The ROI Question Homeowners Are Asking

If you’re a homeowner in Vancouver, you already know the stakes are high when it comes to real estate. The market’s hot, the competition is stiff, and when it’s time to sell, every upgrade counts. But here’s the million-dollar question we hear all the time: Can upgrading to epoxy flooring actually increase my home’s resale value?

The short answer? Yes—and maybe not in the way you’d expect.

Most people still associate epoxy flooring with commercial buildings or auto shops. But in the Lower Mainland, we’re seeing a serious shift. Epoxy is becoming a go-to choice in modern home design, especially for high-traffic areas like garages, basements, and entryways. Why? Because today’s buyers are all about clean lines, low maintenance, and smart, durable upgrades that feel turnkey.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the investment, we’ll break it all down—where epoxy makes the biggest impact, how it stacks up against other flooring types, and what Vancouver buyers are really looking for when they walk through your door.

Let’s start with what actually drives resale value in our market.

What Drives Resale Value in Vancouver Homes?

In a market as competitive as Vancouver’s, buyers aren’t just looking at location—they’re looking at condition. Resale value isn’t just about square footage or whether you’re near good schools. It’s about the feel of the home the moment someone walks in. And nothing sets that tone faster than the flooring under their feet.

Modern buyers are busy. They’re looking for properties that feel clean, functional, and move-in ready. If they see a home that needs immediate renovations—especially flooring—they start mentally deducting dollars from their offer. That’s why durable, low-maintenance, and visually appealing flooring options are more than just nice-to-haves. They’re smart investments.

This is where epoxy flooring checks a lot of boxes.

It’s waterproof. It’s stain-resistant. It holds up to pets, kids, wet winters, and just about anything else you can throw at it. And it looks sharp—whether you go with a polished clear coat, a modern solid colour, or a textured flake finish. For spaces like garages and basements, that kind of instant upgrade leaves an impression.

We asked one Vancouver Realtor how often epoxy factors into resale conversations. Her response?
“When buyers see a clean epoxy garage or a sealed basement floor, they immediately think, ‘This place is well cared for.’ It adds a layer of confidence that helps justify a higher price.”

And confidence, in real estate, is currency.

Ready to see where epoxy makes the biggest impact? Let’s take a look at the spaces that deliver the most value.

Where Epoxy Flooring Has the Most Impact on Resale

Not all upgrades deliver equal return. Some buyers couldn’t care less about your imported backsplash—but when it comes to flooring, especially in functional zones like the garage or basement, that’s where epoxy really pulls its weight.

Garage Floors
This is the big one. In Vancouver, where detached garages are common and homebuyers often use them for storage, workshops, or even home gyms, an epoxy-coated garage floor sends a powerful message: this house is taken care of. Instead of cracked, stained concrete, buyers walk into a clean, glossy surface that looks like a showroom. It feels finished. And in a city where presentation is everything, that matters.

Basements
We get a lot of rain here. That means basements are prone to moisture issues—and buyers know it. Epoxy doesn’t just resist water, it fully seals the surface. It’s also antimicrobial and easy to clean, making it a major plus for homes with finished or partially finished lower levels. Whether the buyer wants to use it as a rec room, office, or rental suite, a sealed epoxy floor offers both peace of mind and a polished look.

Entryways and Mudrooms
Rainy boots, muddy shoes, and dripping umbrellas—welcome to life in the Lower Mainland. Epoxy’s slip-resistant options and seamless waterproof finish make it a top choice for entry zones that take a beating. It’s also easy to wipe clean, unlike tile grout or laminate seams.

One of our recent clients in Burnaby was prepping their townhouse for sale. We installed a custom flake epoxy floor in their garage that brightened up the space instantly. Within two weeks, they had multiple offers—and one buyer specifically commented on how “immaculate” the home looked, garage included.

Bottom line? Epoxy shines brightest in the places other flooring types fall flat.

Comparing Epoxy to Traditional Flooring: ROI Breakdown

Let’s talk numbers. When it comes to resale value, every upgrade has to earn its keep. So how does epoxy stack up against more traditional flooring options? Surprisingly well—and in some cases, it outperforms them altogether.

Hardwood is timeless, sure—but it’s also expensive to install and maintain. One deep scratch or water spill can cost hundreds in refinishing. In high-traffic areas like garages or mudrooms, hardwood just isn’t practical.

Tile is another common pick, especially for basements and entries. It’s durable, but grout lines are a pain to keep clean. Cracked tiles, loose edges, and discoloured grout can drag down the entire look of a room—and buyers notice.

Laminate and vinyl can look good initially, but they don’t age well. Once they peel, bubble, or start lifting at the seams, they scream “cheap fix.” Plus, in areas exposed to moisture (hello, Vancouver basement), they’re a liability.

