What is Home Staging?

Home staging—unfortunately, there is no equivalent term in German—refers to all measures taken to enhance the interior and exterior spaces of a property for sale. A professional home staging company creates a coordinated concept of furniture, accessories, colors, and lighting, and provides recommendations for any minor renovation work that may be necessary, such as repairs and painting.

The objective of home staging is to present a property for sale in the most favorable light possible, thereby achieving a shorter marketing period and a higher selling price. In most cases, the additional revenue significantly exceeds the costs of home staging.

Where Did Home Staging Originate?

Home staging originated in the United States in the 1970s and has long been established in many English-speaking countries for marketing properties.

With a few decades of delay and still very tentatively, home staging has increasingly been used in Switzerland in recent years. The Swiss Property Owners Association sees itself in a pioneering role here and implements home staging whenever possible and sensible in property marketing. Many real estate agents and private property sellers shy away from the high initial costs of this marketing measure and fail to see that the expenditures for intelligently applied home staging more than pay off in most cases through shorter marketing times and higher sale prices.

Regarding costs: All members of the Swiss Property Owners Association benefit from significantly reduced costs or even complete cost coverage for home staging within a sales mandate.

How Exactly Does Home Staging Work?

Home staging makes a property attractive to potential buyers through targeted decoration and furnishing, often creating a positive first impression during viewings. By designing the rooms appealingly and professionally, emotions are evoked, and prospective homeowners can better visualize the room proportions. Ideally, a sense of comfort is established right from the start, making prospects fall in love with their new home and converting them into buyers.

Professionals typically proceed as follows:

• Inspection and Consultation: Home stagers often first want to assess the condition of the property on-site. This allows them to gauge how extensive the marketing measures should be and discuss this with the sellers.
• Preliminary Work: Once an appropriate home staging solution has been agreed upon, the next step is to declutter the house, depersonalize it, eliminate any disorder, and touch up minor wear and tear. If necessary, walls may be repainted or preliminary work done in the garden or exterior areas.
• Conceptualization: Next, home stagers design a coherent furnishing, space, color, and lighting concept tailored to the characteristics of the property and enhancing its value. Special attention is given to the selection of furniture—it should ideally be high-quality and neutral. From our experience, furniture from the agency’s own inventory is preferable to cheap alternatives like cardboard furniture (cheap usually looks cheap).
• Implementation: In the final step, the apartment or house is staged; furniture is delivered and the property decorated.

The scope of home staging measures naturally depends on the available budget. It is advisable to apply a consistent staging concept and stage all rooms. Staging only individual rooms and presenting them in the best possible light can be counterproductive, as it may accentuate the contrast to the vacant or unstaged rooms.

Why Does Home Staging Work So Well?

Home staging is essentially applied psychology and takes advantage of the following common behaviors of potential buyers:

• First Impression: People quickly form an opinion about a property based on their first impression. Home staging aims to create a positive first impression by making the property attractive and inviting.
• Emotional Connection: Home staging attempts to establish an emotional connection between potential buyers and the property. Through skillful staging, positive emotions such as joy, security, and satisfaction are evoked—creating a feel-good effect. This can lead potential buyers to develop a connection with the property and envision themselves living there.
• Neutrality and Depersonalization: It is often recommended to remove personal items and individual decorations during home staging to appeal to a broader audience. This allows prospects to better imagine how they might design and use the space themselves.
• Perception of Space: The way rooms are arranged can influence perceptions of size, function, and usability. Home staging professionals use psychological principles to make spaces appear larger, brighter, and more open. Through strategic placement of furniture, use of light and colors, and organization of space, optimal room perception is created.
• Trust Building: Home staging can also help build trust with potential buyers. By professionally presenting the property, the impression is conveyed that the house is well-maintained and in good condition. This can eliminate initial uncertainties and doubts, encouraging potential buyers to show further interest.

Another psychological advantage: A furnished apartment or staged house looks move-in ready, and potential buyers do not immediately see the considerable effort that comes after the purchase. This effect is confirmed by various studies and surveys from the USA.

Important: Home staging is not intended to disadvantage buyers. On the contrary, home staging reveals potential that buyers might not recognize without it—thus they might not purchase their dream property.

