I am often asked: Where do I start, when planning a renovation? and my answer usually goes like this: IF you can keep the floor, half of your job is already done! In fact, some floors may be in good nick and good enough to live with as they are. Some are flat and solid, and may allow you to lay the new one on top, saving money and time. Existing timber floors may be sanded and re-stained, and often simple scratches can be easily filled with an old trick I use: brown coloured wax crayons! Of course deeper scratched floors may need to be spot repaired by getting in the experts.
But if your floors are worn, if the colour or style doesn't suite the look of your home anymore or if you have multiple flooring finishes in the same space or adjoining rooms, then a new floor over the top may be just the right and easy solution for you. The impact of quality flooring in your home should not be underestimated, adding value, and completing the look of your property. When renovating, especially on a budget, there are many options on the market that may suit you. Yes, it's quite a cost... but let's face it, who wouldn't like a brand new floor? WELL, I've partnered with Flooring Xtra who are offering $5,000 worth of flooring renovation to two lucky home owners. Are you interested? Is your floor tired, worn or simply ugly? The FIX MY UGLY FLOOR campaign is a Reno Competition and it's super easy to enter: take a pic of your floor, then upload and share it!
Expensive? Laborious? May be! New flooring, however, is certainly one of the most rewarding steps of the renovation. It gives a brand new feel to any home and it can bring a contemporary look to any property that's looking tired. Try laying the same floor running throughout the home in different rooms to achieve the feel of a larger space, or choose wooden floors to add warmth and character. The look and feel, as well as the style of your property, can dramatically change with new flooring, while adding thousands to its value.
Whether your budget allows for the change or you have no choice but updating, new flooring is one of the most exciting and satisfying steps of a renovation. But never take the choice of a new flooring lightly! First, try to ascertain the look you wish to achieve: collect images and ideas from lifestyle magazines and design websites; search for images on the internet and visit open homes to see how others have updated their floors. Then think beyond just looks and consider the flooring that you feel best suits your family's needs.
Finally ask for an experts' opinion. Consulting an expert will provide you with extensive knowledge of products, techniques and looks to suit your home and fit in your budget; the team at Flooring Extra have showrooms all around the country so you can easily pop in and chat with an expert; in fact you can tell them I sent you! They have so many styles on display, you'll be spoilt for choice.
So, when renovating, avoiding to change the floors may save you money and time in the short term, but don't underestimate the impact that brand new floors can have on your home; it can completely transform a dated and tired looking space.
Have I tempted you yet? Well go on! What have to you got to loose, go and visit Flooring Extra stores. They have solutions for all budgets to help fix your ugly floor and provide that beautiful new look you've longed for.
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information.
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