Guides

Carly Cottam, Founder and CEO of MOTIV, offers valuable insights for buyers considering off-the-plan properties in South-East Queensland. As a respected leader in the property development community in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Carly’s expertise provides practical advice for making informed decisions in the current market.

<h3>The MOTIV Difference</h3>

MOTIV, established four years ago, has swiftly made a name for itself by bridging the gap between in-house and agency sales teams. Carly explains that this hybrid model provides developers with the control of an in-house team and the broad market perspective of an external agency. For buyers, this translates to working with a team that has comprehensive industry knowledge and a wide view of various projects, ensuring a more informed and balanced perspective.

<h3>Benefits to Buyers</h3>

One of the key advantages of partnering with a company like MOTIV is the unbiased and experienced market feedback they provide. Carly notes that consumers today are more educated and discerning than ever before, often doing extensive research before making any property decisions. This informed approach is supported by MOTIV’s deep industry insights, helping buyers understand how different projects stack up against each other and what factors are most important in their decision-making process.

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<h3>Importance of Due Diligence</h3>

Carly emphasizes the importance of due diligence for anyone considering an off the plan property purchase. Buyers are encouraged to research developers thoroughly and ensure they are partnered with experienced professionals like property lawyers and financial brokers. MOTIV assists buyers in this process, ensuring they have the necessary support and information to make confident decisions.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134197 project_image_fid=217320]

<h3>Early Engagement with Developers</h3>

For developers, engaging with project marketers like MOTIV early in the process is crucial. Carly highlights that initial workshops with the developer’s team, including designers and creative agencies, are vital to understanding the project’s context, target demographics, and overall feasibility. This early involvement ensures that the sales and marketing strategies are aligned with the project’s goals and funding requirements, setting the stage for a successful launch.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112276 project_image_fid=211187]

<h3>Navigating Construction Challenges</h3>

Given the current construction climate in Queensland, exacerbated by the upcoming Olympics and significant infrastructure projects, securing a builder can be a challenge. Carly advises buyers to inquire about the developer’s relationships with builders and any existing agreements or intentions. Understanding the developer’s track record and their approach to securing construction services is essential in assessing the viability of a project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138199 project_image_fid=257204]

Carly emphasizes the importance of due diligence for anyone considering an off the plan property purchase

Michael Bird

What off the plan buyers need to ask agents: Carly Cottam, Founder and CEO of MOTIV

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If you’ve never owned a property in an Owners Corporation* before, and aren’t sure what to expect financially, here are <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/guides">some questions</a> I tell clients to ask themselves to help them determine what <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/guides/how-to-make-strata-fees-work-in-your-favour">fees they could be expected to pay</a>.

*formerly known as a Body Corporate

<h2>1. Does the complex have a lift, gymnasium or swimming pool?  </h2>

If so, costs to maintain these types of facilities can be significant. And, if you own a property in a complex with one of these, it is likely your Owners Corporation Fees will be higher than those in a complex without.

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<h2>2. How many lots (apartments, units) does the complex have?  </h2>

Usually, the higher the number of lots, the lower the fees. Why is this? Because there are more people to share costs with. And even though the operating costs of larger complexes can be more significant, because there is a lot more common property to maintain – and often, in larger complexes, there are facilities like lifts, gymnasiums, and swimming pools – the operating expense is spread out across the number of lots, so an individual’s contribution tends to be less overall.  

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4807]

<h2>3. What percentage or unit of liability is your lot on the Plan of Subdivision?  </h2>

If there are varying percentages or units of liability, the higher the percentage or unit of liability, the more you will pay in Owners Corporation Fees. Unsure what your lot’s percentage or unit of liability is? Check the Plan of Subdivision for your Owners Corporation, which contains this information.  

The percentage or unit of liability per lot is determined by the surveyor early on, most often before building construction commences. Quite often, the percentage or unit of liability will be equal (which then generally results in everyone paying the same or equal amount of Owners Corporation Fees).  