What Types of Home Staging Are There?

Depending on the situation and budget, there are many different ways to stage a property. We have navigated through the terminology jungle and tried to create an overview:

Full Home Staging: An empty property is fully staged, meaning it is furnished and decorated. Depending on the provider, you can also choose a suitable lighting or scent concept to maximize the property’s potential.

Partial Home Staging: Either specific rooms of an apartment or house are targeted for staging to put them in the best possible light, or the home staging includes only certain components (furnishing, decoration, repairing wear and tear, etc.).

Complementary Home Staging: If a property is still partially furnished, home staging can enhance its appearance and create a professional impression. By strategically placing certain pieces of furniture, the property’s value is enhanced.

Home Staging Light: Here, the credo “use what you have” applies—a professional helps to depersonalize the rooms to achieve the desired “hotel effect.”

Virtual Home Staging: This is the most cost-effective option—furnishings are placed in a photo to help one imagine how the empty space could be furnished. However, experience shows that virtual home staging cannot replace an on-site visit. Ultimately, emotions play a decisive role in buying a home; one needs to feel at home on-site, not just in front of a screen.

What Makes Good Home Staging?

In home staging, there are several key points to consider:

Neutrality: Use neutral colors and decorations to appeal to the tastes of a broad audience. A well-thought-out style concept is also relevant.

Decluttering/Depersonalization: For properties that are still inhabited, remove personal items and unnecessary furniture to convey a clean and spacious impression.

Lighting: A well-considered lighting concept that mixes natural and artificial light to make the space bright and inviting.

Highlighting Features: Consciously emphasize the best features of the house or apartment, such as architectural details or special amenities.

Attention to Small Details: Fresh flowers and stylish accessories help to enhance the overall impression.

Outdoor Area: A welcoming entrance and a well-maintained garden or terrace create an inviting atmosphere.

It’s important to create a homely ambiance in which a wide range of people can feel comfortable. Through professional color selection and the right choice of furniture, accessories, and art objects, a thoughtful design concept is created. This should make it as easy as possible for prospects to imagine their future in the property. A study by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) found that 77% of buyers surveyed could better imagine a professionally furnished home as their future residence compared to an empty property.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Home Staging

Advantages:

• Shorter Marketing Time: Leads to lower marketing costs (e.g., advertising expenses) and holding costs for vacancies (e.g., mortgage interest and utilities).
• Higher Selling Price
• Competitive Edge: Home staging helps differentiate your property positively from other listings.
• More Viewings: Potential buyers are more likely to visit staged properties.

Disadvantages:

• Initial Costs: Good home staging can cost CHF 10,000 or more. However, in most cases, the positive effects of home staging more than offset the costs.

When is Home Staging Worth It?

Home staging is almost always worthwhile in Switzerland—regardless of the type of property or market conditions—and whether the property is vacant or still inhabited. Clearly, home staging is a proven and effective method to enhance the sales value, attract more potential buyers, and speed up the sales process.

Numerous studies and statistics confirm that home staging is successful and the costs of home staging measures are quickly amortized through a higher selling price. In short: it is a worthwhile investment, whether for a simple apartment or a luxurious villa.

Are There Scientific Studies on the Effectiveness of Home Staging?

Especially in the USA, there are various studies and surveys that provide empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of home staging. For instance, a 2017 study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) showed that staging an apartment offers a measurable sales advantage, typically achieving a higher selling price. According to the NAR, about one-third of realtors say that staging offers lead to purchase offers that are 1% to 5% higher than similar unstaged properties. Another 21% of realtors noted that the value of a home increased by 6% to 10% due to staging.

According to another study from an American industry association, there is also a demonstrable effect on the duration on the market. Professionally staged properties typically sell faster. According to the NAR, 62% of realtors said that staging positively affects the marketing time of a house. The Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) also found in a 2020 study that “staged” houses enjoy significantly higher demand, sell faster, and the achieved selling price was between 5% and 23% higher than the originally set selling price in 85% of the cases.

