Shopping For A New Home?

It seems like everybody is buying and selling. Here’s something to think about before you start looking: how “move in ready” do you want the house to be?

If the home isn’t perfect, decide which projects you’re willing and able to take on. Home renovation shows on TV are not real life – it’s never as simple as it seems. You might walk into an older home and think, well, I can just tear down that wall to open up the kitchen. Though the idea is tempting, you might regret that decision down the road: everything is always more complicated and expensive that you thought it would be.

You might be fine with updating the paint, landscaping, and appliances but not be willing to commit to any major projects that involve a contractor (like moving walls, repairing the foundation, updating the electrical service, fixing the roof, or any other high-ticket items). Maybe you’re OK with replacing the floors, but you don’t want to deal with windows. Just make sure you know your limitations and budget so you can avoid those items should they come up.

A basic understanding of big-ticket problems will help you immensely. Red flags like mold, water stains, or cracks in the ceilings or walls can indicate major leaks, for example. Spend some time learning what various projects cost, like a new roof, and be sure to factor in before you make that offer.

Let’s say you find your new dream house – but want to add more of the same flooring. This is not as easy as it seems. If you can’t get information on the floors that you want more of (manufacturer, style, color) it may not be possible. We would love to tell you that we can look at a floor and tell you exactly what it is, but we can’t. There are thousands and thousands of floors, and every year styles get discontinued. Then factor in that some floors change color over time – darken, lighten, fade from the sun, discolor -- and that makes it even harder. 

If adding more floor is something you want to do, please gather the following information before you begin the search:

What do you know about the floors? Is there paperwork on the floor that came with the home? Know who installed them that you can contact for more information? Is there a box in the attic with identifying information?

How old is the house?

Approximately how old are the floors?

If the new floors will touch your current floor, it really needs to be exact to avoid looking like patchwork. If the floors do not touch, close enough is good enough.

PRO TIP: Figure this out before you knock out a wall. If you can’t find more of the adjoining floor, you are now replacing lots of flooring, adding to the cost of your project.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is Monday, May 31. Memorial Day commemorates all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and place American flags on graves in cemeteries. Memorial Day is so much more that a 3-day party or a big furniture sale. Let's all promise to remember what we are really celebrating.

We will be closed Sunday May 29 and Monday May 30 in honor of Memorial Day. We will reopen Tuesday at 10:00 am. Stay safe and have a happy Memorial Day!

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Here's the link to reserve your private showroom appointment time:
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Don't Ruin Your Floor

It’s time to finish up our spring cleaning and start enjoying the season. Let’s conclude with the living areas and dining room:

Vacuum, dust and wipe down all surfaces. Be sure to vacuum or wash curtains and window treatments.

Dust fans and tall shelves—Use an extendable duster on hidden, hard to reach areas such as ceiling fans, bookshelves, and china cabinets. 

Clean upholstery—Upholstered seating is a haven for dust mites, so it’s critical to give them a deep clean. Call in an expert or buy or rent an upholstery-cleaning machine and allow it to air dry completely.  

Now For Your Hard Surface Floors:

First, check the legs of all furniture to see if the floor protectors need to be replaced and replace them as needed.  

It is now time for a thorough sweeping or vacuuming of your floors. Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar or hard head on hardwood floors. The plastic and/or metal parts can scratch the floor. The vacuum head should be brush or felt; a wand attachment is preferable.

Be careful as you move furniture and appliances. Do not drag heavy pieces. You may need to use large pieces of cardboard or something similar to move the heavier items onto to protect the floors underneath. Many people move the refrigerator to clean behind and under it as part of their spring cleaning. Do not merely roll the refrigerator out. The weight of the refrigerator can easily indent the floor. You need to move the refrigerator onto something so you are not rolling it directly on the floor. Use a large piece of cardboard, a thin piece of plywood or a piece of carpet with the fiber side down. Over the years we have seen many hardwood and vinyl floors damaged from moving a refrigerator.

Use good quality doormats at all of your exterior doors and replace them as needed.

Hardwood Floors

Damp mop as needed using a hardwood floor mop and approved hardwood floor cleaner. Do not use oil, wax, or ammonia based cleaners as they will dull the finish and performance of your floor. These will also affect the ability to recoat your floor.

Since wood naturally expands when it is wet, never wet mop or use excessive water to clean your floor. Large amounts of water can cause the wood to swell and may cause your floor to crack or splinter.