However, this is not always the case. There are factors that determine whether a particular lot may attract a higher percentage of liability, and more often than not, the size of the lot is the main contributing factor. If you’re planning to purchase a three-bedroom penthouse apartment, as opposed to a one-bedroom first-floor apartment, and the percentages or units are varying, it is likely your share of the Owners Corporation Fees will be higher than those of the one-bedroom first-floor apartment.  

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22584]

<h2>4. Is there more than one Owners Corporation/Subdivision, and is your lot part of more than one Owners Corporation/Subdivision?  </h2>

Some complexes have multiple Owners Corporations/Subdivisions. Again, this is something that is generally determined by the surveyor before building construction commences. But this does mean that there are multiple areas of common property to maintain, which can result in you having to contribute towards the operating expenses of more than one Owners Corporation. For example, your property might be on the upper floor of a complex and accessed via a lift which is in the common property for Owners Corporation/Subdivision 2. The properties on the ground floor, which aren’t accessed via the elevator, may not be part of Owners Corporation/Subdivision 2, therefore they are not required to contribute to the operating expenses of this Owners Corporation.

<h2>5. How much is my Owners Corporation’s insurance?  </h2>

As well as covering the cost of regular maintenance, repairs, common utilities, essential services, management, and other expenses, Owners Corporation Fees also include the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/guides/contents-vs-strata-insurance-a-guide-to-understanding-the-cover-for-your-brand-new-apartment">cost of insurance</a>. This can often be the most significant expense for an Owners Corporation (although, when divided up and compared, an individual’s contribution towards the insurance in an Owners Corporation, is often less significant than the cost of home and contents insurance for a stand-alone property).  

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29947]

Owners Corporations are obliged under Section 54 of the Owners Corporations Act 2006 to <a href="https://www.lookupstrata.com.au/owners-corporation-insurance-requirements-victoria/">have insurance</a> for the buildings and common property, including public liability. And the quality and style of the complex can impact on how significant the insurance costs are.  

Although the above is not an exclusive list of factors that will determine how much an individual can expect to pay for Owners Corporation Fees, and the overall operating expenses of an Owners Corporation can vary significantly, generally these factors can assist an individual in understanding why the Owners Corporation Fees in one complex, might differ from those in another.  

Where to next? If you’re considering purchasing a property in an Owners Corporation, refer to the <a href="https://lplc.com.au/ufaqs/what-owners-corporation-information-must-be-included-in-a-section-32-statement/">Section 32</a> for specific information on the property, including what the current Owners Corporation Fees are, or seek advice from your solicitor or conveyancer.

If you already own a property in an Owners Corporation and aren’t sure why your Owners Corporation Fees are at the level they’re at, contact your manager or chairperson and request further advice or a copy of the Owners Corporation’s Budget. After all, it’s important for all individuals to clearly understand and be aware of what the operating expenses of their Owners Corporations are.    
 
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How much can I expect to pay for owners corporation fees?

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When you buy an item of clothing, there are often many considerations you take into account before reaching the cashier. How the garment fits, the style, quality, price, ethics of its production, if there are any sales/discounts available and even whether you need it. The same thought process is applicable when purchasing property. 

You'll want to think about:

<ul>
<li>Whether the home suits your lifestyle</li>
	<li>Whether you like what the property/apartment building offers</li>
	<li>If the quality of the building is up to your standards</li>
	<li>Whether the property value falls within your price point</li>
	<li>How far you'll need to travel to get to your new home</li>
	<li>If it's the right time for you to purchase a home</li>
	<li>What concessions and savings could you be eligible for?</li>
</ul>
With this in mind, we've outlined some key considerations you might like to mull over when deciding how much you really need to spend on your dream home, as well as some savvy ways you can save money. 

