Looking for Clues
My momma always said, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
–Forest Gump
It’s one thing to determine if there are hardwood floors under the carpet: get a pliers and pull up a corner (note: checking for hardwood floors in the closet is usually reliable — but I’ve seen exceptions, particularly in 1950’s ramblers).
But how do you tell the condition of the hardwood floors, without uncovering them?
Short answer: you don’t.
Finding Out After Closing
So, prospective Buyers won’t know until after they close whether the floors are in generally good condition or are beaten up.
It’s also possible that specific areas have been stained or discolored, have experienced uneven wear, been previously patched, etc.
That can be the case when a nearby radiator (or favorite house plant!) leaked, or, an older home that was originally heated by a gravity furnace now has a forced air furnace (and smaller floor vents).
Clues & Hunches
Fortunately, there are at least some clues that can help minimize the risk.
One of the best is the age of the carpet: the more ancient it is, presumably the longer the floors have been covered — and therefore the better condition they’re likely to be in.
Conversely, a brand new cheap carpet covering hardwood floors is probably the most worrisome situation.
Another clue is the presence (or absence) of a carpet pad.
A thicker one — assuming it’s in good condition — is protective.
Finally, the condition and construction quality of the rest of the house is almost always relevant, particularly for a home that’s been in the same family for decades.
Usually, when a home is otherwise is in good condition, the hardwood floors under the carpet tend to be, too.
Post-Closing “Surprises”; Cost to Repair/Refinish
The good news for home Buyers who encounter post-closing “surprises” is that it’s relatively inexpensive to re-sand and finish hardwood floors: about $3 a square foot, at least in the Twin Cities.
That’s almost always an option provided the floors haven’t already been repeatedly sanded and refinished, leaving too little tread (tire term?).
And while it’s tempting for new owners to economize by attempting to do it themselves, in my experience it almost always pays to hire a professional.
Tip #2: do it before you move in, to allow time for the (oil-based polyurethane) fumes to dissipate and the floors to cure — and avoid a fine dust covering all your furniture, picture frames, etc. (the dust is a byproduct of re-sanding).
