In general, $600 to $900 spent on new flooring delivers a return of up to $2,000, according to This Old House, so don’t be afraid to upgrade even if you can’t swing hardwood. New carpet and versatile laminate are classic standbys, while newer options like cork or even uber-modern stained cement can help your place take a few steps closer to “dream house” status.
Average Cost: A wood-like laminate install starts at $1,398 and can go up to $4,235, whereas carpeting jobs range from about $762 to $2,522.
