October 2013, closing on a brand new house-small 1,560 sq ft. (minus garage its lil over 1,000) Builder doesn't put any wood products in their houses-only tile or lanolium. I'm having builder put carpet throughout, in all wet areas as well so I can remove the carpet easily for the wood, after I close. I don't want lanolium and I don't care for grout lines in tile.

I know I'll have to get the wet areas done immediately- kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and laundry room. My three questions...

1. Will the toilets need to be removed in order for the flooring to be done in the two bathrooms?

2. Is the luxe vinyl plank flooring a good choice for the wet areas? I read that it was water resistant. What would you recommend?

3. What would be a good choice for the rest of the house-on a budget?

Thanks

Hardwood can work in powder rooms, but I would never put it in a full bath that has bathtub and shower. That is a recipe for disaster with water and steam. I personally think hardwood is a great option for a kitchen. See my article on Hardwood flooring for kitchens - does it make sense?

http://theflooringgirl.com/hardwood-flo ... sense.html

This is my opinion, and some may disagree.

Yes, you do need to remove the toilet and I'd recommend a licensed plumber for this, if you can esp as your heights may be changing.

Yes, luxury vinyl is another great option. Higher end luxury vinyl is waterproof. Make sure you get the glue down type (e.g. Karndean, Amtico). Do not get the cheap floating stuff from Home Depot. That product tends to curl up and the adhesive is not waterproof.

Here's some info on luxury vinyl.
http://theflooringgirl.com/vinyl-floori ... vinyl.html

Debbie Gartner aka The Flooring Girl
http://TheFlooringGirl.com
Westchester NY

Thanks a bunch Debbie. I read everything on your site- lots of good information it was big help. Does your company have any sister companies in Texas? If not do you think Empire is a good flooring company to use?

Thanks

Thx so much. I really appreciate that.

Yes, we do have some places in Texas. Check out my corporate site::

http://westchester.floorcoveringsinternational.com

at the bottom, you can click for other US flooring locations and then scroll down to Texas. And, no I would not recommend Empire. In fact, I would highly recommend that you stay away from them.

Debbie Gartner
http://TheFlooringGirl.com
Westchester NY

Debbie thanks a million times over. I'm about 6 weeks from closing and I have to have the floors done before moving in. Thanks you so much for the referral. I will let them know you referred me. I live in Houston, TX where Empire Flooring runs lots of commercials with cathchy tunes, but I'm glad to have received better advice.

Three more questions please, its about termites. Having hardwood floors are they more susceptible to getting termites? Are termites resistant to vinyl floors, cork, etc... ? Which flooring is best to avoid termites?

Thanks

Yeah, stay away from Empire. Also, if there isn't a Floor Coverings International near you, then try Angie's List...that's often where you can find the best contractors and know who to avoid. It is worth the small fee to get the right contractor. Believe me.

Re: termites, I'm not an expert. I mean obviously they eat wood. But, termites is usually an issue on the OUTSIDE of the house. Use your inspector. It they can't get in (which they shouldn't), it shouldn't matter what flooring you use. (and recognize that if you do have a termite issue, that impacts more than the floors - the cabinets, the walls, everything. Check it out w/ your inspector.

Debbie Gartner aka The Flooring Girl
http://theflooringgirl.com/flooring/hardwood.html
Westchester County, NY