An article from The New York Times inspired our latest blog. The talented Weisshouse designers are often asked for tips on what should be replaced, refinished, etc. when selling a home. The NYT article titled, "Market Ready" poses this question (perhaps, from a reader),
"Q. The carpeting on our stairs is worn. Should we replace it before selling our home? And if so, with what?"
"A. At the very least, you should tear it out. “I always recommend taking the old worn carpet off,” said Jamie Marcantonio, a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker in Northport, N.Y. “Similar to how we like to get curb appeal at the front of the house, stairs are the visual entryway to the upstairs,” Ms. Marcantonio said, and can influence the way people feel about the rooms at the top, even before they see them. When carpeted stairs look worn or dirty, it immediately creates the wrong impression."
In addition, the article by Tim McKeough states that if the hardwood stairs look worn, though, you should refinish them or add a carpet runner down the center that leaves the edges of each step exposed. “It’s less expensive than full carpeting,” Ms. Marcantonio said. “And it provides a nice, crisp look that people are looking for.”
Also from the NYT article: Lynne Scalo, an interior designer in Westport, Conn., suggested adding a tasteful runner even if the wood underneath isn’t worn. Particularly in large houses with high ceilings, she said, a runner can make the space feel warmer while providing a more forgiving surface for children.
"Q. The carpeting on our stairs is worn. Should we replace it before selling our home? And if so, with what?"
"A. At the very least, you should tear it out. “I always recommend taking the old worn carpet off,” said Jamie Marcantonio, a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker in Northport, N.Y. “Similar to how we like to get curb appeal at the front of the house, stairs are the visual entryway to the upstairs,” Ms. Marcantonio said, and can influence the way people feel about the rooms at the top, even before they see them. When carpeted stairs look worn or dirty, it immediately creates the wrong impression."
In addition, the article by Tim McKeough states that if the hardwood stairs look worn, though, you should refinish them or add a carpet runner down the center that leaves the edges of each step exposed. “It’s less expensive than full carpeting,” Ms. Marcantonio said. “And it provides a nice, crisp look that people are looking for.”
Also from the NYT article: Lynne Scalo, an interior designer in Westport, Conn., suggested adding a tasteful runner even if the wood underneath isn’t worn. Particularly in large houses with high ceilings, she said, a runner can make the space feel warmer while providing a more forgiving surface for children.
Ms. Scalo often uses Grand Tournai carpeting by Merida. “It’s really fresh looking, wears well and has an organic feeling to it,” she said, that resembles sea grass, but it is actually made from 60 percent wool and 40 percent sisal. It also comes in neutral hues (Ms. Scalo’s favorite is Honey) that appeal to a wide range of tastes — perfect when your intention is to sell.
“It’s not million-dollar carpet, but it’s also not cheap,” she said. (The retail price is $17.90 a square foot; information: 800-345-2200 or meridameridian.com.) Weisshouse sells this runner for less at $ 12.95 a square foot (see the photo below).
Read the NYT article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/23/garden/giving-the-staircase-its-due-market-ready.html
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| Image Courtesy of The New York Times |
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