The 203K program enables HUD (Department of Housing and Community Development) to promote and facilitate the restoration of our existing housing.  It is HUD’s primary program for the rehabilitation and repair of single family homes.  HUD’s main goal is the revitalization and expansion of homeownership throughout our communities.

203K operates through FHA’s (Federal Housing Administration) approved lending institutions that submit applications to have the property appraised and to get the buyer’s credit approved.  The 203K program allows that buyer to just have one mortgage loan, at a long-term adjustable rate to finance the purchase and rehabilitation of the property.  The mortgage is based on the projected value of the property once the work is completed.  Once the mortgage is disbursed and an escrow account for the rehabilitation is established, the lender will have a fully-insured mortgage loan.

Eligible properties are one-to four-family dwelling units that have been completed for at least one year.  The units must meet the local zoning requirements.  The program is also eligible for condominiums that have been approved by the FHA.

Only certain lenders and subcontractors are approved by the FHA to participate in this program.  Flooring America/FA Design Build is an approved 203K subcontractor and we have completed several properties through this program.

Please visit www.203kplus.com for more details.  Stay tuned for our next blog which will discuss the 203k Streamlined(k) program.

Avoid any bumps in the road to your home design project.  Use our installation guide for great tips on the transition of your old floors to the new.

 Installation Matters

 Today’s hardwood flooring is extremely versatile.  There are more ways than ever to install your hardwood flooring: nailing, stapling, gluing, floating or the new “click” (glue-less) fit, where the plank edges snap together like the pieces of a puzzle.

 At Flooring America, we have a “Points of Difference Guarantee”, meaning we stand behind our products and services.  Our guarantees protect you and your investment to ensure you a confident, worry-free and enjoyable shopping experience.  We believe that how your floor is installed will impact its performance and life.  We provide a warranted installation by a trained, professional craftsperson who will finish the job to perfection-GUARANTEED!

 Things to Do Before Installation

 We want you to have a clear understanding of the services we provide as well as to be aware of items you will need to handle prior to the installer arriving at your home.  After your purchase, items crucial to the smooth installation of your new flooring will be detailed by your sales professional in a pre-installation check list and may include some of the following:

• Verification of the installation date.
• Ensuring the removal of all “breakables” from the room.
• Determining who will remove furniture, appliances and the sub-floor, if needed.
• Arranging for the disconnection of gas appliances and icemakers.
• Determining if any change to the height of the floor require adjustments to doors in order for them to close properly.
• Ensuring the removal of items in storage areas and closets where the floor is to be resurfaced.
• Make certain drapes, wall hangings and pictures are removed from walls.
• Verify that your in-home temperature is appropriate for the installation.

 Installation

 Your local Flooring America store offers expert installation for all of the flooring products that we carry.  You can trust our installers to create a great-looking floor for your home.  Whether it’s a solid-color carpet or a detailed, custom tile design, our licensed and insured professionals will get the job done accurately and beautifully. 

We are so confident that you will be more than satisfied with our professional installation that we will be happy to correct any installation-related problems for free during the intended life of your floor.
Get started today and bring your colors, swatches, photos and ideas into one of our stores…Fairfax, Woodbridge or White Plains.

 There are two different types of Hardwood Floors, Solid and Engineered.  Today we are going to discuss Solid Hardwood Floors.

Solid Hardwood is exactly what it says…100% solid wood.  There are three different types of Solid Hardwood and all three can either come unfinished or pre-finished.  Below are the three types of hardwood:

• Strip Hardwood Flooring

Although strip hardwood is always going to be the same width (1 ½ inches, 2 inches and 2 ¼  inches), the thickness of the wood can vary.  It starts at 5/16 of an inch.

• Plank Flooring

There are two thicknesses for plank flooring (1/2 inch or 3/4 inch), but the widths vary from 3 inches to 8 inches.

• Parquet Floors

Parquet floors do not look like your typical hardwood flooring.  They are patterns in individual wood slats. 

Solid hardwood is more susceptible to shrinking and expanding from excessive moisture and extreme temperature changes.  Please be aware that in the winter months, moisture may cause gaps between the planks…once the summer months come around, and the humidity is higher, the planks then expand back to fill in those gaps.  We recommend that you keep your homes relative humidity between 40-55%.  Because it is sensitive to moisture, we do not recommend that you install solid hardwood below ground level.

Solid hardwood should not be installed directly over concrete and should be nailed or stapled to the subfloor.  We suggest that you have the wood acclimated prior to installation.

The most popular types of Solid hardwood species are Red Oak, White Oak and Maple, but these are just the most popular…there are several different species of solid hardwood.

Do you want Prefinished or Unfinished hardwood flooring?

Prefinished hardwood is quicker to install because it does not have to be sanded or refinished.  It does not need to dry, so your house can get back to normal as soon as it is installed.

Unfinished hardwood takes a little longer to install and has to dry.

Today we will discuss the various types of carpets. Knowing carpet textures will help you determine where a carpet should be installed for maintenance and style purposes. The most popular type of carpet is the cut pile. The cut pile is a type of carpet whose loops have been cut out. Durability is maintained by choosing a durable fiber, increasing the amount of twist in the fiber and having a high density in the tufts. There are three types of  cut pile carpets: Frieze, Saxony, and Plush.

The fibers in the Frieze are twisted and have a very curly surface texture. This texture minimizes footprints and vacuuming marks, so it works great in high traffic areas. It is best used in playrooms or lounging areas because it has a casual look.