Not only the Anglo-Saxon world is enthusiastic about home staging. In Sweden, several studies have shown that properties can be sold both quicker and for up to 15% higher prices. Interestingly, despite the apparent advantages, home staging is not yet widespread in Switzerland.

How Much Does Professional Home Staging Cost?

The costs for professional home staging depend on various factors such as the living area of the property and the scope of the project. A professionally conducted “Full Home Staging” can quickly cost more than CHF 10,000. Common but risky are agreements where the initial price includes the first 8 weeks, but each additional week incurs further costs. Depending on the duration of marketing, it can become expensive.

Who Bears the Costs for Home Staging?

Normally, the seller must cover the costs of home staging. Generally, this investment pays off, and the associated costs of home staging measures are quickly amortized through a higher selling price.

At the Swiss Property Owners Association, we are so convinced of the effectiveness of home staging that we pre-finance the costs for our members under a sales mandate and, in some cases, even cover them entirely. Depending on the scope of the required work, we also help with painting or advance smaller renovation works.

Can I Deduct the Costs of Home Staging from Taxes?

Since home staging is still relatively young and not widely spread in Switzerland, there are no uniform guidelines for tax deductibility. The Swiss Property Owners Association maintains that home staging is a marketing measure and therefore can be deducted as selling costs for calculating the property gain tax. Additionally, home staging increases the selling price and thus the property gain tax—it would only be logical if the measures that led to a higher property gain tax could be deducted as an expense.

Can I Do Home Staging Myself or Should I Hire a Professional?

Showcasing a property in the best light requires time, experience, and especially expertise. A professional home stager knows exactly how to stage the specific features of a single-family home or the characteristic architecture of a city apartment to fully capitalize on the property’s potential. There are even courses taught on setting the right accents and highlighting relevant features to attract potential buyers.

If one is not deterred by the effort, a “Do-It-Yourself” approach is certainly feasible. Often, however, the necessary furniture pieces and decorative items are lacking; fundamentally, the business model of home stagers is based on renting furniture pieces. Adventurous DIY attempts at home staging should thus be well-considered. Even if one has a trained eye and a flair for tasteful decoration, an objective professional’s perspective helps streamline the sales process, avoid pitfalls, and achieve the best possible selling price on the market.

Home Staging by the Swiss Property Owners Association

For our association members, we offer home staging services in collaboration with our partner company tRaumplaner, either free of charge or at a significantly reduced rate within the framework of a sales mandate. We are happy to help you maximize the potential and sale price of your property.

Home Staging from A to Z

A – Aesthetics Aesthetics are central to home staging. The goal is to design the property in a way that appeals to potential buyers and increases its value.

B – Budget The budget for home staging can vary. In Switzerland, it can range from a few hundred to several thousand francs, depending on the size of the property and the desired service level.

C – Character The character of the property should not be lost during staging but ideally highlighted to build an emotional connection with potential buyers.

D – Decoration Decorative elements such as pictures, plants, and cushions are used to make rooms more inviting and appealing.

E – Decluttering Before staging begins, it is often necessary to declutter the property and remove personal items.

F – Photography High-quality photographs are important to present the staged home in the best light, especially for online listings.

G – Floor Plan A clear, logical floor plan helps potential buyers navigate the property and make optimal use of the space.

H – Home Staging Agencies In Switzerland, there are specialized agencies that can handle the entire home staging process.

I – Investment Home staging is an investment that often pays off through a faster sale and a higher selling price.

J – Young and Old Home staging should appeal to a variety of target groups, both young and older buyers.

K – Kitchen The kitchen is a key focus in home staging, as it is often considered the “heart of the home.”

L – Lighting Good lighting can significantly influence the mood of a property and make it more inviting.

M – Furniture Furniture should be well-proportioned and ensure that the room neither feels overcrowded nor too empty.

N – Sustainability There is a trend toward using sustainable materials and furniture, which is often well received in environmentally conscious Switzerland.

O – Online Presence A strong online presence with photos and descriptions of the staged home is crucial for sales success.

P – Professionalism Professionalism in execution and customer relations is essential for successful home staging.

Q – Quality The quality of home staging can be decisive for the first impression a potential buyer gets of the property.

R – Room Layout The room layout should be logical and meet the needs of the target audience.