TIP: Just because something says it is for hardwood floors does not mean it should be used on the floor. Read the ingredients carefully. We are amazed by what various internet sources state to clean wood floors with. Do NOT use Orange Glo, Goof Off, bubble bath, steam mops, Windex, ammonia, dish soap, Pledge, vinegar, Pine Sol, Mr. Clean, Mop and Glo, Rejuvenate, tea, Simple Green, or similar products. Only use cleaners made by wood floor manufacturers like Armstrong, Mohawk or Bona.

Now is also a good time to look closely at your floors to determine if it is time for another coat of polyurethane. Start with the areas that get the most foot traffic. Are these areas duller than the wood in areas that do not get as much traffic? Do you see light scratches in the finish? If you can see superficial scratches and all the traffic lanes are visible, it is time to recoat your wood floors. Most floors are in need of another coat of polyurethane every five years or so; in some homes, another coat may be needed every 12-18 months. If you wait too long, a screen and a coat will not be effective; the floors will need to be refinished.

LUXURY VINYL AND LAMINATE FLOORS:
There is not much you need to do to a luxury vinyl or laminate floor as part of your spring cleaning. Vacuum thoroughly and clean using the product recommended by the manufacturer of your floor. Then enjoy how easy it is to maintain your LVP or laminate floor!

But Don’t Ruin Your Floors

Steam mops are very popular and “they” say steam mops can be used safely on hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile floors, but did you know there is a great chance you’ll actually damage your floors by using a steam mop?  Many flooring manufacturers even state that the use of a steam mop voids the product warranty.  

Why? you may wonder. One of the major criticisms about steam mops is that they often leave too much water behind. When water gets into a wood floor, it puffs the grain. The steam and/or water will be absorbed into worn areas and can also penetrate a scratch even through the thickest finish. Water will then be absorbed very quickly and cause the wood to warp. 

With luxury vinyl and laminate floors, the edges of the planks are unsealed, and water may eventually penetrate. You may be OK with light and careful use, but be aware that most flooring manufacturers state they have not tested their products with the specific combinations of heat and moisture that these machines produce and cannot recommend or warranty their use. The cleaning pads on some steam mops can also leave scratch marks.   

You may have thought you were safe to use a steam mop on your tile floors. Sorry, but the combination the acid and enzyme cleaners that are typically used will cause the grout to become soft and permanently damaged. Steam can be very dangerous not only to the product but also to the adhesives, grout, and setting materials. 

You may not see any negative impact at all when using a steam mop but that’s because it’s hard to tell with the naked eye that the floor is being damaged. It might be a few years down the road before you notice you’re not seeing that pretty shine you had when the floor was installed. You can’t undo that damage. 

So why do the steam mop manufacturers say they are safe? It’s simple---these companies want to sell their product.  If you are considering using a steam mop, please find and read the mop’s warranty---chances are it only covers defects in the mop itself and includes language that excludes your flooring. When you have a problem, the responsibility will go back on you for not having followed the care instructions from the manufacturer of your flooring. So, unless the steam mop manufacturer guarantees in writing that it won’t harm your surfaces and will replace your floor if it is damaged, you should not use one.

Design Tip

Outdoor curtains are the “it” look for this spring and summer. Most are waterproof, include tiebacks, and utilize grommets for easy installation. Choose from sheer or “blackout” based on the amount or privacy you want. If you have a covered porch, pergola, or a deck with supports to attach a rod to, this is a very inexpensive way to dress up your outdoor space. 

How Much Does It Cost?

Ummmm, more every month. We are on our third wave of 2021 price increases from some of our manufacturers, and it’s only May. Raw materials are in short supply, freight is going up up up, labor costs are rising – it’s a perfect storm of high demand and low supply. If you have not purchased flooring (and most home improvement products) in years, expect sticker shock. Experts don’t expect to see pricing stabilize until the global supply change recovers, probably in 2022.

I Was FLOORED By Enhance

Not exactly flooring, but close. Here’s a recent review from Cindy in Marietta:
“What a pleasure this company is to deal with!! Great selection and excellent customer service. They installed the countertop and tile backsplash in our kitchen. Debra (Installation Manager) is a gem! Their contractors arrived on time and were very pleasant to deal with. The "Big Box Store" doesn't come close! Go local - you won't be disappointed!!”
Thank you for the kind words, Cindy. Your kitchen looks great. We know you will enjoy it for years to come!

Coming To See Us?

Here's the link to reserve your private showroom appointment time:
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The Room You Spend The Most Time In

The heavy yellow pollen is finally going away, and it’s time for some spring cleaning. Here are some tips for the room you spend the most hours of the day in – your bedroom:

The Usual---Dust, vacuum and wipe down all surfaces.


Open Windows—Bedroom linens and mattresses are known for gathering allergens and germs. In the room where you sleep, you want to eliminate these germs as much as possible. Wait to do this on a sunny day, as humidity is an invitation for dust mites. 

