The Essential Home Feature The Property Brothers Both Agree You Should Splurge On

Drew and Jonathan Scott, otherwise known as HGTV's Property Brothers, are all about helping real people make the most of their homes in the real world. When it comes to home renovations, they are experts in determining the best projects to splurge on to maximize the ROI. Even as housing prices bring into question whether a fixer-upper home is still a good investment to renovate, they'll probably always agree it is, as long as the buyers are smart about where to spend and where to save.

In a recent video on the Drew and Jonathan website, the brothers discussed their top splurge-worthy home improvement projects. "Mostly everything is a splurge, but you have to splurge the right way," Drew said. One essential home feature they both agree is worth splurging on is the flooring. However, splurging the right way on your floors is the key. For example, Drew said he does not recommend splurging on hardwood floors. Surprised? So were we. But his reasoning makes sense. "If you have a contractor husband, four dogs, and six kids, you're going to trash those floors in no time," he explained. He lamented the tendency fixer-uppers frequently have to feel like they need to go with the highest-tier material, often just to keep up with the Joneses more than anything else. "Don't go spending ridiculous amounts of money because of ego or you want to show off for your friends," he pleaded. The brothers agree that high-quality materials that are conducive to your lifestyle are the best way to splurge on flooring.

Drew spotlighted one flooring material he says is worth investing in because of its quality, aesthetic, and durability. "Splurge on some great floors like luxury vinyl. Because it looks like hardwood if you get a quality luxury vinyl, and it will last a long time," he said. Top-tier vinyl is a more affordable flooring choice for everyday use compared to other high-end materials, and it can be a smarter investment for families, pet owners, and homeowners who know they put their floors through a lot. It can resemble wood or natural stone, it's resistant to scratches, stains, and water, and it's low maintenance. Plus, vinyl is no longer perceived as the low-budget flooring option it once was. In fact, contrary to popular belief, luxury vinyl can add to a home's resale value. 

It's important to note that luxury vinyl is distinct from laminate flooring. Both are affordable materials, but experts say vinyl will be better for your budget in the long run thanks to it being more water-resistant compared to laminate. Vinyl flooring is also easier to pull up and reinstall in case of a major leak or spill, and some varieties can also be partially replaced as needed, instead of requiring a completely new floor due to isolated damage. Since you'll likely want to install flooring that lasts for years to come, Jonathan said, "Definitely spend on good quality floors, but don't overspend on something that you're going to trash in no time at all."