S – Style The style of home staging should match the property but also be flexible enough to appeal to a broad audience.

T – Trends Interior design trends can be considered, but they should not overshadow the timeless elements of the home.

U – Moving Home staging is often done before moving out to make the property ready for sale.

V – Sale Price Professional home staging can often lead to a higher sale price.

W – Living Room The living room is often the focal point of a property and should be particularly well-designed.

X – X-Factor The so-called X-Factor is the special something that distinguishes a property and sets it apart from others.

Y – Yard (Garden) In Switzerland, the outdoor area is often as important as the indoor area. A well-maintained garden can increase the value of a property.

Z – Time Professional home staging can accelerate the sales process by presenting the property as more attractive and ready for sale.

In an era where sustainable construction and unique design solutions are becoming increasingly important, terrazzo flooring offers numerous benefits. From residential homes to luxurious apartments, public buildings, and commercial spaces, the applications are nearly limitless. This article highlights the reasons for the resurgence of terrazzo flooring, explores modern uses, and explains why this classic flooring fits perfectly into today’s construction world.

History and Origin of Terrazzo Flooring

How and From What is Terrazzo Made?

Terrazzo Flooring in Modern Construction

Expert Advice: Terrazzo Floors as a Versatile and Durable Solution in Modern Construction

Terrazzo Floors in Renovations of Historical Buildings

Terrazzo Floors in Modern Renovation Projects

Expert Advice: Terrazzo Floors as a Bridge Between Tradition and Modernity in Construction and Renovation

Cost and Investment Aspects

Expert Advice: Terrazzo Floors as a Long-Term Worthwhile Investment Despite Variable Costs

Advantages and Disadvantages of Terrazzo Flooring

Expert Advice: The Pros and Cons of Terrazzo Floors in Modern Construction Projects

Checklist: Is Terrazzo Flooring Suitable for My New Construction or Renovation Project?

Conclusion

History and Origin of Terrazzo Flooring

The history of terrazzo flooring stretches far back to antiquity. The Romans first discovered the benefits of this robust and aesthetically pleasing floor covering. Originally, it was a cost-effective solution for reusing marble and stone scraps, mixed with lime mortar and processed into a solid, polishable surface. This technique quickly spread throughout the Roman Empire and was primarily used in public buildings, baths, and villas.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the technique of terrazzo flooring initially fell into oblivion. It was not until the Renaissance that it truly flourished, especially in Venice. Venetian artisans refined the method and created intricate patterns and designs that adorned the palaces and churches of the city. Terrazzo floors became a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship that has been preserved over the centuries.

In the 20th century, terrazzo flooring was primarily used in public buildings and residential homes. With industrialization came new materials and techniques that eased production and opened up more diverse design possibilities. During the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s, terrazzo flooring saw another peak as the geometric patterns and color diversity of this era matched perfectly with the aesthetics of terrazzo.

In recent decades, terrazzo flooring has gained popularity once again. Modern architects and designers value the combination of aesthetics, durability, and sustainability that this flooring offers. At the same time, advancements in manufacturing techniques allow for even more precise and creative designs, making terrazzo floors today a choice for a variety of projects, from luxurious private homes to prestigious commercial spaces.

How and From What is Terrazzo Made?

The production of terrazzo flooring has evolved over the centuries but remains at its core a craft process requiring precision and skill. Traditionally, the production starts with a base of concrete or mortar, onto which a layer of stone or marble fragments is applied. These fragments, often available in various colors and sizes, are embedded into the still wet binder and then smoothed out. Once the mixture has dried and hardened, the surface is ground and polished to achieve a glossy, smooth finish.

With advancements in the construction industry and materials science, the techniques for making terrazzo floors have become more modern and efficient. Today, prefabricated terrazzo tiles are often used, manufactured in factories under controlled conditions. These tiles consist of a mix of resins or cement with stone or glass fragments and can be produced in various sizes and shapes. The use of resins allows for thinner and lighter slabs that are easier to transport and install. Prefabricated terrazzo slabs are significantly cheaper to purchase but cannot match the effect of a traditionally laid terrazzo floor.