<h2>Purchase the right configuration</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-02-17_at_4.32.39_pm.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-02-17_at_4.32.39_pm.png?itok=lzhYF26K" width="580"></a></figure>Buying an unbuilt, off-the-plan property can give you a great deal of flexibility to customise your home to meet your needs. Each square metre of a house can cost you thousands, so it's worth assessing how much space you want, versus how much space you need. If you rarely have guests to stay, you could instead purchase a decent futon sofa, rather than a whole extra bedroom. However, if you're regularly welcoming friends, family or <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/guides/breezybnb-chooses-urban%E2%80%99s-5-best-brisbane-apartments-for-airbnb">Airbnb</a> guests to stay, then a spare bedroom could be a worthwhile investment.

In recent years, the population of Australian cities is rapidly increasing, which is prompting a rise in both apartment construction, and apartment purchases. In our feature about the shift to <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/is-australia-ready-for-smaller-footprint-apartment-living">smaller footprint living</a>, we asked architect Nicholas Gurney, what this meant for Australian homes and their inhabitants. 

<blockquote>
"A reduction is positive. There is something very satisfying about inhabiting spaces without surplus or excess and this can only be experienced through positive change. The obvious benefits of more quality time and less financial burden are obvious advantages."
</blockquote>

Nicholas Gurney, Principal at <a href="https://www.nicholasgurney.com.au/">Nicholas Gurney Architects</a>

While many buyers feel that they need lots of space "just in case", or because it's what they are used to, you may find that smaller footprint living could lead to a more stress-free, low maintenance lifestyle. If you look for a smaller home, you could free up your budget for optional upgrades, or a house closer to the city.

<h2>Opt for a home with flexible spaces</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-02-17_at_4.34.13_pm.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-02-17_at_4.34.13_pm.png?itok=9noLjavs" width="580"></a></figure>Many new apartments and townhouses feature an ergonomic design in response to our modern lifestyles. Workspaces are seamlessly integrated within living spaces to accommodate residents who work remotely, while we've also seen a shift in laundry facilities moving from in-house to communal areas. Flexibility within the home is excellent for both space-saving and cost-saving.  

<h2>Pay close attention to the number of on-site amenities</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-02-17_at_4.34.00_pm.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-02-17_at_4.34.00_pm.png?itok=kmZYZ7eT" width="580"></a></figure>If you follow the rule, "the more amenities, the higher the strata levies" then you're less likely to receive a shock when your strata or body corporate fees start rolling in. Each amenity costs the property owner maintenance fees, so if you're trying to stick to a tight budget, avoid viewing facilities as 'perks' of apartment living. However, if you're going to get a lot of use out of the swimming pool and gymnasium, then purchasing an apartment with these inclusions will mean you can cancel any auxiliary fitness memberships. Effectively making your <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/guides/how-to-make-strata-fees-work-in-your-favour">strata/body corporate fees work in your favour</a>.

<h2>Weigh up the cost of commute versus the value of the property</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-02-17_at_4.33.47_pm.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-02-17_at_4.33.47_pm.png?itok=KulRZWWt" width="580"></a></figure>Doing a weekly transport budget is a great way to assess how much extra money you could have to fork out each week to get to the places you visit most. These could include your workplace, the city or family and friend's houses. For example, you may find your dream home 20 kilometres out of town. While the upfront cost of a home closer to the city may have a higher asking price, it could work out equally cost-effective once you evaluate commuting costs. Alternatively, you may discover that you get more value for your money by purchasing <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/guides/9-ways-to-tell-if-you%E2%80%99re-buying-a-property-in-a-rising-suburb">a home further out of the city</a>, but at least you have weighed up all options and arrived at a decision that's right for you. There's nothing worse than worrying, "what if...?", so it's always a good idea to research all options, so you feel confident with your purchase. 

