Chic vs. Geek: Pulling Up the Carpet

So, you just bought a condominium and want to replace the old flooring with something more your style. What do you need to know?

CHIC (PEARL)

It’s natural to want to make a new home your own, especially if you prefer the feel of hardwood over the wall-to-wall lime green shag carpeting that a previous owner installed sometime in the 20th century. But what’s really the best fit? Try to focus on 5 key elements: location (of course), lifestyle, budget, durability, and household color scheme. Here’s some inspiration as you consider a change. And here are a few more tips for choosing the right flooring for you!

GEEK (KEVIN)

Sure, it’s all fun and games when you’re planning to update old flooring. But before you jump right in, it’s important to consider the context and the consequences. For example, replacing the flooring in a single family home doesn’t require a permit, but a condo can sometimes be subject to permits from an HOA. If you don't ask for approval and somebody complains, the HOA board could force you to redo the work, and they may even slap you with a fine.