carpet vs. laminate...?

Question

Hi all, I am in the process of renovating my first rental home, and have run into my first problm: my partner wants to put carpet down; I think laminate (or some other durable floor covering) would be better in the long run, if not more expensive up front. Both would look good in the house. Any instight/advice/experience anybody has would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

ben.

Account Closed · Answer

Both laminate and carpet have their own features.

Kyle Gregory · Answer

have you ever thought about tile?

also i feel your pain about partner. I actually had my partner back out on me a week before we closed on first rental because of a disagreement about carpeting....  Was the best thing to happen to me.

Anitha McAllen · Answer

Hi newmerica. Personally, I would stay away from carpet - it's a real dust magnet. If you don't want to spend a lot on floor coverings, I would like to suggest you this store http://www.cascandra.com/detailed/listing5004.html. I purchased my hardwood flooring from here, but they also have cheap and quality laminate flooring. Also, they give life lasting warranty for all the products you buy from their store.

N/A N/A · Answer

I'd go with laminate and spring for the good stuff so there is less of a worry about it getting destroyed too quickly.

As for the partner, break away asap.  I know a few folks that have been tanked bigtime by partners....tens of thousands of dollars lost due to an incompetent partner.  Get some money together and buy out his share or if he has the means let him buy out your share.

When it comes to money I trust no one but myself, always been that way.  I also only trust myself to get a job done correctly so I wouldn't want someone else helping me at all.

N/A N/A · Answer

Thanks for the insight, CashInvestor. By the way, great Mr. Burns pic. I wish I had thought of it.

N/A N/A · Answer

As you've all pretty much agreed - I would also go with the laminate.  As for partners, I'd go the other way and avoid them at all costs.

N/A N/A · Answer

Yeah, partners are for dancing; twice the risk and half the profit. I got into a partnership before I learned anything (not that I know that much now) about investing. Once I've taken care of all the loose ends, I'm going to break away and go solo. Until then, it's a nice springboard; makes larger investments more affordable in a shorter amount of time. Thanx for your thoughts on laminate; I see it the same way.

-ben

Brent Davidson · Answer

Wait.  Partners disagreeing? :violin:  Say it ain't so.  :crying:

Sorry. Not trying to be mean. I feel bad for you.  Its a tough situation.  I'm just hearing more and more about partnerships that are disasters.

I'd go with laminate.  Carpet needs to be replaced with every new tenant, while a more solid surface will at least last a few more years.  It doesn't even seem like a question.