<h2>Look beyond aesthetics + invest in quality</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-02-17_at_4.33.34_pm.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-02-17_at_4.33.34_pm.png?itok=yzp0zFXG" width="580"></a></figure>Interior aesthetics have the power to charm a buyer and encourage them to overlook any <a href="http://https://www.urban.com.au/guides/own-rental-property-here-are-14-things-to-check-to-avoid-major-problems-in-future">underlying issues</a> within the development. It's your responsibility as the buyer to look beneath the surface and find out whether the property meets your standards. Superficial features can always be changed, refreshed and upgraded. However, the structural, built features of an apartment or townhome are far more challenging and costly to retrofit. 

Save yourself the stress by undergoing thorough <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/guides">due diligence</a>, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/guides">asking the sales agent lots of questions</a> and acquiring as much paperwork as you can. A structurally sound, well-built house is probably worth investing more money in than one that looks nice on paper. If buying off plans, you can research the track record of the developer, builder and architect to ensure you're happy with their previous work.

<blockquote>
"The tendency to get too far ahead and caught up with the aesthetics of a property often distracts people from considering other essential points. Savvy buyers think beyond the home. What is the local council like and how do their services measure up? How has the suburb been trending in the past few years? How is the home positioned and what are the neighbours like? Are their good schools nearby? Is there adequate public transport? Are there infrastructure or building development plans near the property?" 
</blockquote>

Macquarie Bank, <a href="https://www.macquarie.com/au/personal/home-loans/expertise/first-home-buyer-mistakes/">First Home Buyer Mistakes</a>

In general, quality is not something you'll want to sacrifice. By paying more for higher quality fixtures and fittings, or a home with better insulation and glazing will mean you'll pay more upfront but could enjoy savings long-term. More energy-efficient homes are also continuing to provide homeowners with significant utility bill savings.

<h2>Utilise concessions/grants</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-02-17_at_4.33.11_pm.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-02-17_at_4.33.11_pm.png?itok=j51ssILh" width="580"></a></figure>Buying off-the-plan can come with several financial benefits, the first being the ability to purchase with a low deposit of often just 5%. In addition to the low deposit, many first home buyers may be eligible for a new home government grant, which, depending on the state you're buying in, could be around $10,000. Stamp duty savings are also often available for purchases of brand new off-the-plan homes, so it can be very beneficial to research all options before purchasing a new home.

<div class="rtecenter">For more information, you may find our comprehensive state by state guides useful:</div>

<div class="rtecenter"><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/guides/the-state-by-state-guide-to-australia%E2%80%99s-off-the-plan-stamp-duty-concessions">The state-by-state guide to Australia's off-the-plan Stamp Duty concessions</a></div>

<div class="rtecenter"><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/guides/how-to-navigate-australias-first-home-buyer-grants">How to navigate Australia's First Home Buyer Grants</a></div>
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Olivia Round

How much do you really need to spend on an apartment?

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When purchasing an off-the-plan apartment, one of the first, most important things you can do (beside researching the developer), is to ask to see a comprehensive building material list. Undertaking proper research as to what is being used to construct your future home, will help you make an informed choice about whether the property meets health and wellbeing standards, as well as your lifestyle requirements.

We’ve compiled a guide to help you choose the best flooring, based on factors such as health and safety (including toxicity levels); green/eco value and lifecycle; look and aesthetic; durability and financial value.

<h2>ENGINEERED TIMBER</h2>

What is engineered wood?

Engineered wood can be produced using a wide variety of materials, but the structure is often compared to the wood composition of plywood – slices of wood bonded together using glue. It’s a good idea to look out for a high-quality pure wood composition such as Oak, which has been bonded using low VOC adhesives, rather than a product which comprises of a combination of fibreglass/particle board with a veneer of high-quality wood.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-09-02_at_3.26.29_pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Engineered wood. Credit: Flooring Supplies"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="618" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-09-02_at_3.26.29_pm.png?itok=bWeNGDVc" title="Engineered wood. Credit: Flooring Supplies" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Engineered wood. Credit: <a href="https://www.flooringsupplies.co.uk/realwoodflooring/engineeredwoodflooring/10253/natura_oak_ironbark_driftwood_engineered_wood_flooring">Flooring Supplies</a></figcaption></figure>Pros

