A year ago we moved into a 30-year old unit in a 55+ community. The place needs lots of work, which we are mainly doing ourselves to keep costs down. Have a dilemma deciding on flooring that is durable, safe, easy to maintain and not too costly. Note we live in NJ where everything seems to cost twice as much.
The unit is on slab. Currently have ceramic (must be replaced; big expense) in kitchen and entryway. Everything else is carpeted. Entryway is open to living room and an L-shaped hallway (carpeted).
I need advice on flooring that would be least costly, to replace the carpeted areas. Thinking long term and issues seniors face with walking, what are some recommendations for (1) the hallway and (2) the living areas including bedrooms? Replace with new wall-to-wall carpeting? Engineered wood flooring? LVT/LVP? What would hold up best but be reasonable in cost and safe (no area rugs to trip over).
For kitchen and entry, should we have them remove current tile or can we put new flooring over? It is not cracked anywhere. Should we do another ceramic (will it be too high then) or cover with LVT (not so durable but cheaper)
Thanks for any advice.
(This is also being posted in Home Decorating)