The materials used in the production of terrazzo floors have changed over time. Originally, mainly marble and limestone fragments were used, but today the possibilities are nearly unlimited. Marble, quartz, granite, and glass are commonly used in various colors and sizes to create interesting visual effects.

In addition to these traditional materials, modern additives are also used to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of terrazzo floors. For example, color pigments can be added to achieve specific shades, or special additives can be used to increase strength and durability. The use of recycled materials, such as glass bottles or industrial waste, contributes to sustainability and makes terrazzo floors an environmentally friendly choice.

Terrazzo Flooring in Modern Construction

oday, terrazzo flooring is found in a variety of new constructions, from residential homes to commercial buildings. Its versatility and aesthetic appeal make it particularly attractive to architects and interior designers looking for durable and elegant flooring solutions.

Residential Homes and Condominiums: In modern homes and luxury apartments, terrazzo floors are often used in entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. The smooth, polished surface of terrazzo lends a touch of luxury and elegance to these spaces. Additionally, due to its resistance to moisture and wear, terrazzo flooring is particularly suitable for high-traffic areas.

Commercial Buildings such as Hotels, Restaurants, and Offices: Terrazzo floors are also widespread in commercial buildings. In hotels and restaurants, they create a stylish and welcoming atmosphere. In office buildings, terrazzo floors contribute to a professional and modern aesthetic while offering a durable and easy-to-maintain flooring solution.

Terrazzo floors seamlessly integrate into various modern architectural styles, from minimalist to industrial. Their adaptability allows them to be used in nearly any design concept.

Minimalist Design: In minimalist spaces, terrazzo floors emphasize the clarity and simplicity of the design. With their subtle colors and natural patterns, they harmoniously blend into the minimalist aesthetic while providing an interesting visual accent.

Industrial Design: In industrial design, which is often characterized by rough materials and imperfect surfaces, terrazzo floors offer a fascinating contrast. The smooth, polished surface of terrazzo complements the raw texture of concrete, metal, and wood, creating a balanced and appealing overall appearance.

Color and Spatial Adaptation: Terrazzo floors are available in a variety of colors and patterns, making it possible to tailor them to the specific requirements of a project. From monochrome designs to vibrant, colorful patterns, terrazzo floors can be customized to achieve the desired aesthetic effect.

Expert Advice:
Terrazzo Floors as a Versatile and Durable Solution in Modern Construction

Terrazzo Flooring in the Renovation of Historic Buildings

Renovating historic buildings: Terrazzo flooring plays a significant role in the renovation and restoration of historic buildings. Due to its durability and aesthetic variety, it is found in many heritage-listed structures.

Preservation and restoration of original floors: In many historic buildings, particularly those from the Renaissance and early 20th century, terrazzo floors are an essential part of the original building fabric. During renovation projects, a major focus is on preserving and restoring these floors. This requires specialized techniques and expertise to maintain the original beauty and integrity of the terrazzo. Restoration work may involve removing stains and cracks, repolishing the surface, and possibly replacing damaged sections.

Adaptation to modern requirements: When renovating historic buildings, there is often a need to adapt the original terrazzo flooring to modern requirements. This may include integrating modern heating systems, such as underfloor heating, or improving sound insulation. Such adaptations must be carefully planned and executed to avoid compromising the historical authenticity of the flooring.

Terrazzo Floors in Modern Renovation Projects

Terrazzo flooring is widely used in modern renovation projects as it bridges the gap between tradition and contemporary design.

Renovating Old Buildings with Terrazzo Elements: In the remodeling of old buildings, terrazzo is frequently used to set new, stylish accents. This can include a complete redesign of floor areas or the insertion of terrazzo elements in specific sections. The use of terrazzo gives the rooms a sense of permanence and class while incorporating modern design aspects.

Integration into Contemporary Living and Workspaces: In contemporary living and workspaces, terrazzo provides an ideal solution for floors that need to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The ability to customize terrazzo floors allows designers to select unique patterns and colors that perfectly match the desired room concept. Terrazzo floors can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and even in open living areas to create a cohesive and harmonious design

Expert Advice:
Terrazzo Floors as a Bridge Between Tradition and Modernity in Construction and Renovation

Terrazzo floors are not only an excellent choice for new constructions but also for renovations and remodeling. Their ability to preserve historical authenticity while meeting modern requirements makes them a preferred option for architects and builders. The combination of durability, ease of maintenance, sustainability, and aesthetic versatility ensures that terrazzo floors will play a significant role in future construction projects.

