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So, you’re renovating your home and you’re excited to install hardwood floor.  You head to the local flooring supply and you discover that there are more options than you realized, and now you’re trying to decide whether to choose solid or engineered hardwood floor.  What’s the difference between these options, and what are the pros and cons of each?  Of course, installing new flooring can be expensive regardless of the materials you choose, so you also want to be sure to make the right decision for you and your home.  Let’s discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks of solid and engineered hardwood flooring so you can make an informed choice.

We’ll start with solid hardwood.  What is it?  Essentially, solid hardwood flooring is made from one piece of solid wood (from the top to bottom surface of the strip of wood).  Solid hardwood flooring is typically available in a range of thicknesses from ¾” to ⁵/₁₆”.  Solid hardwood flooring can usually be used on or above grade and makes a great choice for high traffic areas such as family rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.  However, seasonal temperature and humidity changes can have adverse effects on solid hardwood floors.  Extreme changes in relative humidity can cause solid hardwood floors to expand and contract causing cracks between floor boards.  Similarly, excessive moisture can be damaging to solid hardwood floors, so experts generally recommend choosing the hardest materials available (e.g. oak and ash) for areas such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Alternatively, engineered hardwood floors are constructed by layering real wood with veneers.  In other words, engineered hardwood floors feature stacked layers of wood where the grain of each layer runs perpendicularly in order to promote durability and stability.  This means engineered hardwood floors are more resilient to humidity, temperature, and moisture changes.  Additionally, engineered hardwood flooring can be installed over a subfloor or concrete which means they are suitable for basements.  Like solid hardwood, engineered floors can be installed on or above grade, but also below grade.  Though they cannot be sanded or finished like solid hardwood, they are also less likely to crack or dent due to changes in humidity, temperature, or moisture.  Solid hardwood floors are certainly easier to refinish when cracks and dents appear, but engineered hardwood can usually easily be maintained by replacing damaged strips as necessary.

When choosing between solid and engineered hardwood, it is always advisable to consult with an expert.  Some of the factors you need to consider are durability and maintenance requirements for the materials you choose, and of course your budget.  There are so many beautiful flooring options for both solid and engineered hardwood floors that you’re sure to find the ideal material for your home.

General contractors are professionals that oversee all aspects of construction projects.  This includes hiring and managing tradespeople, sourcing and purchasing materials, and coordinating communication between professionals and clients to ensure the seamless progress and completion of the project.  As a homeowner, you likely want to work with a general contractor to manage larger home renovations as specialized skills and knowledge will be required to manage the project.  For example, general contractors would be responsible for negotiating salaries, obtaining permits, scheduling all elements of the project, and managing budgets and timelines.  Large renovation projects can actually be quite difficult to oversee, and general contractors are made for the job.  But, how much do general contractors charge?

From initial meetings and early assessment all the way to project completion, a general contractor is a valuable resource in any home renovation project.  Especially if you are not familiar with the construction industry, general contractors are integral in organizing every nuance of your project and helping you stay on time and on budget.  The best contractors have generalized knowledge that allows them to apply their expertise at every stage of your home remodel – they can answer your questions, help you make adaptations as the project progresses, and generally handle all the stress that may come up in the project.  For these services, general contractors will usually charge a percentage of your total project budget.

What should you expect this rate to be?  As a rule of thumb, general contractors will charge between 10 and 20 percent of the total cost of your renovation or remodel.  This rate will likely depend on the size and scope of your project, your geographic location, and the materials, labourers, and permits required for the job.  There are also some general contractors that will charge a flat rate for their services.  Ultimately, it is very important as a homeowner that you negotiate general contractor fees before you sign a contract.

So then, what are your responsibilities as a homeowner when working with a general contractor?  First and foremost, you want to protect your interests.  This means you want to communicate clearly with contractors about your expectations and get quotes from at least a few different contractors before you settle.  Seek referrals and references, but also take some time to get to know your general contractor to ensure you can communicate effectively.

Additionally, it is important that you treat your general contractor with respect.  Negotiate payment terms and timelines in your contract and make sure to adhere to these terms throughout your working relationship.  At the end of the day, establishing and maintaining a positive working relationship with your general contractor will help to ensure your home renovation achieves your expectations.