When should you call a professional to help with hardwood floors? If you want a professional looking hardwood floor, call a professional installer. A homeowner's skill level, free time, budget, and desired...
A homeowner's skill level, free time, budget, and desired outcome are all important factors when deciding whether or not to call in a professional. Of course, the more complicated the project is, the greater the need for professional help.
Most projects involving hardwood floors are very time consuming. The room will be unusable for the duration of the project. Often homeowners begin a project only to find that they are in over their heads and need help. Sadly, in these cases, not only has the amount of time and work involved been underestimated, but the cost has been greatly underestimated as well. Even those who wish to do the work themselves can benefit greatly from a consultation with a hardwood floor expert before beginning the project. Mistakes can be avoided, and costs reduced with a little bit of good advice.
Some people are allergic to the type of wood their floor is made of. While the flooring is sealed it does not create problems, but once the wood is exposed those who are allergic to the material will have to vacate the premises until the floor has been sealed again.
Projects that involve matching old and new wood floors should always be handled by professionals. This can be a very difficult art to master. Other complicated tasks such as placing inlaid borders or designs in the floor also require a very high skill level.
Beki Willis has been repairing, restoring and remodeling homes in the greater Austin area since 1989. She puts it very simply, "If you want a professional looking job, I would recommend calling the professionals."
Certain woods are more difficult to refinish than others. It is very important to determine what type of wood the floor is made from before beginning a refinishing project. Some floors do not truly require refinishing, and a professional consultation cans prevent a difficult and costly project. Hardwood floors can only be refinished a few times in their lifetime. After a few sandings there is not enough material left to sand again. A botched refinishing job can mean having to replace the entire floor, meaning the cost of the original refinishing job plus the cost of a new floor. Beki says, "A hardwood floor is an expensive investment and I would highly recommend calling the professionals to refinish." Investing in a professional job can save a lot of money in the long run.
It is important to keep in mind that hardwood floors are made to last 100 years or more. While more cost effective than other types of flooring, installing and refinishing hardwood floors are expensive projects. A good hardwood floor increases the enjoyment and the value of a home. It is not a project to take lightly, nor is it something that should have to be done often. Cheaper flooring is designed to be replaced fairly often, and while it is certainly frustrating, it is less of a disaster when things go wrong. Hardwood floors should be done right the first time, every time.
