Planning a Home Remodel in Downers Grove: Flooring Tips Before You Start

So you’ve decided it’s time to remodel your home in Downers Grove, Illinois. Maybe your kitchen is stuck in the early 2000s, or your floors have seen too many muddy shoes and dirty paws, so it needs something fresh. Whatever your reason, a home remodel can be an exciting choice for your home, but it also takes planning. Replacing your flooring during a remodel is an incredible way to update your aesthetic, refresh your home, and eradicate scratches and dents that may be driving you crazy.

Flooring might not be as flashy as granite countertops or statement lighting, but it can help set the tone for your entire space. Whether you’re renovating from scratch or just making a few updates from room to room, getting your floors right from the start can make everything else about your remodel easier.

Here are some friendly, accessible tips to help you choose the right flooring for your Downers Grove remodel.

Think About Your Lifestyle First

Before you delve too deeply into your Pinterest boards or samples, take a moment to consider how your household actually lives. Here are some questions you can ask to uncover what kind of flooring you may need:

• Do you have pets? Scratch-resistant floors like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or durable hardwoods might be best.
  
• Got kids? Look for something easy to clean and forgiving to spills, like waterproof flooring such as tile or vinyl.
  
• Love to entertain? You may want floors that can handle high traffic and still look great, like hardwood or laminate.
  

Your floor choice should match your life, not just your aesthetic. By investigating what your day-to-day life is like, you can find flooring that can withstand your living situation. 

Understand What Works for Each Room

Not every floor works in every space. From charming vintage bungalows to new, modern builds, Downers Grove has plenty of housing styles that can inform your flooring choices. Here’s a quick room-by-room breakdown you may find useful for successful floor picking:

• Kitchen and Mudroom: These areas are targets for spills and messes. For kitchens, you may want to go for water-resistant or waterproof options like tile, LVP, or sealed concrete.
  
• Living and Dining Room: This is your chance to pick out flooring that’s warm and cozy. Hardwood or engineered wood looks beautiful and lasts for decades. Area rugs may also add comfort and style to these communal rooms, too.
  
• Bathrooms: This is the time when sticking to tile or stone may be crucial, since they can handle water and moisture better than hardwood.
  
• Basements: If moisture or potential flooding is a concern, you should avoid flooring like hardwood in basement settings. Instead, go with vinyl or tile for better durability.

Don’t Forget About the Weather 

Just like in other Chicagoland neighborhoods, Downers Grove winters can bring snow, slush, and salt, all of which can get tracked in and damage your flooring. Entryways, mudrooms, and hallways take the brunt of it, so durability and longevity matter.

Opt for flooring that’s easy to maintain and resistant to water damage. Also, consider adding rugs or mats in heavy-traffic spots to protect your floor’s outer layer. 

Match the Style of Your Home

Flooring plays a huge role in your home’s overall vibe. A modern home may look great with some LVP or laminate flooring, while older, vintage properties can be enhanced with engineered hardwood.

Taking cues from your existing architecture can help you decide what style of flooring you’ll want for your remodel. Mixing too many styles can feel chaotic, so try going for something classic that won’t age out in five years.

And if you’re remodeling several rooms, consider how the flooring transitions from one to the next. Continuity creates a seamless flow, especially in homes with open floor plans.

Set a Realistic Budget

When assessing your remodel, flooring can potentially take up a large portion of your budget. Luckily, flooring can range from fairly expensive to wallet-friendly. Setting a budget early and assessing what costs you may accrue can help you decide on your flooring style. Some expenses to consider are:

• Materials
  
• Installation
  
• Removal/disposal of old flooring
  
• Baseboards or trim, if needed

Talk to Local Flooring & Design Pros

A remodel is a big project, and it pays to have people on your team who understand Downers Grove homes and climate conditions. A local flooring expert, like Yonan Carpet One, can guide you on the best products for your area, aesthetic, and budget. 

Yonan Carpet One has been serving the Chicagoland community for over 118 years, and we can help you remodel your space to fit your needs and lifestyle. 

Think Long-Term

You’re investing a lot in your remodel, which means that choosing flooring that lasts is absolutely crucial. Trends come and go, but well-maintained flooring can stay beautiful for 10, 15, or even 20 years. 

Before purchasing flooring, you may want to ask yourself:

• Will these floors be easy to maintain?
  
• Can these floors be refinished or repaired?
  
• Does installing this type of flooring boost your home’s resale value?
  

Sometimes, spending a bit more upfront can save you money and headaches down the road.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Remodeling your home in Downers Grove can be both exciting and overwhelming, but getting the flooring right can accentuate your entire house. With the right material, planning, and a little help from the pros, your home will have the ideal floors for your aesthetic and wallet.

Whether you’re refinishing your hardwoods, replacing old carpet, or starting from scratch, don’t rush your flooring decisions. Take your time, explore your options, and choose what fits both your space and your lifestyle.