Years ago it was obvious what you were looking at in a home.
Vinyl flooring looked like vinyl flooring. Tile
Formica counters looked like Formica.
Hardwood floors were hardwood floors.
Siding was made out of wood or vinyl or aluminum and you didn't have to look all that close to figure it out.
Carpet was carpet....well at least that hasn't changed all that much!
Manufacturers have made a lot of progress over the years in building materials!
Some vinyl tiles do such a fantastic job that you really can't differentiate them from ceramic without getting really close, maybe even giving them a tap test to figure what's what!
Wood flooring? Is it "real" hardwood, engineered wood or laminate or something entirely different like ceramic tile made to look like distressed wood flooring? At a glance it might be tough to tell, but if you're home shopping you do want to know since the lifespans and ability to repair vary.
Kitchen counters? Some laminate tops really do a great job of simulating solid surface. And for that matter, some solid surfaces have gotten MUCH better at simulating other types of solid surfaces! Doubt it? Compare the best quartz materials to natural granites!
Siding for the home? You've got cement board that looks like cedar, vinyl with built-in wood grains, and many varieties of stone veneers that can spiff up a home's outside.
Don't know how to cope a joint for crown molding? Premade corner pieces of trim let you straight cut the molding.
The end result? A home can LOOK much more expensive without spending the same as you would for the "real" thing.
So when you're home shopping, look for the details and the giveways of what material is what so you don't get surprised after you move in!
Ready to talk buying or selling a Cincinnati area home? Call Bill of The Liz Spear Team of RE/MAX Elite at 513-520-5305 or email Liz@LizSpear.com.
Serving Cincinnati area home buyers and sellers,
Liz and Bill aka BLiz
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