Peel Off the Sheets—While the windows are open, let the mattress breathe. Take the linens–duvet covers, dust ruffles, sheets, shams, and pillowcases–and throw them in the wash. 
PRO TIP: Wash linens in the same order you make a bed. 

Don’t Forget the Drapes---If you can, take down and wash curtains, or at least run the vacuum’s upholstery attachment over them. If you don't have curtains, wipe down the slats of your shutters or blinds.

Clean the Floors—If you have:

~~Hardwood Floors -- use a gentle hardwood floor cleaner and a microfiber mop. 

~~Carpet -- vacuum under your furniture. Wipe down your baseboards and crevice vacuum while the furniture is moved. Do not drag heavy furniture across the carpet; looped carpet could snag and run; the heat and friction generated by the dragging of the heavy pieces can burnish the tips of all carpet fibers, leaving a permanent mark.

The warranties on most carpets require the carpet to be professionally steam cleaned (hot water extraction) every 18 months. Many people do this in the spring to rid the home of all the winter grime that has been tracked in. Make sure you are choosing a reputable carpet cleaner and save the receipt. If you ever have to file a warranty claim, the manufacturer will require proof of regular professional cleanings.

PRO TIP: When you need to spot clean your carpet, first call the manufacturer of your carpet or the Carpet and Rug Institute to find out the appropriate product to use.
Mohawk Industries                      800-266-4295
Shaw Industries             800-441-7429
Engineered Floors                        866-706-9745
Carpet and Rug Institute            706-278-3176

Many cleaning products can set in the stain, or worse, damage the carpet. You will find that if you have a relatively new carpet most stains come up with just plain water.

Also check for any wrinkles, buckles, or ripples in your installed carpet. Call a professional to have the carpet restretched as soon as you begin to notice any ripples.

PRO TIP: Filtration soil is the dark or grayish lines on carpet along walls, stairways, or under doors. Changing the filters regularly on your HVAC system and using vacuums with good filtration systems can help prevent this problem.

Area Rugs---Have your area rugs professionally cleaned, either at your home or at the cleaner’s facility. If you are having your rugs cleaned at your home, be sure they are moved onto your driveway, garage, or deck for the cleaning, so the floor underneath is not damaged.

Design Tip

When you have hard surface floors in your bedroom, you almost certainly want a rug or two. There are several ways to place rugs in your bedroom: 
 
The rug can be under the end of the bed, perpendicular to the bed.  
 
You can use a runner(s) by the side of the bed for something soft right at your feet the moment you wake up.
 
For a master suite with an attached sitting area, make this area feel like its own space with a small rug.
 
PRO TIP: You can also place a rug on top of wall-to-wall carpet, usually for decorative reasons. There are special pads to use to keep the area rug from bunching up and moving.
 
How Much Does It Cost?

You can choose any carpet in our Design Center and we can have it made into a custom area rug. Depending upon the size and the carpet you select, the price ranges from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars. 
 
Take a look at the Craftworks Collection from Nourison. This line features something for everyone: wool and wool blends, outdoor rugs, extra wide widths (up to 15 feet!). Truly a rug for every taste and space! Prices start at $128.00 for a 2' x 4'.
 
What’s New At Enhance?

Gorgeous new Karastan carpet! Our new assortment features a wide variety of constructions including patterns, loops, and textures in the latest and most fashionable colorations. The products are also durable, manufactured with premium fibers including nylon, SmartStrand, and wool. Many of the new styles replicate the look of woven wool carpet – at a lower price point and much easier to maintain for active families. The new products feature large, chunky loops, intricate patterns, and bold multicolor loops with fashionable color palettes. Come in and see these beautiful carpets today!
 
I was FLOORED by Enhance
Madeline in Marietta writes:
 
“We are so pleased with the job Enhance did regarding the installation of our new floors. The customer service was excellent and the owners of this business were great people! I would highly recommend them.”
 
Thank you for the nice review. Good luck on the sale of your home – it is gorgeous, and we know you will get top dollar for it!

 
Coming To See Us?
Here's the link to reserve your private showroom appointment time:

Less Than $200 Per Month

How Much Does It Cost?
The used car salesperson shouts this car is only $199 per month. The lady on the infomercial tells you that you can have this wonderful whatever for three payments of only $49.95. Get it now and pay for it later!
 
