Carpeting is a home finish that is excellent at hiding its sordid history. Underneath the seemingly intact pile often lurks unspeakable foulness. Knowing when this point occurs often takes guesswork and a realistic consideration of the hardships that carpet has gone through.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to replace your carpet, especially before a home sale:

 

Age

Most manufacturers advise replacing carpet after eight to 10 years. At that point, the pile loses its stiffness, and many of the characteristics that gave the carpet its initial appeal have faded. Carpets that have endured a longer life will show more stains, absorb more smells and be more prone to wear or damage than newer ones. If you have had your carpet for close to a decade, it is likely time to let it go.

 

Stains

Staining in carpets are usually cumulative. New carpet can often be deep-cleaned to remove surface stains, but over time spills are able to penetrate deeper. They can often reach the carpet’s backing and soak into the cushioning underneath, known as the underlay.

Age will be a large determining factor in staining, but so will the amount of incidents and how long they remained before they were cleaned. If your carpet has been tie-dyed but not on purpose, it will likely impact your home’s appeal when a buyer comes viewing.

 

Smell

Like stains, smells are cumulative in carpet. Pet hair, food, spills and other debris gradually leave their mark and begin to permeate the fabrics. These smells can be especially noticeable if there has been a fresh spill or if the weather is particularly humid.

Your best bet is to remove a stinky carpet along with its soiled underlay rather than trying to steam clean it in vain yet another time. Considering smell is a good indication of allergens lurking within the materials, your sinuses and lungs will be glad you made the choice.

 

Comfort and Style

Carpeting gradually loses its shape over time, becoming less plush and more matted. Likewise, the underlay will lose its spring to feel flat rather than soft. A new carpet can restore the sumptuous appeal of a covered floor and invite barefoot walks or impromptu naps. They can also add value, whereas an unsightly carpet can take value away.

Also consider how well your carpet works into the overall decor. You may want a new color or pattern, or you may want to replace carpeting with hardwood flooring. Hardwood floors are a significant investment, but they are one of the home features that buyers are willing to pay more for, according to USA Today.

No matter what you decide, make sure that your home’s flooring can be something you will be proud of rather than something you try to gloss over when potential buyers come visiting. For more advice on adding value and appeal to your UBC real estate property, visit our buyers page.