold design pictured above (top). However, these tiles must be installed with great precision, and a larger, more modern material like the one pictured lower on the page may be a better option for investors on a short timeline. Images courtesy of Lorraine Beato.
Note: The national average cost to install more than 1,000 square feet of tile is $6,970. Often, tile is used only in bathrooms, laundry rooms, or kitchens, which can artificially depress the “national average” relative to materials like LVT, which is more commonly used throughout a property. (HomeAdvisor.com) •
Cost of Installation:
National average: $1,478
Typical range: $754-$2,287 (HomeAdvisor.com)
88 | think realty magazine :: october 2018
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