<ul>
<li>Easy to install</li>
	<li>Improves resale value</li>
	<li>Ability to re-sand</li>
	<li>Underfloor-heating compatible</li>
	<li>Can be water-resistant</li>
	<li>Ability to source formaldehyde-free/low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) products</li>
	<li>Looks organic and natural</li>
	<li>Sustainable production</li>
	<li>Relatively cost-effective</li>
	<li>Available in a range of colour stains, wood species and patterns</li>
</ul>
Cons

<ul>
<li>Some engineered timber is poorly made with composite materials</li>
	<li>Risk of off-gassing if purchasing a low-cost replica</li>
	<li>Will show scratches/dents from high heels, pet claws and moving furniture</li>
	<li>Will fade over time</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2>SOLID WOOD</h2>

Solid wood is naturally harvested timber floorboards, which are glued or nailed onto a flooring underlay. This is arguably the healthiest flooring option for the home.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-09-02_at_3.32.09_pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Solid timber floorboards. Credit: Sutton Timber"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="369" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-09-02_at_3.32.09_pm.png?itok=CE92ybf_" title="Solid timber floorboards. Credit: Sutton Timber" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Solid timber floorboards. Credit: <a href="https://www.suttontimber.co.uk/products/flooring/solid/oak/">Sutton Timber</a></figcaption></figure>Pros

<ul>
<li>Most natural option</li>
	<li>Ability to opt for recycled wood which is highly sustainable</li>
	<li>Wood breathes providing the home with good ventilation</li>
	<li>Less rigid than concrete and tiles, so nicer to walk on</li>
	<li>One of the healthiest options</li>
	<li>Can be nailed down (meaning no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from adhesives)</li>
</ul>
Cons

<ul>
<li>Risk of Bora infiltration</li>
	<li>Expensive</li>
	<li>Can rot if not properly treated, and exposed to moisture</li>
	<li>Loud</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2>CARPET</h2>

Available in a wide range of products including wool, mixed fibre, sisal, shag pile, Berber and more.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/yann-maignan-rriazfkjpmo-unsplash.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Carpet flooring. Credit: Yann Maignan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/yann-maignan-rriazfkjpmo-unsplash.jpg?itok=U11pdI6h" title="Carpet flooring. Credit: Yann Maignan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Carpet flooring. Credit: Yann Maignan</figcaption></figure>Pros

<ul>
<li>100% wool carpet provides warmth </li>
	<li>The most comfortable flooring to walk on</li>
	<li>Acts as a sound barrier</li>
	<li>Relatively cost-effective</li>
	<li>Large range of styles, fabrics and colours to choose from</li>
</ul>
Cons

<ul>
<li>Can retain stains and odours </li>
	<li>A breeding ground for dust mites</li>
	<li>Can require steam cleaning/professional cleaning</li>
	<li>Patterns and styles can date quickly</li>
	<li>Susceptible to allergens</li>
	<li>Can be known to off-gas toxins</li>
	<li>Will need to be replaced quicker than any other type of floor covering</li>
	<li>Carpet wear and tear is often more obvious than wood</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2>TILES</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/jason-briscoe-aql-j19ocwe-unsplash.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tile flooring. Credit: Jason Briscoe"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jason-briscoe-aql-j19ocwe-unsplash.jpg?itok=ljVvKw5q" title="Tile flooring. Credit: Jason Briscoe" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tile flooring. Credit: Jason Briscoe</figcaption></figure>Pros 

<ul>
<li>Ability to choose from a wider range of styles and colours</li>
	<li>They don't possess chemically active properties (meaning less likely to grow bacteria or spread viruses etc.)</li>
	<li>Durable</li>
	<li>High/low-temperature resistant</li>
	<li>Made from natural materials</li>
	<li>Water and stain-resistant</li>
	<li>Easy maintenance</li>
</ul>
Cons

