Wood flooring is increasing in number as everyone wants to have the surface in either a few rooms or an entire office or home. But some places like kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways indoor and outdoor attract constant motion as people keep coming and going. Here the presence of wooden floors requires extra maintenance to bolster the durability of the surface.   According to Forbes, experts recommend paying attention to cleaning and maintaining wooden floors every 10 years so that they remain evergreen. Because if it is overlooked then the appeal of beige wood flooring ends permanently. Therefore, the blog will provide you with strategies to adopt in maintaining wood flooring in high-traffic areas.   Strategies For Enhancing Durability of Wooden Flooring In High-Traffic Areas   You must have seen cleaners or your house help constantly mopping wooden floors. Why is that so? Because the surface gets marked with footprints leaving, a messy look. So, the surface needs maintenance to look in its mint condition for longevity. Hence, these are some strategies that you can implement to elevate the durability of the wooden floor:  Cleaning Tools For Wooden Floors   Irrespective of the fact that you have newly installed the wooden flooring or had it already. You must have its cleaning tools and supplies in place as the wood surface will need your attention time and again if you want to maximize its durability. When you go for shopping groceries and cleaning solutions, bear in mind that not all solutions are wood surface friendly. For instance, if you pick a floor cleaner that is used to clean tile or vinyl flooring then avoid that as the option fits those floors and can cause serious harm to your wooden surface. Therefore, be vigilant while buying the cleaner as you won’t want to damage the floor due to your negligence.  If you have found the ideal one, then also don’t directly apply to the wood surface. First, read the description on the packaging of the solution to find any warnings for potential side effects that could still harm the surface and see your money and time going in the trash. Consider doing a small experiment. Apply a little solution in an area that will not catch attention if the cleaner ends up damaging too. You can have an idea through this whether the solution is correct for your floor or not.  Remember that hard surface cleaners and all-rounder cleaning solutions don’t serve the purpose of cleaning wooden surfaces. They will upset you more. How? Because these solutions comprise harmful chemicals that ultimately will leave dullness there are chances of the residue getting collected on the wooden surface. Another heart breaking reason is that these cleaners sometimes also carry bleach as one of their main ingredients, which again adversely impacts the surface, reducing the charm of the floor.   With so many obstacles in between you still have to find the perfect solution to clean the wooden surface. Look for the ones that have neutral pH levels exclusively designed to clean such floors. Read these tips to understand how to correctly clean the floor with the supplies:  Refrain Using A Soaked Mop Or Damp Sponge   As much as the options look tempting, refrain from using a soaked mop or damp sponge to clean the wooden surface. The techniques leave extra water and that gets pooled on the waxed surface which damages the flooring.  Purchase Wood Cleaners From The Source   If you are not finding reliable cleaners anywhere at all then get in touch with the company that installed your wooden flooring as they would know better which cleaner will suit your surface.   The wood flooring in areas like meeting spaces and anywhere that is exposed to dirt, dust, and grime will demand more cleaning. More cleaning means more effective tools, therefore in this situation you would need to do your proper research to get the competent tools to lift durability before regretting the flooring.   Place Mats, Rugs, and Felt  To avoid being annoyed by watching shoeprints in hallways, corridors, main areas, or wherever the floor experiences extreme traffic, placemats, rugs, and felt protectors. The slip-proof mats and rugs will save your area from getting worn out due to wear and tear way quicker than you expected.   Check into these tips explaining you further how to keep your wooden floor safe from wear and tear to increase its life:   Quit Sliding Furniture Or Large Electronic Appliances   If you have been sliding furniture or large electrical appliances across wooden surfaces, then it’s time you quit doing that. Rather opt for hand trucks to lift the heavy-duty items as in this way there will be no scratches or scruff on the wooden floor.   Invest In Felt Protectors   Go to your nearest shop and buy felt protectors. Where will they go? You will place them under the feet of the chairs, sofas, and table legs. Followed by display stands if any. What will happen is your wooden flooring will not get damaged by the furniture and remain brand new.   Regularly Wash The Rugs, Felt Protectors, and Mats   While using rugs, felt protectors, and mats make sure you regularly wash them and keep changing their places with time. These also attract dust particles to reside within them, which when dragged can scratch the wooden floors.  While walking over the wooden floors people can always unintentionally drop liquids or solids that can dirty the floor. But if the above suggestions are applied then the wooden surfaces stand a chance of surviving another few years.   Conclusion  Wooden floors are high maintenance and to get the maximum durability, you need to buy the correct supplies and tools that are compatible with beige hardwood flooring, apply premium quality finishing, and purchase rugs and mats to place under furniture legs to avoid scratches on surfaces.