Sometimes it’s nice to not have to pay for something all at once. Guess what? For a limited time, you can make payments on flooring, too! We are offering 18 month interest free financing with approved credit on installed purchases of Mohawk flooring. Let’s see what those payments would be on some of our best selling floors:
 

Interested in new carpet for your bedrooms? Luxurious Class is one of our favorite carpets – super soft and super comfy underfoot. A typical installation of four bedrooms with a hall is around 1000 square feet. Your monthly payment when you take advantage of our 18 month financing would be around $300 for this top-of-the-line carpet.
 
How about a great looking luxury vinyl for your eat-in kitchen? True Vision is one of our best sellers. Your monthly payment would be less than $200 per month for around 350 square feet installed.

Real hardwood floors are really beautiful! Add value to your home with Western Preserve Hickory on the main level of your home. 1100 square feet fully installed would cost around $500 per month. And remember you pay zero interest when you pay your purchase off by the end of the 18 months.
 
Cut and loop carpets (LCLs) are pretty and practical. The staircase and a couple of rooms in your basement is probably around 750 square feet. Your monthly payment would be just shy of $200 for one of our best sellers: Splendid Character (You can see it on our showroom floor.) Lots of great colors to choose from!
 

Did you know laminate floors were “waterproof”, too? Everybody falls in love with the style Rustic Legacy, it’s that gorgeous! Your family room and kitchen combined are around 600 square feet – we know you can handle a monthly payment of $240 for this workhorse floor. This is another product that we have installed on the showroom floors – which is super helpful in seeing how a style really looks once installed.

If one of these floors sounds like what you need, at a price you can afford, set up a time for a "Design Appointment" in the showroom. We will help you find the right color for your décor. Don’t delay, the financing offer ends in a couple of weeks, May 4. You can get preapproved here:

What’s New At Enhance?
We just got in the Haven Collection by Mannington. Haven is an incredibly realistic laminate pattern -- it's nearly impossible to tell whether it’s real wood or not.  The looks are the most on-trend species in flooring today: European White Oak. The texture is very subtle, allowing for the true natural character of the grain to show. Haven is the perfect background to compliment a minimal New Nordic interior, perfect with your cozy neutrals. Haven features 8" wide planks and comes in 5 colors that enhance the beautiful undertones of natural White Oak. Come see it today!
 

Design Tip

Along with grey everything, shiplap is falling out of fashion. Why? Because everybody is doing it or has already done it. If you want texture on your walls, consider tile, wallpaper, and wood trim in geometric shapes.
 
I Was Floored By Enhance
From Adam and Barb in Powder Springs:
“The crew from Enhance Floors and More pulled up right on time and did a really great job. With tight-knit teamwork and professional attention to detail, they finished the carpet replacement in our 3 bedroom 2 bath home in about 8 hours. We’re very pleased with the result.”
 
Thank you for the kind words! Enjoy your new carpet. We sincerely appreciate your business.

Coming To See Us?

Here's the link to reserve your private showroom appointment time:

If Pollen Is Not Your Friend

Yellow Yellow Everywhere

Yes, it’s pollen season. If you or a family member has seasonal allergies, keep the pollen outside to alleviate symptoms throughout the day, and ensure you have a safe haven inside your home when the pollen counts are particularly bad. Have exterior door mats at each door. If you have been outside a lot, take off your shoes and leave them in the garage. Change out of and wash clothes after being outside, and take a shower to remove pollen from skin and hair. Using air conditioning, which cleans and dries the air, and keeping doors and window closed can also help. Stay indoors as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is when pollen counts tend to be highest during the day. Regular cleaning and dusting of your home also helps.
 
Tips To Spring Clean Your Kitchen

It’s spring cleaning time. Begin by taking inventory – check your cleaning supplies and make sure you have everything you need. Cleaning tools include a mop and vacuum cleaner with extensions, as well as dusting cloths, sponges and a telescoping pole for hard-to-reach ceiling fans and corners. Cleaning sprays you will need include multi-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners and wood polish. You could even opt for natural ingredients such as baking soda, lemon, mineral oil, and white vinegar. Be sure you have gloves to protect your hands.
 
Let’s Start by Cleaning the Bathrooms:
Toss linens and rugs into wash—Before you clean the bathroom, go ahead and remove any bath towels, hand towels or rugs that may get in your way.
 
Vacuum and wipe down walls—Vacuum the room from top to bottom using a brush attachment and then wipe down walls with an all-purpose cleaner. You may find the wall opposite the mirror sticky from hairspray and other beauty products, so pay extra attention to that. 
 

Now to clean the tile---Ceramic and porcelain are very easy to clean.  Spray down the shower, bathtub, toilets, and vanity sinks with a multi-purpose cleaner (like Spic-N-Span or Mr. Clean) or ceramic tile cleaner and allow it to soak to dissolve soap scum or mildew. This way, the spray can work its magic as you tick off the rest of your cleaning list. Don’t use harsh abrasives. After 15-20 minutes, rinse and wipe down surfaces.
 