Saxony fibers still have a twist, but with a more level look, which is somewhere between casual and formal. It has a smooth surface that minimizes footprints as well, so it is perfect for less traffic areas that have a less formal look. It works well in your  home office or finished basement.

Plush is also referred to as a velvet cut pile and has a smooth, level texture. It is luxurious looking and creates a very sophisticated look, which looks elegant in a formal living room.

Level loop pile has loops that are all the same height, which the Berber style of carpet. It is very durable and works great in high traffic areas. It is most in offices or basements because it has a casual and relaxed look.

Multi-level loop pile has a few different loop heights, which create an interesting casual pattern and is very durable.

 Visit our blog again when we discuss carpet shapes and sizes!

A great way to add more storage and countertop space to your kitchen is to add an island. Kitchen islands are becoming more and more popular. You can even add a portable refrigerator, sink, wine rack, or wet bar to any island. A kitchen island is a “table-like” cooking area at the center of the kitchen, they are mainly used for preparing food and secondary cooking needs. It also work well as a place to eat quick meals. Kitchen islands can range from a simple design using wood, stones, stainless steel or tile to a more superior and complex design. It creates an extra surface for cooking and it also works well when transferring hot meals from the oven to cool off. It is usually at waist level and has drawers to hold kitchen utensils. Tops of the line islands can have working sinks, side cutting boards and disposal units for preparations of vegetables and fruits. The fancier ones feature griddles, electric burners, and even grills. These islands are used to prepare quick meals. If you decide on the fancier style, make sure have exhaust fans located beneath the heating elements and ensure that they draw heat and smoke away from other areas of the kitchen. The recommended size is a minimum of four feet long and about two feet deep, and it has to be enough moving space around it. kitchen islands tend to be the focal point of a kitchen. Usually the cabinets in an island match the other kitchen cabinets, but they may also have a contrasting color, material, finish, or shape. It is a great place to store appliances. The islands that have cook tops are great because it allows the host to socialize while preparing meals. Kitchen islands have become the most modern addition to any kitchen. Comfortable, casual, atmosphere for family activity.

If you’re trying to remodel your kitchen but are on a budget, we have some great alternatives for you.

The first option would be to paint! You can start by painting your cabinets. Yes, even wood cabinets can be painted! You will be amazed at how something so simple can make a difference. You can even paint vinyl flooring and laminate countertops to look like wood, marble, or granite with the use of a high-quality primer, and don’t forget to cover with at least for coats of polyurethane.

Another way to update your kitchen is to simply replace cabinet handles and drawer pulls. These small accessories will give a fresh look to your existing cabinets. They’re also not the only thing that can be replaced in your kitchen. Faucets are also an easy way to enhance the look of your kitchens without spending too much. A stainless steel faucet can work wonders!

Another great way to upgrade your kitchen at a low cost is to add a backsplash. You will be amazed how new life is added to your old design. Colorful, glass mosaic tiles can create a very dramatic look.

Upgrading your kitchen floor is critical to the overall look and feel of the room. A couple of ideas would be to extend the hardwood from the hallway into the kitchen or add a black and white linoleum floor with red knobs and accessories throughout the rest of your kitchen for a pop of color. That is sure to turn your kitchen from dull and drab to dramatic and daring! If you decide against painting or replacing your floor, throw rugs are a great and inexpensive alternative to change the look of your floor.

Last, but not least, is the lighting. Glass cabinet doors with interior lighting creates a beautiful effect in any kitchen. You can also change overhead fixtures or put a lamp on your counter. This extra lighting will certainly enhance the look and mood of your kitchen.

These are just a few, inexpensive suggestions that can turn your outdated kitchen to one of the most creative rooms in your home.

The kitchen is a natural gathering spot in every home. The kitchen should represent you and your family’s lifestyle as well as carry on the cohesive design of your entire home. For this reason, a kitchen must not only be warm and inviting, but functional as well. When it comes to designing and building a brand new kitchen, or revamping your existing one, you will be faced many important decisions which can become overwhelming. To make the task a bit easier for you, here are a few things to keep in mind when designing your kitchen.

Begin with choosing a budget. By setting a determined budget, you are able to weed out all the choices out there that are beyond your desired price range. This will reduce the number of products that you look at by giving you a range that fits your budget comfortably, which is a very important factor if you’re also thinking of designing another room in your home.

Once the budget is set, you can start thinking of which design captures your lifestyle and preferences the best. You can decide between a traditional, contemporary, or country style, among others.

Once you make these initial decisions, you can begin to shop around for the specific details that will add your personal touch to your kitchen. If you chose a traditional kitchen, you can start by looking at cabinet wood finishes, like cherry or mahogany, which are often representative of traditional kitchens. If you prefer lighter colors, painting your cabinets white is also a great way to create a traditional look.

Of course, if you’ve chosen a contemporary theme, you will also want to look at modern, sleek appliances that complement the style of your cabinets which usually have a monochromatic and minimalist appearance. Stainless steel appliances and glass panel cabinets are staples in many modern kitchens.

Other styles you can look at are: Country, Cottage, Provincial, Shaker, and Craftsman. You can find more information on these different styles in our upcoming blog about “Kitchen Styles”.

Once you’ve come to a decision about your preferred style, you will find that it’s easier to choose the smaller details that enhance the design of your kitchen. Staying within budget and theme will help you organize your ideas and make the job less daunting and give you more time to enjoy the shopping experience, which is where the real fun begins.