When faced with the challenge of finding the perfect home, individuals may consider the option of constructing their own residence. In such instances, a decision must be made between opting for a stick-built house or a prefab home.  A stick-built house refers to the traditional method of construction, wherein a team of workers assembles the home on-site over several months, incorporating plumbing and electrical systems as they go.  On the other hand, a prefab home is constructed from pre-built components, offering a streamlined and efficient alternative to traditional construction methods. But, a confusion generally persists – are prefab homes good or bad? If you’re wondering that, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. This article, you can learn about prefab homes, their benefits and disadvantages. What Is a Prefab Home? The term “prefab” is short for prefabricated, which briefly summarises the essence of prefab homes. These residences are manufactured in a controlled factory environment and transported in their entirety to the designated site for assembly. Compared to traditional homes, prefab homes offer a notably simplified construction and relocation process. Prefab homes typically come in three primary categories: manufactured, kit, and modular. Here’s a concise overview of each: Manufactured Homes: These homes are constructed in sections and assembled on-site by professionals using heavy machinery. They are subject to regulatory standards set by the country’s local Government. Kit Homes: Kit homes are simpler in design compared to manufactured homes but follow a similar construction process. In fact, many homebuyers can assemble kit homes themselves, making them a more accessible option. Modular Homes: Offering greater customisation options, modular homes allow for personalised floor plans tailored to individual preferences. Unlike manufactured and kit homes, modular homes are built on a fixed foundation, providing stability and durability. The Pros of Prefab Homes Prefab homes come with some significant benefits, including: Exceptional Energy Efficiency Prefab homes offer a multitude of benefits, foremost among them being their exceptional energy efficiency. Through meticulous construction, these homes boast tight seams and cutting-edge windows, effectively retaining heat and resulting in reduced energy bills.  Additionally, the sturdy construction of modular homes grants them a reputation for resilience against natural disasters, offering homeowners added security and peace of mind. Contrary to common misconception, prefab homes are not synonymous with mobile homes. Prefabricated or modular, these homes are installed on a foundation like any other traditional home.  Renowned for their high-quality craftsmanship, contemporary design, and sophistication, these homes cater to individuals seeking both sustainability and style in their living spaces. Fast Construction Swift construction stands as a key benefit of prefab homes. With ready-made components, assembly is simplified, minimizing on-site labor and utility connections.  This efficiency, reflected in the term “modular,” expedites construction, reducing labor days and vulnerability to weather delays and illnesses. However, beyond construction speed, site preparation, including permit acquisition, can prolong the process.  Thus, while prefab homes offer rapid assembly, additional time for site readiness and regulatory compliance is essential. Affordability Constructing a prefab home typically costs less than a comparable stick-built home, primarily due to reduced labor expenses. With fewer laborers working fewer days, prefab homes become move-in-ready more efficiently, translating to cost savings for homeowners. Additionally, heating and cooling expenses are often more economical in prefab homes compared to conventional ones. If considering existing home options, it’s prudent to compare market prices with prefab construction costs.  Keep in mind that the level of fittings and customisation can influence prefab costs. Engage with the manufacturer to explore cost-saving strategies tailored to your needs. The Cons of Prefab Homes Like all the other homes, prefab homes also come with some disadvantages, such as, Land Costs To erect a prefab home, you must own the land beneath it. If not, purchasing land is necessary. Ensure the land permits prefab construction and utility hookup.  Conduct soil tests on the designated land. Acquiring land, undergoing inspections, and obtaining permits entail costs, time, and effort.  Some prefab home companies offer assistance, securing permits and incorporating expenses into the modular home’s cost. More Up-Front Payments When purchasing an existing home, a down payment of approximately 20% is typical, with the remainder repaid through a mortgage over time.  Prefab homes often require upfront payment for construction before occupancy. Contracts outline installment schedules during construction. Ensuring affordability before commitment is crucial due to this pay-as-you-go approach.  While upfront payment reduces interest costs, it necessitates financial readiness before purchasing and erecting a prefab home. Utilities Might Be Tough to Find Prefabricated homes pose challenges in coordinating utilities and site preparations. Leveling uneven terrain, laying foundations, and arranging sewer and electrical connections are necessary.  Additionally, accessing city water or drilling for well water may be required. Consider prefab homes that offer assistance in managing these tasks, alleviating potential complexities. You can also hire a professional provider of building and property maintenance like Fixx, who can do this work for you. Conclusion Prefab home costs fluctuate depending on personal involvement and outsourcing. Some choose DIY kits, assembling with friends, while others prefer professional construction services, willing to pay for convenience.  Consider your preferences and capabilities before selecting a prefab route. DIY projects offer cost savings but require time, effort, and skill. Contrarily, professional services reduce construction responsibilities but come at a higher price.  Assess your budget, skills, and timeframe to determine the best approach. Whichever path you choose, ensure a thorough understanding of the process and associated commitments.  With careful consideration, you can embark on your prefab home journey confidently, achieving your desired outcome within your means.