Cost and Investment Aspects

Terrazzo floors are not cheap. The costs for terrazzo flooring can vary greatly and depend on several factors:

• Material choice: The choice of materials significantly affects costs. Traditional terrazzo materials like marble and quartz may be more expensive than modern alternatives like recycled glass or epoxy resin. Exotic and high-quality materials also increase costs.
• Manufacturing and installation type: Traditional handcrafted terrazzo floors are generally more expensive than prefabricated slabs or modular systems. Craftsmanship requires time and skill, which is reflected in the costs. Installing prefabricated slabs, however, is quicker and less expensive.
• Design complexity: Complex patterns and custom designs increase costs. Simple, single-color terrazzo floors are cheaper than floors with intricate, multi-colored patterns and mosaics. The detail accuracy and precision required for complicated designs also contribute to higher costs.
• Surface area and project scope: The size of the area to be covered with terrazzo affects the overall costs. Larger projects can benefit from bulk discounts, but the total costs are higher due to the larger amount of material and labor involved. Smaller projects may have relatively higher costs per square meter.
• Labor costs: Labor costs vary depending on the region and the expertise of the craftsmen involved. In regions with high labor costs or in projects requiring specialized craftsmanship, costs can be significantly higher. In Switzerland, costs are high compared to abroad.

Terrazzo floors represent a long-term investment that is justified by their durability and minimal maintenance costs:

• Increase in property value: Terrazzo floors can increase the value of properties. Their aesthetic appeal and durability make them a sought-after feature that attracts buyers and increases resale value. Properties with high-quality terrazzo floors can perform better in the market.
• Low maintenance costs: The ease of maintenance and robustness of terrazzo floors lead to low maintenance costs. Compared to other floor coverings that need to be regularly renewed or intensively maintained, the long-term costs for terrazzo floors are lower.

Cost-benefit analysis compared to other floor coverings: Although the initial costs for terrazzo floors may be higher than for other floor coverings such as laminate or carpet, these costs are amortized over time. The long lifespan and the low need for replacement or extensive repairs make terrazzo floors an economical choice.

Expert Advice:
Terrazzo Floors as a Long-Term Worthwhile Investment Despite Variable Costs

The costs for terrazzo floors can vary significantly due to material choice, manufacturing and installation type, design complexity, and project size. Despite higher initial costs, terrazzo floors represent a worthwhile long-term investment. Their durability, low maintenance costs, and the potential to increase property value make them an attractive option for builders and property owners. With various financing options and tax advantages for remodeling, the initial financial hurdles can be overcome and the benefits of terrazzo floors fully exploited.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Terrazzo Floors

Advantages of Terrazzo Floors

• Durability and robustness: Terrazzo floors are extremely durable and resistant to wear. They can last for decades, if not centuries, without losing their aesthetic appeal. This makes them a cost-efficient solution in the long run.
• Ease of maintenance: Terrazzo floors are easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping are sufficient to keep the floor in good condition. Since terrazzo floors do not have joints where dirt and dust can accumulate, they are particularly hygienic.
• Aesthetic versatility: Terrazzo floors offer almost unlimited design possibilities. By selecting different marble, quartz, granite, or glass fragments and color pigments, individual patterns and colors can be created that perfectly match any design concept.
• Environmental friendliness: Terrazzo floors can be made from recycled materials, making them a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. The use of recycled glass or stone waste reduces the need for new raw materials and contributes to resource conservation.
• Heat resistance and fire resistance: Terrazzo floors are heat resistant and non-flammable, making them a safe choice for residential and commercial spaces. They contribute to the fire safety of buildings and can be used in areas with high temperatures without problems.
• Individuality and exclusivity: Each terrazzo floor is unique. Since the design possibilities are almost unlimited, each floor can be individually customized, giving it an exclusive and personal touch.

