Sometimes buyers will ask me about the condition of the Kitchen floor (or other rooms for that matter)----and whether the floor needs to be replaced or not.
Most of the time the condition of flooring falls under the realm of "cosmetic" and not the focus of the inspection. Other than noting the "overall" condition I rarely get too involved with the condition of flooring as long as it is "functional" and not going to jump up and smack someone. I will note stains, and trip hazards----like carpet seams that are coming apart, tiles that are loose or splinters that might injure someone. Floor coverings with cosmetic issues can be upgraded or not as desired----usually.
On the other hand seriously stained carpet can mean damage to structures under the carpet----especially if the staining is from pets. A wise inspector will note these kinds of stains because of the potential for hidden damage and the difficulty of repairs to homes with severe pet damage. Even if the stains were not caused by pets they can be so deep into the wood flooring that removing the stains is not possible and the stained areas may need to be replaced (like the stains in this floor that were finished-over instead of removed).
In a recent home there was considerable staining of the carpet and walls where a pet had slept in the corner of the bedroom for many years. My buyers were interested in removing the carpet and re-finishing the wood flooring under the carpet. While, without pulling up the carpet, there is no way to definitively state that the floors under the carpet would be in poor condition-----the probability was very high and the buyer should "anticipate" additional costs associated with re-finishing the floors.
They might look like this floor did when the carpet was removed.
But back to the Kitchen floor.
Sometimes the flooring is just so bad that the inspector must recommend replacement of the floor for safety and/or sanitary reasons----especially in Kitchens and Bathrooms.
I would say that this Kitchen Floor fits those criteria----with large areas worn completely through, exposing previous floor coverings. Cleaning and maintaining floors that are in this condition is not likely----and they should be replaced----don't you agree?
Charles Buell
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My WORDLESS WEDNESDAY pictures and some selected POEMS & STORIES.
Yuck... Looks like something I would find in some the 'experienced' houses in East Nashville...
Yes, but don't you think this is something that should have been noticed by the buyer before making an offer on the home? It should have already been considered, was probably considered when the home was priced at the listing, and now the buyer wants you to report it so they can try to pound down the price. I think home inspectors should be concerned with hidden defects and not holes in vinyl that the buyer can see.
The pet that slept in that corner must have been a bear! Yikes! How do you like my floor picture?
This is in the middle of the living room where carpet had been. They must have raised animals in the house.
If floor is in need of "replacing" or attention like most of your pics, then I always state something like "Flooring in neglected shape"...not functioning as intended (for instance, in a "wet-area" where subfloor is susceptible to moisture intrusion)... and usally always say "Upgrade, as needed". I use the Upgrade, as needed statement a lot when it comes to poor room lighting, no lighting in closets, 12 x 12 vinyl floors in wet areas, etc. BTW, in the last pic... looks as if "Bigfoot" was living there for awhile, and are those 9" asbestos tiles?
Hope all is well...
Josh
Michael, quite the description: "experienced"
Dennis, certainly all of the the things you say would likely be true, and I would not be reporting any of these condtions as a way to "pound" down the price. Most buyers, while they may be able to "see" the condition, rarely know the ramifications of what they see. Sellers don't either, and that is why they should have pre-listing inspections.
Barbara----nice:) I can almost smell it from here!
Josh, the worn through floor covering is not likely to contain asbestos but the one that can been seen through the holes most likely does.
Kevin---excellent point----I also tend to be a little critical of vinyl tiles in general in bathrooms---too many seams to become future problems.
I mention the floor, in situations like you state. If it is only cosmetic and extent of damage is seen maybe not. Part of the problem is credibility of the inspector. The things the buyer tends to see are these cosmetic things and some of them think it is quite the big deal. So, if the inspector appears to have not seen these things, the people wonder what kind of a dumb inspector they hired. It is better, in such cases, to at least note that there are some issues at the floor, that buyer should resolve as he or she sees fit. Some people will ignore it, others want good floor coverings pulled up.
Steve, you bring up a good point. I have seen people buy brand new homes and replace the carpets or have the floors re-finished because they didn't like the "color"-----such waste.
Good work! I like your blog. I'll sign up.
Good work! I like your blog. I'll sign up.
Hi T, thanks----I wish you could sign up twice:)
Thems floors look like they could use a little attention. I believe kitchen floors generally get the worst wear... except for animal induced wear.
Sean Allen
Sean, are you sure I can't sell you some cheap used flooring?
Those are some pretty yucky floors. They wouldn't have received my Good House Keeping Seal. As cheap as vinyl is how do people let stuff go for so long?
Lizette, I see a lot of "shut-in" situations. Often times people on fixed incomes can't afford to move and can't afford to maintain their homes----you end up with homes like the ones pictured.
So Charlie,
Is this a home that you had staged by your own handpicked stager? Also, did the floors look like that going into the inspection, or after you were done?
Very well thought out Charles and a great reminder, Thanks
Blessings
Thanks for the post.
Do you find that this type of thing is pretty common due to climate issues? Or is this mostly about lack of attention to flooring over the years in general.
Thanks again!
Rob
http://blog.builddirect.com/hardwood/
Steve, you bad boy.
Michael, thanks for stopping by
Rob, lack of attention and pet damage