Hardwood Floors Explained

Thinking about installing wood floors? The first decision you need to make involves the type. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, there are four types:

• Unfinished. This type requires you or your installer to sand and apply a finish. If you want a specific colour or style, or you're trying to match existing flooring, this might be the best option for you.

• Factory finished. As the name suggests, this is flooring that has its finish applied in the factory. Although it is more expensive, factory finished flooring can be installed faster and can be walked upon immediately.

• Solid. This is flooring that is made from a solid piece of wood, top to bottom. The advantage is that it can be sanded and refinished many times over the years, or even decades.

• Engineered. This is flooring that is made of thin layers of wood pressed together. It can be engineered to be very durable and expand and contract less than solid flooring.

The type you choose depends on your needs. Talk to your dealer or contractor about your specific application.

Recognizing potential major expenses in a new home

When you see a new home you like on the market, it's easy to get distracted

by all the features you love – the wrap-around backyard deck or the

spacious rec room with plenty of space for entertaining. You just need to

make sure that in all that excitement you don’t overlook any expensive

maintenance issues that could be just around the corner.

Nothing lasts forever. The major components of every home – from the

furnace to the roof shingles – need to be replaced eventually. Knowing

when such maintenance issues are likely to arise can help you make a

smarter decision about the home you're considering.

How do you do that?

When viewing a property, ask for the age of the major components of the

home, such as the roof shingles, furnace, air conditioner, water heater, and

appliances. Roof shingles may look merely weathered in spots – and you

might think they have years of service left – when, in fact, they're due to be

replaced in a year.

Also pay close attention to the backyard deck, fencing, flooring, and

windows. Do any of those components look aged, worn, and in need of

repair or replacement sometime soon?

Finally, don't forget to check the kitchen and bathrooms. Sinks, faucets,

bathtubs, showers, and cabinetry have a life-span of about 10-15 years.

 

Of course, there are things you can't see, such as wiring, plumbing, venting,

and other components of a property that may require maintenance soon.

That's why it's so important to make any offer to purchase a home

conditional on passing an inspection by a qualified home inspector.

Want more ideas on buying the right home for you? Call or email Ian today
613-222-2662
Ian@royallepage.ca