BrittanyBy Joy Gebarah, Owner of Kernvestors
Over the years, I’ve flipped more than 100 homes, and one upgrade that consistently delivers value is vinyl plank flooring. Buyers love the look, durability, and easy upkeep. If you’re planning to sell or simply want to refresh your home, installing vinyl plank flooring can be a cost-effective way to boost appeal and market value.
Why Vinyl Plank Flooring Works
Vinyl plank flooring combines style with practicality. It mimics hardwood but resists scratches, moisture, and stains—qualities that buyers notice immediately. In California, where temperature changes and daily foot traffic can take a toll, this flooring is especially practical. Homes I’ve worked on in Bakersfield, Santa Maria, and other cities have sold faster with vinyl plank flooring compared to homes with worn carpet or outdated tile.
Preparing Your Space
The first step is proper preparation. Remove baseboards and old flooring, and make sure the subfloor is clean and level. Even minor dips can cause planks to shift over time. Taking the extra time here ensures a professional finish.
I often tell homeowners: don’t rush the prep stage. The quality of your installation depends on it.
Laying the Planks
Vinyl planks are usually installed using a click-lock system. Start in one corner of the room, leaving a small expansion gap (about 1/4 inch) along the walls. This prevents buckling as the material expands and contracts.
Stagger your planks for a natural wood look, much like real hardwood flooring. A rubber mallet helps lock pieces together tightly without damaging edges.
Cutting and Fitting
You’ll need to cut planks to fit around corners and edges. A utility knife usually does the trick—score the plank and snap it cleanly. Measure twice before cutting, especially around doorways and vents.
Finishing Touches
Once the planks are down, reinstall the baseboards and add transition strips where the flooring meets tile or carpet. A clean finish goes a long way in making the space look polished and move-in ready.
How It Impacts Value
From my experience, buyers often comment on new flooring during open houses. Vinyl plank adds a modern look at a fraction of the cost of hardwood. If you’re in Bakersfield, where I buy and renovate homes frequently, this upgrade can be the difference between multiple offers or a slow market response.
At Kernvestors, we buy houses in Bakersfield and other cities in California, often in as-is condition. One of the easiest upgrades I recommend to homeowners looking to sell is updating flooring. It’s affordable, fast, and immediately noticeable.
Final Thoughts
Installing vinyl plank flooring doesn’t require professional training—just patience and careful planning. Whether you’re tackling it yourself or hiring help, it’s one of the smartest ways to increase home value before a sale.
As someone who runs a company that specializes in buying houses in Bakersfield, CA, I’ve seen firsthand how simple improvements make homes more attractive to buyers. Flooring is often at the top of that list.
