While you may be drawn to certain flooring options due to the overall aesthetic look and feel, there are several other factors to consider when choosing the best flooring for your home. From maintenance and durability to cost, pet-friendliness, and more, there are many aspects that can greatly influence your decision. You’ll also want to consider the use of the room and what type of flooring will make the most sense given the space. For example, a tile or water-resistant laminate is going to be your best bet for the bathroom. Consider Your Living SituationFrom the number of rooms in your home to whether or not you have pets and/or children, there are plenty of factors to consider when choosing flooring. How often do you spend time in each room? What’s the foot traffic situation? How often are you cleaning the floors? If you do have children and/or pets, you may want to choose flooring that’s easy to clean (wood and laminate are great options). On the other hand, if a room is going to be used by seniors, you may want to consider slip resistance and comfort, as well as flooring that allows easy movement for walking frames, crutches, or wheelchairs. Preferable options in this case include carpet and rubber; materials like natural stone would be best avoided.Play Into Your PersonalityOf course, you’ll still want to choose flooring that suits you and your family. Are you looking to radiate warmth and a welcoming environment? Do you have a love of natural materials or a more contemporary style? Someone who wants to showcase their love of nature may choose solid wood or stone flooring. Those looking for a more contemporary look may want glossy finish porcelain. You can also consider the other items in your room, like lighting and decor, to help you settle on a flooring option that makes sense.Aim For ConsistencyIf you decide to use different types of flooring in your home, you’ll want to ensure your home still maintains a continuous flow when looked at as a whole. Some people choose to follow the “less than three” rule which stipulates you shouldn’t have more than three kinds of materials per floor in a home. In Defense of CarpetIn terms of warmth and intimacy, carpet is still an excellent option. Carpet is a staple for bedrooms, living spaces, and any other areas of the home that are frequented barefoot. Carpet also provides some sound-proofing, as well as insulation. Of course, carpet can be harder to clean and care for over time, so be sure you’re prepared for that upkeep. 

The days are getting a bit shorter, leaves are changing colors, and colder months are around the corner. But before we take a deep dive into the snow, autumn is the perfect time to do a home maintenance check to get ahead of any potential issues. From clearing the gutters to checking for drafts, there is plenty to be done this time of year. Replace Batteries & Check AlarmsWith cold weather approaching, you want to be sure your home is well-equipped for emergencies. While it can be an easy thing to put off, checking your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms is a quick and simple task that will give you peace of mind.  Clear Your GuttersGet ahead of the falling leaves and clean out your gutters as you don’t want them to get clogged! Leaves easily get stuck in gutters, causing damage if the weight becomes too heavy.Check for DraftsBe sure to go around your home and check for any drafty windows or doors that may need to be fixed before the cold weather really hits. Replacing the weather stripping on doors is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix that’ll keep you and your family warm and comfortable.Prepare Your Furnace/Fireplace, Gather FirewoodIf you have a fireplace, wood-burning stove or furnace, you’ll want to get ahead of the game and gather plenty of wood to keep you warm through the winter. If you use a fireplace, make sure the chimney is clear and ready for use. If you have an electric heating or boiler system, you’ll want to test it as it’s been sitting unused during the summer months. The last thing you want to do is realize your heat isn’t working on a cold winter’s day. Check Your InventoryFrom back-up batteries and flashlights to the necessary tools (rakes, shovels, etc.), now is a great time to go through and organize your shed or storage space to ensure you have everything you need for the coming months. It may take some time to clean up, but your future self will thank you.Disconnect Garden HosesIt’s very important to disconnect and drain your garden hoses before freezing temperatures hit. If there’s any water left in a hose, and the temperature drops below freezing, the spigot itself can become damaged. Once a spigot is cracked, it must be replaced. Simply drain your hose by turning off the spigot, and then using a spray nozzle to get any excess water out of the hose. Fall home maintenance is critical so your property remains in the best possible condition for enduring any rain, frost, and snow as we approach the winter season. Without completing preventative home maintenance projects early, you may find yourself having to repair more serious damage in colder, harsher months, especially when it comes to any wooden structures and electrical systems. Get ahead of the game so you can enjoy cozy, comfortable nights inside!