Real Estate Investor · Harrisburg, PA · Member since 2008 · 716 posts · 41 votes
18y
We use what we call "carpet squares". Actually, they are carpet rectangles.
We buy them at the odd lot stores (such as: Big Lots or Ollies) or at the box stores (Home Depot, Lowes).
They almost always have a pattern that isn't selling well on sale. It is usually perfectly acceptable for rentals or resales in mostly earth tones with patterns. They come in a package of however many, which is usally enough to do a flight.
They are replaceable, quiet, and add a little more class.
For a brand new acquisition: We start by removing all nails, staples, tape, etc. Then caulk the joints with a cheap paintable caulk. Then paint the stairs (usually 2 coats) with a Hershey's Milk Chocolate color brown (I had to get the local flavor in there - pun intended). Then carpet square it up.
It is a relatively quick process, but obviously takes a few trips over a few days. We solve this by making it one of the last projects of the property and ending the day with one of the above tasks, after doing whatever else we came to the property to do that day.
Real Estate Investor · Harrisburg, PA · Member since 2008 · 35 posts · 1 vote
18y
Good call Christian - I will be getting into multi unit properties - and that sounds like a great idea !! Even if tenants screw them up - you just pick up some more & replace them - very easy maintenance....PS - Are they glued down or tacked down - I figured the tacks are probably easier??
Real Estate Investor · Harrisburg, PA · Member since 2008 · 716 posts · 41 votes
18y
We glue. Never tried tacking. I guess because we did not want to penetrate the wood. When we have had to replace them, we pull them up, apply more glue, and put new ones down. At some point we may need to sand or such, but suprisingly a good amount of the old glue sticks to the carpet as opposed to the stair.