After a weekend of removals I can finally say that the floors are ready for action. Over the last 2 days I met with several hardwood flooring professionals and got a wide range of estimates. My dad gave me some great advice of always of get 3 quotes and go with the middle. Going into this process, I kept that in mind.

This is one of those times that to was essential to ask around. I never thought of it, but, asking a current or previous landlord was a great place to start. My future tenant Katie asked her current landlord and we were able to get a great price because of who we knew. Katie had lived in an apartment that he done some work so we had an idea of what we were getting into.

Since I’m in an age bracket were lots of people are buying their first home, it’s great to be surrounded by other resources. A friend of mine who just purchased their own first home had a great experience of their own having their floors refinished. The same company was available and really great to talk to.

The final person was someone recommended by the sellers agent, who happens to also be my next door neighbor. While they were readily available, they were very expensive.

So, I went with the price in the middle. They start work tomorrow so I can’t wait to see what happens. While I don’t think the floors are original to 1857, they are definitely not new and will need some serious love and attention. If all goes according to plan, it will not only look great, but, last quiet a while. Considering the 1st floor apartment will be rented out, I’m making sure everything I do to it will last. I don’t know when I will have this house empty again so I’m making the most of it.

Stay tuned for the progress. Work starts tomorrow morning and I can’t wait to see how it all turns out!!

-Little Miss Improvement

I will leave you with a visual of the living room in Apartment 1.

Here is what it looked when I bought the house:

After ripping up the carpet Saturday:

And after today’s final staple removal and prep: