Now that you’ve decided it’s time to replace the floors in your home, there are a few things you should consider:

• Draw a rough outline of the rooms you want to install flooring in and how these rooms flow together. Be sure to include closets, fixed cabinet features, fireplaces, and doorways.
   
• Have you considered the flooring in your halls? Stairways? How does your home flow?
   
• Have an idea of approximately how much flooring you’ll require for each room, hallway, staircase, etc. Take a measuring tape and get a rough idea. Flooring is typically sold by the square foot or by the square yard.
   
• Have a checklist of the approximate dimensions.
   
• Consider the light that enters the room.
  Is it natural light (sunlight) or does it require artificial light? This can make a difference in the floor you’ll want to select.
   
• What is under your existing flooring?
  This is important information to know when you select your new floor. Try to find this out before you begin shopping for your new floor covering.
   
• If you’re planning on selling your home consider this:
  Green flooring choices equal more green in your wallet. Worn, tired carpet will not only look awful but it can make you feel worn and tired too. Replace it with the hottest trend in flooring: renewable, environmentally-friendly bamboo. Solid surface floors are easy to keep clean and give your home an upscale look and feel.
  Green flooring choices, like bamboo, minimally impact the environment and are a big selling point to today's environmentally-conscious home buyers.
   
• Kitchen remodels are king.
  Hands down, one of the biggest returns on investment comes from a kitchen remodel. Most experts agree that if you plan on updating only one room in your home, it should be the kitchen. Large, open kitchens have become the social hub of the modern home. High-end touches like granite countertops, richly stained custom cabinets and energy-efficient stainless appliances are the gold standard in modern kitchens. Experts agree that kitchen remodels return an average of 80 to 85 percent of every dollar spent. You can expect an even higher return if you are remodeling a really outdated kitchen.

Evaluate Your Flooring Needs

Now it’s time to decide what type of flooring fits your lifestyle. Your requirements are unique and solely based on your personal situation. Some things to consider are:

• What is the room(s) used for?
•  Do you have children or pets?
• Is there excessive traffic or very little?
• Is there an abundance of sunlight entering the room?
• Do you need to change out the existing baseboard and moldings?
• What is the timeline for choosing your floor and getting it installed?
• Is your climate especially moist or humid? Flooring can be affected by these variables.
• Will the room where your new flooring is installed require painting? If so, try to paint before the flooring is installed.

It’s Time to go to a Madison Flooring and Design Showroom:

Now that you have determined some of the essential aspects of choosing the right floor, the fun begins! Here are some ideas you’ll want to consider when you’re ready to select your new floor from a Madison Flooring and Design showroom.

• Bring samples of drapery fabrics, wallpaper, and paint swatches.
• What furniture will be in the room?
• Bring fabric swatches of your furniture.
• What style of room are you trying to achieve?
• What are your favorite colors?
• For children’s rooms, are themes involved? Many floors are designed with children in mind. Kid’s rooms can have their own flair. Get them involved.
• Sound and acoustics of a room are important when choosing the right floor.

You’ve Made Your Selection, Now What?

Once you and your Madison Flooring and Design expert have selected the perfect flooring based on your needs, make sure you cover these areas so you’ll be 100% satisfied.

• Will you be financing through Madison Flooring and Design Credit?
• What warranties or guarantees are offered with your floor?
• How should you care for your new floor?

A Few Thoughts About Installation:

• What is sub floor preparation?
• Who removes the existing flooring? What are the costs associated with its removal?
• Understand all the preparation for installing new flooring especially if it involves moving furniture and appliances.
• Be sure to understand who is responsible for removing and re-installing toilets, dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves and sinks.

 Does the price cover all installation costs?

Your Madison Flooring and Design expert is prepared to assist you with all installation questions and issues.

Enjoying Your New Floor

We have described all the important steps in selecting new flooring. However, the most important step is to find a Madison Flooring and Design store near you and you’ll be on your way to enjoying all the comfort, style, and fashion new flooring adds to your home.