Americas Home Improvement Coach asked:


The Benefits of Hardwood Flooring

This week a friend had askd me what I thought about hardwood flooring. She said her husband liked carpet because he did not like to walk on a wood floor, especially in the winter. She likes the affect that hardwood floors have on room. So here are my thoughts and some tips…

The beauty and character of a wood floor has become so popular over the past few years that many homeowners are having them installed in their kitchens, powder rooms, and bathrooms. This would not have even been a consideration back in the seventies, eighties or nineties. Wood floors augment the look of non-contemporary, as well as, contemporary bath fixtures and kitchens allowing them a uniqueness and warmth found in older homes.

The concern for many before was the potential damage to the floor as a result of spilling, dropping things, or wear in high traffic areas. This is not the case any longer. Harder urethanes do a much better job of protecting wood floors and last much longer than they did years ago. Homeowners are also willing to care for them because of the aesthetic beauty they bring into the home. Wood flooring significantly enhances and flatters wall colors and furnishings throughout a home.

Wood floors also add value to a home because of their high demand. There is something distinctive about the old world charm they provide to a home. Wood floors, if properly installed and cared for, have a beauty that can be enjoyed for a lifetime and, further, increase the price tag of a home.

The NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association) conducted a poll of Interior designers and over seventy-five percent chose wood floors, in any style of home, over other types of flooring. These designers valued natural materials over man-made, in beauty, toughness, style, maintenance and care.

Wood flooring comes in many different types, styles and widths. The different types and colors of wood flooring vary significantly, which can make it difficult when the time comes for you to make a selection.

Not only do we have to choose between the many types of wood floors, but now we also have to decide whether we want a regular ¾” floor, a laminated floor, or an engineered floor in our home.

Choosing an engineered floor over a standard solid wood floor can mean:

This style of floor can be installed below grade, where as, typical wood floors can not.

• During installation, dust is significantly reduced, since they do not have to be sanded. Although today they have floor scrapers that vacuum up the dust as the floor is being scraped for relatively the same price.

• Odor and fire hazard by the application of polyurethane is not a factor, given that it is applied at the factory. These finishes are applied in environmentally controlled areas making the application much more sustainable and even in the application.

• The time to install pre-finished floors, in many cases, and considering the area, usually takes a day; where as unfinished wood floors can take up to a week before you can walk on them and the smell can drive you out of the house. Three coats of polyurethane are applied after installation and each coat needs to dry and to be screened (very light sanding) before the next coat can be applied.

• Another important consideration when having your floor installed is the humidity and temperature in the home. Natural wood floors need at least three days to acclimatize to the temperature and humidity in the home, prior to being installed. If this is not done, the floors can buckle and the expense to repair them can be extensive, to say the least.

Taking Care of Your Wood Floors:

• Using wax on a wood floor can damage the finish. Buffing it should be adequate and enough to bring the shine back.

• Sweeping or vacuuming a wood floor is usually sufficient on a weekly basis and easier to vacuum than carpet.

• Wiping up spills immediately can eliminate the floor from absorbing the liquid, swelling and destroying the finish.

• Try not to walk on wood floors with cleats or high heels. According to the NWFA, a 125 lb. woman can exert 2,000 lbs. of pressure per square inch, making the possibility of denting the floor, not an unlikely act.

• When moving heavy furniture, try to pick it up. Sliding it can scratch the finish and remove the protective coating of polyurethane.

• Placing a throw rug in front of the sink can help to eliminate water getting on the floor. Water puddles on a floor for long periods of time can damage the texture and finish of a floor. Clean it up quickly.

• Where sand and dirt are prevalent before entering a home, a runner, throw rug or mat should be available at the doorway to prevent wearing down the finish.

• Direct ultraviolet rays from the sun can destroy and dull the finish on a wood floor. Install window treatments to minimize this from happening.

• Wet mopping can destroy the finish on a wood floor and is not recommended.

In my opinion, there is nothing like the look of a well maintained shiny wood floor. If your husband wants carpet you can always put that on the second level of your home, in the bedrooms. Good Luck

Hector Seda is author of ‘What Your Parents Never Told You About Owning A Home’. For a copy of the book go to: www.askhectoronline.com just $14.95 + S+H.

Hector’s next book, Repair For Resale published by Adams Media Publishing Group, Inc. will be released in the spring of 2008.

