Today, a friend of Carpet Wagon is going to come a little bit of the woodwork, so to speak, and share some of her personal experiences about being a first time homeowner.

My husband and I are new first-time homeowners, and really excited about the prospect of decorating and making our home cosy and inviting.  One easy way to do that?  Paint!

Our home had been a rental property for decades before we bought it – and the previous tenants had painted the bedrooms dark green.  Nice color for some, but not for us.  The common areas are all plain white.   Time to grab some paint swatches!

While “going green” isn’t our style in paint color, it is our style for the environment.   The airborne chemicals released during painting, after the paint is dry, and as paint is removed, fall into a category of pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—potentially carcinogenic carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily and contribute to indoor air pollution.  Harmful compounds in the VOC category range from formaldehyde to pesticides to cleaning chemicals.  They can be up to ten times more concentrated indoors than outdoors.  However, VOCs contribute significantly to air pollution out of doors as well.  VOCs are released in the highest concentrations during paint application, but most paint will continue to emit harmful fumes for years afterwards.

Companies are on the move to make paint with little or no VOC’s.  Check the label at your local paint store to find an eco-friendly paint.

Now, about color – I’m thinking taupe…

[photo by Diana Parkhouse]

Question:
How do I remove glue from vinyl flooring? I have recently had new vinyl linoleum flooring put down in my kitchen. They secured the flooring using glue, but I’m not sure what type of glue.  Unfortunately, some of the glue has been walked onto the flooring. We have been advised not to use chemicals or abrasives on the flooring. We have tried normal soap and water to no avail.   Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Answer:
Good question!  Glue on the floor is really annoying, but there are lots of things you can try to remove the glue.

To remove adhesive from your vinyl flooring, you may want to try simple cooking oil.  This is the same concept as removing chewing gum from a little one’s hair using peanut butter.  Bar Keepers Friend is also worth a try.  It’s non abrasive, but make sure you try it in a small corner area with a soft cloth.   As a last resort you could try mineral spirits (used in turpentine and paint thinner).  However, please make sure you don’t pour this directly onto your vinyl floor.   Simply pour a bit on a cloth and test in small area as well. I’ve seen installers remove excess adhesive from hardwood with mineral spirits without damaging the floor at all.

[photo by LittleRedCera]

Today, a friend of Carpet Wagon is going to come a little bit of the woodwork, so to speak, and share some of her personal experiences about being a first time homeowner.

As I told you last week, my husband and I are new, first time homeowners.   It’s a cute little bungalow, with three bedrooms and two baths.   Our “new” home was built in 1908, so it’s over 100 years old!    Our home is in an up and coming neighborhood, and it’s a perfect starter home.

The three bedrooms have carpet in them, with wood floors underneath.   We’re going to rip up the carpet in the bedrooms, and after some help, we’ll have beautiful wood floors there.

The main areas of the house are another story though.  The floors of the hallways, living room, dining room, and kitchen areas are covered with large white ceramic tiling.  Now don’t get me wrong, tile is a great option for floor coverings, especially high traffic areas like hallways and kitchens, however this particular tile has a distinct hospital feeling to it.  The house was previously used as a rental property – so I can see why the last owners put in the tile – it’s extremely hard-wearing and durable. But not very cozy or warm.  Not really appropriate in a small family home.

Even if we replace the tile with other tile, we could put in a stone floor, with a great warm color.  Stone also is extremely durable and versatile, just like tile.

Or maybe we’ll go with a laminate flooring.  It’s not the laminate flooring of your grandparents age – laminate has gone high tech!   Plus with high res imaging, you can choose exactly what you want your flooring to look like – stone, wood, tile, you name it!

What are some of your favorite flooring looks?

[photo by Diana Parkhouse]

Today, a friend of Carpet Wagon is going to come a little bit out of the woodwork, so to speak, and share some of her personal experiences about being a first time homeowner.

My husband and I just became first time homeowners.  We’d heard all these crazy stories about how stressful escrow can be, and I won’t lie to you, it was truly nail-biting at times.

Our new house has really good bones, so to speak, but it’s been a rental house for decades before we bought it – so it definitely needs a little bit of TLC.  New floors, fresh paint, new kitchen cabinets, and some beautiful outdoor landscaping are all on our “short list” of things we want to tackle.  To be honest, we’re a little nervous about suddenly being the sole people responsible to make all those little (or big!) repairs that may come up in the near or distant future.

First up, what I’d love to tackle is the floors!   The bedrooms all have carpet in them, but it’s not in the best shape.  Actually – it’s horrid.  But part of what attracted me to the house is that I know that there are wood floors lurking under that threadbare carpet.  I’ve helped friends pull up carpet before – so I know it only take a few strong arms and some determination – but what do we do beyond that?   I’m tempted to see if we can sand and refinish the floors under the carpet all by ourselves – but I’m also aware that it might be a bigger and more complicated job than we can deal with ourselves.

Stay tuned with us here in the next few weeks and months as I share our experiences of being new homeowners and all the fun adventures that ensue!

[photo by Diana Parkhouse]

Question:
I am having a house built, and trying to find out what is more economical and durable, carpet, tile or wood flooring?  Do you recommend any brand over another?

Answer:
There are many great brands and types of flooring.  If you are going strictly for price – then carpet is probably your best choice, as it tends to be the most economical.  However, you’ll get more durability from tile and hardwood flooring.

You say you’re building a new home… you may want to consider a combination of at least two or three different types of flooring, depending upon the floor plan and the functions of the rooms.  We’ve all heard the phrase “Wall-to-Wall Carpeting”, but in reality – do you really want carpet in your bathrooms or entryway where the constant moisture or heavy traffic can permanently damage carpet?   As a general rule, carpet is more desirable in bedrooms, and often family rooms as well, while tile, stone or hardwoods do better in heavily used areas such as the kitchen, dining and entryway areas.   Also something to consider: the more formal the room the more you may want to consider the timeless elegance of hardwood flooring.

Some of the best brands to look for in flooring are Mohawk, Mannington, Bruce, Armstrong, Pergo, Milliken, and just to name a few.  Carpet Wagon carries all these brands plus many more.

[photo by Nancy Hugo]

What best defines your decorating style?   Sleek and modern?  Shabby Chic?   Traditional Americana?

Our homes are an extension of ourselves and our families.   How you decorate your home expresses part of who you are.    Decorating is a process that can be done from the “ground” up, so to speak.

What kind of flooring will match best with your innate style?   Are you the sleek pinewood floor or the distressed oakwood floor?    Does plush and comfortable carpet best match your needs and style?     What kind of area rug fits your personal taste?

Do you have a “Shoes Off” policy at your house?

For many years this tradition was thought to be something only found in the Middle East or Asia.   But more and more American families are taking up the “Shoes Off” call in their own homes.

Thoughtful Moms are concerned about germs and other things being dragged in from the street: No thank you!  Others simply don’t want to see their carefully maintained floors scuffed or dented by the errant stiletto or rough boot.

It can be slightly tricky to ask a guest to first take off their shoes before entering your house.  We want to be wholly hospitable while still keeping our carpets clean.   Here’s a fun recommendation: provide house slippers or socks for your guests!   A shoe rack beside the entrance can also help be a hint to your guest to remove their shoes.

What about your family?  Are you a “shoes on” or “shoes off” type of house?