The Contractor's Zone

[Micvanlen]

I'm a local GC and thought it might be kewl to combine hockey talk with a bit of shop talk. If you're a contractor or renovator, then please joing the thread.

Have you guys found the home renovation creadit to drive more business?

[Micvanlen]

How many homes have you seen with cork flooring? Probably not very many and the reason is that people don't like how it looks. Since it has such low demand by potential home buyers, it's hard to make a case that it would ad value to your home. You'd buy it because you like it and for no other reason. If you want flooring that ads value to yourr home than hardwood is the only way to go.

[Angelamc]

When living in England I came across many homes with cork flooring. It was always in the kitchen though and not anywhere else in the house. I agree that hardwood is the best for re-sale in Calgary.

[moncton golden flames]

i'm a residential draftsperson and designer, and just walked thru a gorgeous $6.9 million dollar home that is up for sale. it had cork flooring in the exercise room, and i didn't like the look at all. if it went into a smaller room, perhaps, but a large room just didn't suit the cork.

[SportsJunky]

Originally Posted by fotze

My wife wants to put cork flooring upstairs but it all looks like plywood to me, does it actually increase home value?

I'm in the middle of putting cork planks into my sister's house right now. It looks amazing but the OP is right - it isn't for everyone and for resale value hardwood or some other traditional hard surface flooring might be the better way to go.

Have you looked at leather floors btw? I put leather into two bedrooms in my home a couple of months ago and I would put it up against hardwood as far as the over all look goes.

[SportsJunky]

Nope, I'm not kidding. Recycled leather tiles or planks that install exactly as cork does. I know it sounds weird but I'm very happy with it. It is expensive but then so is cork.

[Micvanlen]

One of the more interesting flooring products I've seen is Bamboo. The idea is that it's a renuable resource because the stuff grows so damn fast. It actually looks very nice, but it wears a lot faster than hardwood obviously.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Micvanlen

One of the more interesting flooring products I've seen is Bamboo. The idea is that it's a renuable resource because the stuff grows so damn fast. It actually looks very nice, but it wears a lot faster than hardwood obviously.

I used bamboo for a floor, it had a really nice look to it. It may not be for everyone though.



Looked very similar to this.

[TurnedTheCorner]

It seems to give a warmer, rustic look. Nice stuff.

I'm getting a deck done - can I apply for the tax credit for materials and labor, assuming I get receipts?

[Stranger]

Originally Posted by TurnedTheCorner

It seems to give a warmer, rustic look. Nice stuff.

I'm getting a deck done - can I apply for the tax credit for materials and labor, assuming I get receipts?

I'm pretty sure decks are included in the tax credit.

[Jedi Ninja]

Originally Posted by Stranger

I'm pretty sure decks are included in the tax credit.

Decks are includes as are most other landscaping projects, including trees and perennials but not annuals.

[dingdong]

Gents - my apologies if this is in the wrong forum but I thought I would give it a shot. I'm looking to have a deck built approx. 15' X 20' at my trailor near Vulcan (Lake McGregor). If any of you handy gents are interested please PM me.

Cheers,

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by Micvanlen

One of the more interesting flooring products I've seen is Bamboo. The idea is that it's a renuable resource because the stuff grows so damn fast. It actually looks very nice, but it wears a lot faster than hardwood obviously.

Bamboo is getting a heavy "greenwashing" treatment in the media and retail outfits though.

Sure it grows fast and everything, but what you don't hear is how in China and other areas that grow it they are tearing down native forests and replacing it with bamboo crops.

An interesting looking floor for sure, but I prefer the warmth and look of a Cork floor over it.

[Micvanlen]

The topic of decks just came up and thought it would make an interested debate. What do you think of the new Trex material? It's a lot more expensive the pressure treated wood or cedar, but I have to admit that product has an awesome feel to it. Walking on it with bare feet is really something. I quite like it, but the cost is hard to justify. Thoughts?

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by Micvanlen

The topic of decks just came up and thought it would make an interested debate. What do you think of the new Trex material? It's a lot more expensive the pressure treated wood or cedar, but I have to admit that product has an awesome feel to it. Walking on it with bare feet is really something. I quite like it, but the cost is hard to justify. Thoughts?

Composite decking is a great idea. While it does cost more than traditional wood decking you save hours and hours of time by not having to stain/seal it initially or over the course of its lifespan. The deck I'm putting in will have trex for that simple reason.

[DFO]

I have cork flooring in the kitchen - I find its way more comfortable to stand on for long periods of time compared to hardwood.