If you did not upgrade to a stain resistant grout, it’s time to seal your grout. Sealing your grout will make the grout less porous and more resistant to discoloration. Manufacturers recommend sealing your grout once a year to keep it looking its best. You can purchase grout sealer at Enhance Floors and More.
 
TIP: Don’t use bleach or ammonia based cleaners, as these products can discolor your grout.
 
Also check any caulking, for example where the tile meets the shower glass. Caulking prevents expensive subsurface damage. Recaulk wet areas as needed. 
 
Clean the floors—Whatever bathroom flooring type is installed, give it a damp mopping. Always be sure to follow your flooring manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. For instance, if you want to maintain vinyl and laminate floors, you should use a pH neutral resilient floor cleaner. 
 
If You Have Real Stone in Your Bathroom:

Natural stone (travertine, marble, etc.) should be cleaned with neutral cleaners. Never clean with any product containing acid, lemon, or bleach. Acids, even a light solution of vinegar and water, will eventually etch and damage the natural stone.
 
At least once a year you need to seal the stone and the grout. Some products are multi-purpose, meaning you can use the same product on the stone and the grout. Others are just for either the stone or the grout; be sure to read the instructions well to make sure you are using the proper product.
 
TIP: Don’t use generic cleaning products such as bleach, glass cleaners or degreasers on natural stone. Don’t use vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange as cleaners. These products that you see at your local grocery store contain acids, alkalis, and other chemicals that can etch marble and degrade the sealer, leaving the stone more vulnerable to staining. Trying to save money by using these over the counter products only ensures that you’ll be spending a lot more time and money in the long run.
 
It's Also A Good Time To

Check your exterior doors for possible water penetration. Check the weather stripping for tears and deterioration. Check the sills and exterior thresholds for damage. Is caulking needed? Can you see daylight through the door? If you can see light through the door, water can also get through, especially blowing rain. Sometimes this water gets under your floors without you noticing until the damage is done. Thousands of dollars in damage can be caused by water penetration.  
 
How Much Does It Cost?

We are installing a lot of quartz countertops this year, lighter colors in particular. Brushed finishes are increasing in popularity. A recent quartz installation (one slab) was $4300, not including a new sink and a plumber to hook everything up.
 
What’s a brushed finish, you may be wondering. A brushed (also called leathered) finish is a slightly textured finish on a countertop (granite, marble, quartz). It is not usually rough to the touch but rather is a finish of smooth and silky ridges and veins. Unlike polished or honed, a brushed finish typically has no sheen to it. A brushed finish may need more daily attention than a polished finish. This is the nature of any material with a matte finish when compared to the same material with a polished finish – smudges, fingerprints, and water spots are simply more visible on a matte surface.
 
I Was FLOORED By Enhance
Taylor in Marietta writes:

“Our family recently moved into a new home. While we were aware of the less-than-new condition of the carpets, my wife and I figured a good professional cleaning would restore their color and texture. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the carpet cleaner, the carpet remained dismal and lifeless. With all the expenses of a new home purchase at hand, and not having budgeted for new carpets, we were on a limited budget. Despite the budgeting aspect, however, we did not want to sacrifice quality. It is fair to say, my wife and I were asking a lot from Enhance Floors - "We want the best, and we want it at a very reasonable price!" Without a doubt, Enhance Floors made the entire purchasing process a pleasure. Not only did we get top-of-the-line carpet, but we got it at the very best price.
 
The best part of the purchase, however, was the personal attention we received and the trusting relationship we formed with the staff and owners. We left Enhance Floors feeling confident in our purchase and well cared for in all aspects of our needs/wants.
 
Installation was also fantastic. I was home for almost all of the installation, and, therefore, I can personally attest to the professionalism of the installation team. The team carefully secured our furniture and belongings in each room, quickly completed removal and installation, and did a top-notch, quality job. Perhaps the most important aspect, after the installation was complete, the entire team made every effort to ensure the entire home was cleaned up and all of the furniture was back exactly as it was before. In fact, the installers were so thorough, my wife (who had been away on business during the entire install), would have never known of the installation if not for the beautiful new carpet that welcomed her home.
 
Thank you for the great experience and the beautiful carpet! We look forward to continued business in the future.”
 
Thank you, Taylor. We enjoyed meeting and working with you and your beautiful family. We hope your two girls are enjoying playing games on the super soft new carpet. Come see us when you are ready for the kitchen remodel we talked about.