3 Flooring Mistakes That Cost Properties Time & Money (And How to Avoid Them)

Flooring is one of the biggest investments for multi-family properties, and when done right, it can increase rental value, reduce maintenance costs, and keep units rent-ready faster. But when done wrong? It leads to frustrated residents, costly repairs, and unnecessary stress.

At 1UP Floors, we work with property managers every day, and we see the same mistakes pop up over and over. The good news? They’re completely avoidable. Let’s break down the top 3 flooring mistakes we see—and how to make sure they never happen to you.

🚧 Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Flooring Material

The biggest mistake we see? Using the wrong flooring in high-traffic areas. A great-looking product doesn’t always mean it’s the right fit for multi-family living. Here’s what happens when you choose the wrong material:

Faster wear & tear – Cheap flooring scratches, dents, or stains easily.
Higher maintenance costs – More repairs = more work for your team.
Shorter lifespan – If flooring needs to be replaced every few years, it costs more in the long run.

✅ What to Do Instead:

  • Invest in multi-family-grade materials that balance cost, durability, and maintenance.
  • Consider LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank)—it’s water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and long-lasting.
  • Work with flooring experts (like us!) who understand what works best in high-turnover units.

🚧 Mistake #2: Ignoring Installation Quality

Even if you pick the best flooring, a bad installation can ruin it. We’ve seen rushed jobs lead to:

Gaps, buckling, or lifting – Caused by improper subfloor prep or poor technique.
Visible seams in carpet – A sloppy look that leads to tripping hazards.
Warranty issues – If flooring isn’t installed to manufacturer standards, it won’t be covered under warranty.

✅ What to Do Instead:

  • Hire experienced installers who specialize in multi-family properties.
  • Make sure your provider offers an installation warranty. (We back ours with a 3-Year Make It Right Warranty!🚀)
  • Schedule installs before residents move in to avoid last-minute headaches.

🚧 Mistake #3: Delaying Replacements & Unit Turns

Holding off on flooring updates might seem like a way to save money, but it usually costs more in the long run. Here’s why:

Longer vacancy periods – Outdated or damaged flooring makes units harder to lease.
Increased maintenance requests – More complaints = more labor costs.
Negative first impressions – Poor flooring can affect renewals and resident satisfaction.

✅ What to Do Instead:

  • Plan flooring installs alongside unit turns so they don’t delay new move-ins.
  • Take advantage of next-day and Saturday installations (we offer these at no extra cost!).
  • Work with a flooring partner who can handle everything quickly and efficiently.

🏆 The 1UP Floors Advantage

At 1UP Floors, we specialize in making flooring fast, simple, and stress-free for property managers.

Next-Day & Saturday Installations – No extra charges, no scheduling headaches.
Easy Online Portal – Order, track, and manage flooring projects with ease.
3-Year Make It Right Warranty – We stand behind our work, so you never have to worry.

👉 Looking for hassle-free flooring solutions? Call us at 253-292-6775 to schedule a consultation or get a free estimate!

Two layers of loose vinyl had to be removed. Cracks and rough spots in the subfloor needed repair. Timing was critical to avoid delays in the unit turn.

How Village of Newport Simplified Their Unit Turn with 1UP Floors

If you’ve ever dealt with tight deadlines, damaged subfloors, and vendors who overpromise and underdeliver, you know how frustrating unit turns can be. When Village of Newport faced these exact issues, they called us to step in—and we’re so glad they did!

Here’s how we helped simplify their flooring process and get their unit back on the market FAST.

The Challenge:

  • Two layers of loose vinyl had to be removed.
  • Cracks and rough spots in the subfloor needed repair.
  • Timing was critical to avoid delays in the unit turn.

1UP Floors Simplifying Unit Turns 1UP Floors Simplifying Unit Turns in Seattle and Tacoma

How We Solved It:

  1. Prepped the Subfloor Like Pros: We removed the old vinyl, patched cracks, and smoothed out the rough spots—fast and efficiently.
  2. Installed Durable, Modern LVP Flooring: Our in-house tested LVP flooring not only looks great but also stands up to heavy use.
  3. Kept Things Moving: With our quick turnaround and dependable service, we made sure the unit was ready for its next resident right on time.

The Results:

  • A sleek, updated kitchen floor that’s durable and easy to maintain.
  • ZERO delays in the turn schedule.
  • A happy property team ready to tackle the next unit turn stress-free.
Two layers of loose vinyl had to be removed.Cracks and rough spots in the subfloor needed repair. Timing was critical to avoid delays in the unit turn.
Before
Two layers of loose vinyl had to be removed.Cracks and rough spots in the subfloor needed repair. Timing was critical to avoid delays in the unit turn.
After

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why It Matters For You:

We know how important it is to keep your unit turns on track. Every day a unit sits vacant is a hit to your bottom line, and surprises like damaged subfloors can throw everything off schedule.

That’s why we specialize in fast, reliable flooring solutions designed to make your job easier. Whether it’s next-day installations, expert subfloor repairs, or resident-loved flooring, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to make your unit turns easier? Let’s chat.  Contact us today!