Disadvantages of Terrazzo Floors

• High initial costs: The installation of terrazzo floors can be expensive, especially compared to other floor coverings like laminate or vinyl. The high initial costs are due to the material costs and labor-intensive manufacturing process.
• Installation effort: The installation of terrazzo floors requires expertise and experience, which increases the cost and time required. Manufacturing and installation can take several days to weeks, depending on the area and design.
• Cold sensitivity: Terrazzo floors can feel cold, especially in the winter months. Without underfloor heating or carpets, the floor can be uncomfortable for some users, especially in living spaces.
• Cracking: Despite their durability, terrazzo floors can develop cracks over time, especially if the substrate is not properly prepared or the building settles. These cracks can be repaired, but the repair can be complex and costly.
• Weight: Terrazzo floors are heavy, which must be considered when planning buildings. In older buildings or in buildings with weaker structures, the additional weight can be problematic.
• Sensitivity to certain chemicals: Terrazzo floors can be sensitive to certain chemicals contained in cleaning agents. Acidic cleaners can damage the surface and affect the appearance of the floor.

Expert Advice:
The Pros and Cons of Terrazzo Floors in Modern Construction Projects

Terrazzo floors offer a variety of advantages that make them an attractive choice for many construction projects. Their durability, ease of maintenance, aesthetic versatility, and environmental friendliness are compelling arguments. However, the high initial costs, installation effort, and some practical disadvantages such as cold sensitivity and potential cracking should be considered. Overall, terrazzo floors provide a durable and aesthetically appealing solution that is valued in both modern new constructions and renovations and remodeling projects.

Checklist: Is Terrazzo Flooring Suitable for My New Construction or Renovation Project?

Project Requirements and Use: Which spaces will be equipped with terrazzo floors?

• Residential spaces (e.g., living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms)
• Commercial spaces (e.g., offices, restaurants, hotels)
• Public buildings (e.g., schools, hospitals)

What kind of wear will the floors need to withstand?

• High foot traffic
• Moisture exposure (e.g., in bathrooms or kitchens)
• Chemical exposure (e.g., in labs or industrial settings)

Design and Aesthetic Requirements: Does terrazzo flooring fit the desired design concept?

• Minimalist design
• Traditional or classic design
• Modern and bold design
• Desired colors and patterns:
  • Solid or natural tones
  • Colorful, striking patterns
  • Geometric patterns and mosaics

Budget and Costs: Is the budget sufficient for installing terrazzo flooring?

• Material costs
• Labor costs
• Additional costs for special patterns or designs
• Are there financing options or incentives available?
  • Sustainability building grants
  • Bank financing for part of the renovation costs
  • Tax incentives

Technical Requirements and Conditions: Is the substrate suitable for laying terrazzo flooring?

• Stability and evenness of the substrate
• Moisture barrier needed
• Substrate preparation
• What installation techniques are planned?
  • Traditional handcrafted installation
  • Prefabricated terrazzo tiles
  • Epoxy resin terrazzo

Long-term Considerations: What are the maintenance costs and requirements?

• Regular cleaning
• Sealing and polishing
• Repairing cracks or damages
• How durable and robust is the terrazzo flooring compared to alternatives?
  • Lifespan and durability
  • Resistance to wear and damage
  • Ease of maintenance

Sustainability Aspects: Are sustainable materials and manufacturing processes considered?

• Use of recycled materials
• Environmentally friendly production methods
• Does the terrazzo flooring contribute to the building’s energy efficiency?
  • Thermal mass and temperature regulation
  • Contribution to Green Building certifications (e.g., LEED, BREEAM)

Aesthetic Customization and Individuality: Can the terrazzo flooring be customized?

• Adapting colors and patterns to specific wishes
• Unique designs and exclusivity
• Does the flooring fit the overall aesthetics of the project?
  • Harmonious integration into the room concept
  • Visual accents and highlights

Safety and Comfort Aspects: Is the terrazzo flooring safe and comfortable for users?

• Slip resistance and safety
• Cold sensitivity and comfort (possible integration of underfloor heating)
• Are there specific requirements for hygiene?
  • Antimicrobial coatings
  • Easy cleaning and maintenance