Hector Seda is a correspondent and subject matter expert for Comcast’s CN8, Philadelphia’s “Your Morning” Show; which is seen in over 14 million homes from Virginia to Maine. Locally it can be viewed on Cablevision’s channel 64.

KINDLY NOTE: We are looking for people that have been the recipient(s) of unfair play by a contractor. If you have been a victim, visit my website www.contractorcops.tv and tell me your story or send a letter to Ask Hector P.O. Box 254 Pompton Lakes, New Jersey 07442.

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The solution is simpler than you think and, so should your decision.

Bruce Badger asked:


There is an increasing number of people who are trying to save money because of the current economic state.  With this, they are trying to improve their kitchens through do it yourself projects.  The savings that a person can save by doing the projects themselves will reach up to 60 percent of the total amount, which is not bad savings at all.

However, doing these projects yourself will require you to do a lot of research and preparations.  For research, you have to find out the proper way of executing the project especially if you are going to remodel it.  In terms of preparation, you have to make sure that you have all the tools that you need as well as the materials.  Not doing this first step properly will definitely make your kitchen home improvement a total failure.  This will only put your supplies and your effort to waste.

Being the medium of most information these days, internet is the best place for you to get your resources even before starting your project.  Aside from just mere information, you can also find several how tos or step-by-step instructions from professionals who will help you along the way in terms of carrying out the project and even designs.

After researching, you need now to make sure that you have a layout in mind for your kitchen.  You can ask several experts about making your layout.  They will be able to provide you with a lot of bright ideas for layouts.  However, since they are professional, you may be charged for some price by asking them from ideas.

If you will make your kitchen layout, it would be better to use a graphing paper as it has grids that will serve as your kitchen dimensions.  You can have different layouts and then you can choose the best among them.

After setting up the overall layout, you need now to set a time schedule.  And if you set it up, it is better to follow it properly.  This will definitely help you be more motivated in finishing the project as you see that you have set the time limit for yourself.

The good thing about these kitchen improvement projects is that it will not only make your home look good but it would also be something that is very rewarding.  However, you have to do the above steps in order to have a better project properly done.

Marty Neville asked:


Everybody knows DIY home improvement projects cost less. Whether you’re improving your home for a better living, or to increase its market value, the utmost reward however is not the money by and large. It is the satisfaction of doing it on your own.

You’ve to be realistic though. Homeowners like us are frequently no good at home improvement projects. We over estimate our skill levels and get disappointed when we fail to complete the DIY home repair on schedule and within budget. Frequently, we merely let go of the repair half-way through.

You don’t have to let that happen to you. After several failures, I have taken my experience and advice from the experts and compiled them into a list of easy home improvement tips. They’ve helped make my most recent few do-it-yourself home improvement successful and hopefully they’ll aid you too.

1. Plan, Plan and Plan Some More

You can’t go wrong setting up early and be ready. Outline the detail in your head, jot it down on paper, then go through it again with care when you perform the real work. Get hold of extra supplies than you require. Wastes and scraps do happen in DIY home repair. You’ll be relieved when you need not drive a few times to the DIY store to get an additional piece of wood, or a new pail of paint.

2. Divide and Conquer

Separate the entire home improvement repair project into smaller tasks that are complete on their own. Don’t think of painting the entire house inside and outside, upstairs and downstairs. Break up the project into painting your kid’s room or the kitchen in one weekend instead. They will be a great deal simpler to handle one small piece at a time. And in case the whole project drags on for some time, at least things won’t be so messy.

3. Better Safe Than Sorry

Considering the experts protect themselves with hard hats and protective glasses, what makes you assume you are better and do not need those gadgets? Ear plugs, dusk masks, safety boots are all necessary safety gadgets depending on the form of do-it-yourself home repair job. Don’t have any of them? Well, which you would prefer: Spending money to get the gears now, or to foot the hospital fees later? Your choice.

4. The Tools Make the Difference

A hammer can’t be used as a screwdriver and vice versa. And an electric drill will get the hole done quicker than a manual one. Don’t just apply the proper equipment for the job, but also pick the most excellent one you can find. Where necessary, purchase or rent the devices. While it may cost you much more right now, you’ll save time and energy eventually.

5. Complete the Job

Don’t leave your do-it-yourself home improvement project dangling. Finish it. Perhaps you’ve no time to finalize the job this weekend. So put the tools away, and don’t forget to take them out again next weekend to finish it. Don’t ever start further home improvement projects except when you’ve finished the present one. If you don’t stick to this rule, nothing will ever get done. Honest.

