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!