A home on our street is for sale and I thought the current owner might be a flipper. The home originally had natural stone in the master bath.  Although composites are less maintenance, my clients are continuing to use natural stone if it has the characteristics or colors they want. The new owner left the natural stone, improved the landscaping and pool area. But they didn’t make the living room floor level with the surrounding entry, hall and dining areas. Step-downs are a safety hazard and one of the first things noticed when real estate agents are entering the space. People fall at parties or trip during daily use. Filling in a floor requires wheelbarrowing in concrete, having the cement truck funnel in for larger spaces or building a sub floor. It is one of those messy sounding jobs that a lot of people don’t want to get into. However, the return is worth the time. The key is, of course, a contractor that is used to doing it. Most floorcovering professionals can recommend experienced, licensed contractors for your use prior to the installation of new material. All areas should have the same material that are adjoining. In kitchens you want to keep the visual flow intact. Baths are easier because there is a natural break at the door. Wood is the most popular floor covering currently. Using stone or porcelain tile in kitchens and baths allows some variety.  So here’s to improvements for 2021! If you are going to be home, it might as well be as good as it can get! Hire a professional for best results! 

Sealed concrete has become a very popular flooring choice. And there are many different types of concrete to use. Check out K 15 by Ardex it is a self-leveling concrete and is stainable as well!

From full service to DIY the goal is a great environment to live in!

• Your rugs will be less susceptible to damage if they are used rather than stored.
• Vacuuming is better for all carpet and rugs than cleaning.  But avoid vacuuming the fringe!
• Vacuum regularly so the dirt doesn’t cut the fibers of the rug.
• Blot up any unwanted spills and then dilute with water and continue extracting the water.
• Every five years (or whenever it looks dirty) the rug should be hand washed with cold water and mild detergent by a professional.
• If the rugs are small or the value has diminished, you can to wash them yourself to control costs. Arizona has the perfect drying weather.
• If the rugs need repair, reputable rug dealers can connect the proper artisans for your repair.
• If you do buy an inexpensive rug and the fringe is too white, you can tea stain the fringe to blend in.
• Rotate rugs for better wear.

This photo from Pinterest shows a wonderful use of rugs. Visit our other boards!

Wood floors are so popular! And all of the tiles that look like wood give you some great design options. Solid hardwood can not be installed directly over a concrete slab floor, a sub floor is needed and abutments to other flooring must be considered. However, a job finished floor (stain and sealer completed on site) has a beautiful finish. That being said, the most important consideration for an engineered floor (product is complete when installed) is the quality look of the finish and the thickness of the top layer (Should be at least ⅛” thick).