Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make, so it’s a serious decision and one that comes with a lot of questions. The team at Singletary Construction can answer those questions for you.
Question: What are the best types of flooring, countertops and paint for my home?
Answer: Making the right choice for decorative finishes is important not just to new homeowners building a custom home but also to current homeowners who wish to maintain their home’s market value. Here are some of the options to consider.
Flooring
Hardwood flooring offers warmth and elegance to a space, but it tends to be a more costly option and is susceptible to scratching and moisture damage, making it unsuitable for any wet areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
Engineered hardwood flooring and LVP (luxury vinyl plank) are two alternative flooring options that offer the same warmth and elegance but are more durable, less affected by moisture and more cost-effective than genuine hardwood.
Tile comes in a variety of textures and colors, and it is durable and moisture-resistant, making it great for wet areas. However, it is prone to chipping or cracking, can be more expensive to install, can be less comfortable to stand on, and its grout can be a hassle to clean.
Countertops
Granite is cut from a slab of rock and polished smooth. Each surface is unique and extremely resistant to scratching, heat and staining. as long as it is sealed and maintained properly.
Quartz countertops are composed of natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments, offering a durable surface with endless design possibilities. Although extremely durable, it is less resistant to heat, scratching and harsh chemicals than granite, but it doesn’t require the same maintenance.
Cultured marble is a synthetic material that can be molded into various shapes and sizes. It offers a more affordable option, is resistant to stains and is easy to clean, but it isn’t as durable and resistant to heat as its stone counterparts.
Paint
Flat paint is forgiving to apply, making it perfect if you want to touch up blemishes and fill in nail holes. However, attempts to spot-clean dirty spots will result in wet-looking spots that won’t dry.
Eggshell paint offers a lovely sheen and a surface that can be wiped with a damp cloth and spot-cleaned, but it will not blend if you attempt to touch it up with additional paint. Plan to paint the entire wall to make it blend.
When selecting finishes for your home, you should strike a balance between aesthetic appeal and practical considerations such as initial cost, maintenance needs, and longevity.
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