Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have been told that my old floors are beyond repair and I am better off reinstalling a new floor.
A: DO NOT DO ANYTHING BEFORE CALLING US. Part of the charm of owning an old home is having the original flooring intact. The craftsmanship in old houses in unmatched in today's construction. Often contractors looking for a bigger payday will advise customers to remove beautifully crafted floors. We specialize in the restoration of old floors.
Q: Isn't hardwood flooring more expensive than carpet?
A: Obviously it depends on the kind of carpet and the kind of floor you choose to install. Generally speaking the costs work out to be about the same. However, hardwood flooring does add more value to your home.
Q: Does hardwood flooring really add value to my home?
A:"Yes! Residential real estate agents say homes with wood floors hold their value better, sell faster, and fetch higher prices, according to a recent nationwide survey commissioned by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). By a three-to-one margin, real estate agents said that a house with wood floors would sell faster than a carpeted house. Some 58 percent said a house with wood floors would bring a higher price. "There is a perception today that they don't build homes like they used to," according to one Pennsylvania agent. "So when people see hardwood floors instead of carpet-covered plywood, they feel the entire house was built with superior building materials." (Source: National Wood Flooring Association)
Q: Is it more difficult to clean a hardwood floor?
A: No. To clean your hardwood floor simply use a damp mop with a commercial floor cleaner (we recommend Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner) or a simple water and vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water). We don't recommend using a product like Murphy's Oil which builds a chemical film on your floor which can be damaging.
Hardwood flooring is also a much cleaner alternative than carpet. The process of cleaning carpet (vacuuming, steaming, etc.) pushes a lot of dirt below the surface. Anyone who has ever removed carpeting (and I have removed hundreds) knows just how dirty it is below. Hardwood flooring is also a significant improvement for people living with allergies and asthma.
Q: Another contractor suggested I use a water-based poly to save time and money.
A: Our preference is to use oil-based polyurethane. Quality is our first priority and for floor restoration, particularly in older houses, and oil-based finishes last longer and look better. We will accommodate our customer's needs. Using a water-based polyurethane has environmental advantages, as well as allowing the house to be more livable during the refinishing process.
However, it is important to know that many contractors will push a water-based polyurethane in order to save themselves time and increase their profit on the job. Regardless of which polyurethane you choose, we are committed to taking the time to do the job right, delivering the highest quality finish.
Q: What happens to my trim when you install or refinish my floor?
A: We must remove your trim when installing a new floor. Generally the trim can be saved and reinstalled at no additional cost to the customer.
When refinishing floors, sometimes base molding may get small nicks and scratches that will require the customer to do some touch-up paint work. If you are redoing an entire room and the painting is done first, you should consult with your painter to make sure he is available for touch-up work. However, in such cases, we highly recommend that you refinish the floor before the panting is done to avoid such issues.