<ul>
<li>More susceptible to mould in wet areas</li>
	<li>Tiles adapt to the weather, meaning they can become very cold in winter months</li>
	<li>If a tile cracks it can be difficult to replace</li>
	<li>Tiles can be slippery to walk on</li>
</ul>
Tip: Use cement-based grouting to avoid the emission of harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

<hr>
<h2>CONCRETE</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/room-fzrn8fhqpp8-unsplash.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Concrete flooring. Credit: Unsplash"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/room-fzrn8fhqpp8-unsplash.jpg?itok=GdliIfS3" title="Concrete flooring. Credit: Unsplash" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concrete flooring. Credit: Unsplash</figcaption></figure>Pros

<ul>
<li>No harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)</li>
	<li>Cost-effective</li>
	<li>Easy maintenance</li>
	<li>Concrete will last the longest</li>
	<li>Many design and texture options</li>
</ul>
Cons

<ul>
<li>Arguably tough on ankle joints</li>
	<li>Concrete doesn't retain heat very well</li>
	<li>They can be loud</li>
	<li>Not very environmentally friendly to produce</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2>PLYWOOD/CORK/MDF/PARTICLEBOARD</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-09-02_at_4.59.54_pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Particleboard flooring. Credit: Revolution Wood Panels"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="696" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-09-02_at_4.59.54_pm.png?itok=j3SeKvzE" title="Particleboard flooring. Credit: Revolution Wood Panels" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Particleboard flooring. Credit: <a href="https://revolutionwoodpanels.com.au/products/particleboard-particleboard-flooring">Revolution Wood Panels</a></figcaption></figure>Pros

<ul>
<li>Very cost-effective</li>
	<li>Flexible and easy to change</li>
</ul>
Cons

<ul>
<li>Often bonded with glues containing high Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde</li>
	<li>Can splinter easily</li>
	<li>Needs revarnishing often</li>
	<li>Aesthetically not as appealing as hardwood floorboards</li>
	<li>Prone to water damage</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2>UNDERSTANDING THE LINGO</h2>

What kinds of adhesives and finishing products are found in flooring?

<ul>
<li>Urea-formaldehyde resins (UF)</li>
	<li>Phenol formaldehyde resins (PF)</li>
	<li>Melamine-formaldehyde resins (MF)</li>
	<li>Soy-based glues</li>
	<li>Polyurethane (PU)</li>
</ul>
Soy-based glues and water-based polyurethanes have been noted as some of the better adhesives/varnishes. Formaldehyde should always be avoided.

What to look out for:

<ul>
<li>Forest Stewardship Council certification (FSC)</li>
	<li>The Green Building Council Australia approved
	<ul>
<li>Total VOC &lt; 0.5 mg/m2/hr</li>
		<li>4-Phenylcyclohexene &lt; 0.05 mg/m2/hr</li>
	</ul>
</li>
	<li>A decent warranty (20+ years is ideal)</li>
	<li>Ultra-low/Zero VOC emissions that meet <a href="https://www.cetec.com.au/services/voc-product-rating-schemes">E1 international standards</a>
</li>
	<li>Have the wood factory-finished rather than on-site</li>
	<li>Green Seal-11 certification</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2>WHAT TO AVOID</h2>

Vinyl

Vinyl is a non-renewable material derived from petroleum-based chemicals including PVC – which releases highly toxic chemical during manufacturing. Vinyl is notorious for off-gassing due to a concoction of harmful chemicals, such as phthalates, which can emit gas for years after installation. Some older vinyl is even worse, as many have an asbestos backing which makes removal of the vinyl extremely unsafe.

Laminate

Similar to vinyl flooring, Laminate is known to contain formaldehyde – a naturally occurring yet toxic chemical found in many adhesives. Formaldehyde has been found to cause a number of health complications over an extended period of toxic emission exposure. Both vinyl and laminate floorings are also non-biodegradable and melamine-formaldehyde resin cannot break down at the end of the product lifecycle.
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