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Longer vacancy periods – Outdated or damaged flooring makes units harder to lease.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!