Now compare that to epoxy flooring. For a relatively low upfront cost, you get a surface that’s seamless, waterproof, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. Even better? It lasts. A professionally installed epoxy floor can go 15 to 20 years with minimal maintenance—no re-sealing, no grout scrubbing, no lifting planks.

According to a local appraiser we spoke with,
“A well-finished epoxy floor, especially in the garage or basement, can raise perceived value by several thousand dollars. It tells buyers they don’t have to worry about replacing anything right away. That can be the difference between a quick offer and a pass.”

So, if you’re comparing the return on investment, epoxy often delivers more bang for your buck—especially in utility spaces where other materials fall short.

Next up: we’ll break down the buyer psychology behind “move-in ready” floors and why epoxy speaks directly to that mindset.

The Psychology of “Move-In Ready” Floors

When buyers step into a home, they’re not just evaluating the layout—they’re imagining themselves living there. And in that moment, the smallest detail can swing their decision. Flooring is one of the first things they notice, and the message it sends is immediate: either this home is move-in ready, or it needs work.

“Move-in ready” has become a magic phrase in the Vancouver real estate market. It doesn’t just mean the walls are freshly painted—it means the home feels complete. And clean, modern flooring plays a huge role in that first impression.

Epoxy fits that narrative perfectly.

It’s seamless, so there are no transitions or trim pieces that scream “DIY patch job.” It’s easy to clean, which gives off a low-maintenance, worry-free vibe. And it has that glossy, polished finish that feels high-end—even in spaces like garages or storage rooms.

We’ve seen it firsthand. A homeowner in East Vancouver had a spotless epoxy garage floor and a clean basement coating. During showings, buyers consistently asked, “Is this a new build?” It wasn’t. But the epoxy made everything feel fresh, updated, and ready to go.

When buyers don’t see “projects,” they feel safe putting in stronger offers. Epoxy helps remove mental objections before they even have time to form. And that, in today’s market, is the edge that counts.

When NOT to Install Epoxy Before Selling

Epoxy is a smart upgrade—but like any investment, timing and placement matter. Not every space needs it, and if it’s installed in the wrong context, it won’t move the needle on resale value.

Here’s when to hold off:

If the rest of the home is outdated—old cabinets, worn-out fixtures, or aging carpet in key areas—epoxy alone won’t save the sale. In fact, it might stand out in a way that feels mismatched. Buyers might wonder why the garage is pristine, but the kitchen looks like it hasn’t been touched since 1998.

Another scenario: if you’re selling a heritage or character home, especially in areas like Kitsilano or Mount Pleasant, epoxy might clash with the overall aesthetic. These buyers tend to look for authenticity—original hardwood, vintage tile—not sleek, modern finishes.

It’s also important not to overdo it. Epoxy makes the biggest impact in garages, basements, mudrooms, and utility areas. Trying to epoxy a living room or primary bedroom just to be “different” is a gamble that won’t always pay off.

Our advice? Be strategic. Epoxy is most effective when it complements the home’s style and serves a clear functional purpose. Use it to finish what’s unfinished—and let the rest of the home do the talking.

Epoxy Flooring: A Smart Upgrade Even If You’re Not Selling Yet

Thinking long-term? Good. Because even if you’re not planning to list your home tomorrow, epoxy flooring is still a rock-solid investment for everyday life.

For starters, it solves real problems. Vancouver’s wet weather means muddy shoes, moisture-prone basements, and garages that take a beating. Epoxy handles all of that without flinching. It seals the floor, resists water, shrugs off oil stains, and makes cleaning a breeze. That’s value you feel every single day.

And here’s the kicker: homes that are well-maintained over time sell faster—and for more—when the time comes. Buyers love homes that feel like they’ve been cared for, not rushed to market with last-minute upgrades. Installing epoxy now gives you years of low-maintenance function while quietly boosting the home’s resale profile in the background.

One of our clients in Richmond put in epoxy a few years ago just to clean up their garage. When they sold the place later, their Realtor told them the finished garage helped push buyers over the line—because it made the whole property feel “buttoned up.”

Whether you’re selling soon or staying put, epoxy is a win you don’t have to wait to enjoy.

In a city like Vancouver, where every buyer is looking for a competitive edge—and every seller wants top dollar—smart, strategic upgrades matter. Epoxy flooring might not be the flashiest renovation on your list, but it delivers where it counts: first impressions, function, and long-term value.

Whether it’s a spotless garage, a sealed basement, or a weatherproof entryway, epoxy shows buyers your home has been cared for. And that alone can boost confidence, reduce buyer hesitation, and help you stand out in a crowded market.

If you’re planning to sell—or just want to get ahead of the game—now’s the time to make a move.

Want an epoxy floor that adds real value to your home? Call Prime Choice Flooring today at 778-513-9968 or 778-628-1193, or email us at info@primechoiceflooring.com. Let’s talk about how we can help you get the most out of your space.