I have several dogs – should I really install hardwood floors?

And the answer is: it depends.

How large are your dogs? Do they run through the house at full speed, drop toys and roughhouse?

Are you ok with seeing a few dents and scratches on your floors? Keep in mind that some floors can be re-sanded or screened before they need to be replaced. Some people are ok with the natural process of floors getting scratched and dented – after all it looks rustic and distressed.

What are your alternate options and your budget? Carpet traps animal dander, odors and urine spots can be difficult to clean well. Laminate floors can also be dented and dinged and can bubble if liquids (accidents) are not cleaned up right away.

Do your animals shed? If you have light colored animals hair will show up quickly on a dark wood floor and vice versa.

Hardwood flooring and animals can get along. Here are some tips for helping to maintain your hardwood flooring should you decide to go that route.

Trim your pet’s nails frequently!

Place area rugs in high traffic areas and at the entrance and exit of your home. This will help reduce the wear and tear on your floors as your pets zoom in and out of the door. Just be sure that they are made for hardwood floors.

Put mats down under water bowls to prevent spills and splashes on floors. After all, some dogs slobber.  With these tips, your hardwood floors will stay in great shape!

Reader Question:

What types of lighting are best to use in a bathroom?

Answer:

The lights at the vanity are most important. The lights need to be bright enough to see, but not so bright that your skin looks unhealthy. Fixtures located at eye level on either side of the bathroom mirror are most effective. Theatrical-style lighting stripped along the sides and across the top of the mirror are also effective. Selecting the right bulb type is extremely important. Colored or coated bulbs can help improve the appearance of facial features. Can light bulbs are convenient, but are not a good source of lighting because it casts shadows across the face.

Hope this helps!

Reader Question:

I was wondering if you could tell me what I would need to do if I smell gas in my home. I think I know what to do, but would appreciate some expert advice.

Thank you! – Cindy A, Phoenix, AZ

Answer:

Cindy,

Great question! If you smell gas in your home, here are a few simple tips for you to keep in mind. A good idea would be to bookmark this page or print it out so that you will know what to do in the event that you do smell gas in your home.

If you smell gas:

• Do not use light switches or phones, including cell phones in your home.
• Leave your home immediately.
• Call the gas company from a neighbor’s home.

In an emergency the gas can be shut off at the valve at the gas meter.

The typical locations for gas valves in your home are at the:

• Cooktop
• Furnace in the attic
• Furnace in the mechanical room
• Utility/Laundry Room
• Water heater
• Fireplace

The typical locations for gas valves on the exterior of your home are at the:

• Gas main at the gas meter
• BBQ
• Pool/spa
• Exterior fireplace

Stay safe and don’t take any changes if you smell gas in your home!

Reader Question:

Is purchasing a foreclosed property really the best idea right now?  Shouldn’t we hold off and see what the market does?  I would have to think some cities are coming back quicker than others, but how about our country as a whole?

Answer:

There are many factors to consider when looking at a foreclosed property. Here are some questions you should take into consideration when considering a foreclosed home:

* What type of shape or condition is it in?
* What is the neighborhood like?
* Are there other foreclosures in the area?
* How much would it cost to bring it up to a livable condition?
* Are there signs of mold?
* How about energy efficiency?
* What is the SEER rating for the AC system?
* Does it have dual pane low-e windows?
* It is Energy Star qualified?  (A home build ten years ago would require about double the energy costs of today’s new Energy Star home.)
* What type of warranty does it have?

Consider the answers to these questions before purchasing a home in foreclosure. If you have additional questions, feel free to leave us a comment.