Maria Polidoro asked:


For certain home improvement projects, you may find yourself wondering whether you should tackle the project yourself or hire a pro to do the job. Either way, there will be some tradeoffs associated with the decision. Striking the right balance with cost, time and workmanship requires carefully evaluating the details of the job. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help determine whether a DIY project is justified or whether you should call in the pros:

How much experience do I have with this type of project? Maybe you have never tiled a room before, or perhaps you’ve done tile work many times in the past with quality results. Ultimately, you have to live with the end product of your work, so ensuring that it is up to your standards is a forefront objective. For some jobs, attending a class or workshop at a local home improvement store may give you enough preparation to confidently take on a project yourself.

How much money will I be saving by doing the job myself? Typically, saving money is the main motivator for homeowners to get involved with DIY home improvement. When deciding whether to hire a professional, be sure to accurately assess the cost of doing it yourself versus hiring a pro. Will you have to purchase specialized tools? Can a contractor get a better deal on materials? What about the value of your time, and the opportunity cost to get the project done? A side by side comparison of each scenario will help you see the big picture and determine the best course of action for the project. Getting quotes from three different contractors is typically advised.

Are permits or inspections required for this project? Home improvements that affect the home’s structure, electrical or plumbing systems will likely require one or more permits. While this does not necessarily mean you have to hire a professional to do the job, ensuring that the work will pass inspection and acquiring the necessary permits should never be neglected. If you are not confident that you can complete a job to the standards required, that particular job may be better left to a professional. Researching permit requirements is an important step in planning a home improvement project.

While considering all of the pros and cons of both scenarios is helpful, the decision between hiring a professional and doing a job yourself is not always so cut and dry. Perhaps doing part of the work yourself and hiring a pro for the rest is the best option (it would be best to consult a contractor before moving forward with this option). Or maybe you are not experienced with a certain project, but you want to learn. If this is the case, taking a class at a home improvement store can help you build your skills and gain some hands on experience. Another great way to get experience is volunteering to assist a more practiced friend or family member on a similar project. Many homeowners find that hiring a pro for large jobs is well worth the money. With your home’s value is at stake, it pays to ensure that the job is done right.

Americas Home Improvement Coach asked:


Simple Things You Can Do to Make Your Home More Appealing

 

Not everyone can afford the cost of a renovation or a new home, but you can never go wrong when you cosmetically upgrade the interior and exterior of your home. Investing in the upkeep of your residence not only improves its appearance, but the overall appearance of your neighborhood. It can be cost efficient, simple and quick to do.

 

            On the exterior of your home, power washing the siding or brick can dramatically improve the appearance. Painting the fence, planting some colorful flowers and mulching the trees in your yard can add curbside appeal. The first thing most people focus on when approaching your home is your front door. Painting or staining your door is a simple low cost improvement that can highlight your entrance without the costly expense of replacement. Shutters are also a low cost item, pre-painted, easy to install and can change the appearance and style of a plain looking facade and enhance its charm. If your entrance walkway is in disrepair you can install brick pavers for a warm but elegant, country look. There are many styles, colors and shapes.

 

            The interior of your home may need a new coat of paint. You may want to consider some of the new color schemes available at your local paint or home improvement store. New carpet in the bedrooms or new rugs over a freshly scraped and polyurethaned hardwood floors in your living room and dining room can be a refreshing change. Upgrade the interior trim and add ornamental crossheads above the doorways. If you desire more light, have a larger window installed where you feel the interior can be enhanced by exterior views. Maybe it’s time for new kitchen appliances or modern bathroom fixtures. From new garage doors to installing a new lighting fixture, there are many things you can do to make your home more appealing without spending thousands of dollars.

 

Take a walk around your home and imagine what it would look like if you made a few minor changes. Just make yourself a list in the order you feel a repair or change is needed. These projects can be a lot of fun for you and your family and time together, well spent.

 

To get your copy of Hector’s book,

 

What Your Parent’s Never Told You About Owning a Home

 

Visit www.americashomeimprovementcoach.com and with

 

your purchase his book you will receive 5 reports on

 

ü     Selling Your Home In Any Market

ü     Hiring the Right Contractor For You

ü     Staying Within Your Budget

ü     Looking Out For Contractor Scams

ü     What Questions Should You Ask a Potential Contractor