You should have a professional installer in your area take a look at your home so you can discuss what end result you are wanting. You may need to use an engineered wood. This is still an all wood product and is much more dimensionally stable than solid wood. This is a huge advantage if you are in an older home or in the midwest where humidity levels can drastically change from season to season. A solid wood will cup or curl if humidity and moisture levels are not managed. Your installer should do a moisture test before installation to make sure the installation does not fail. All warranties will be voided if this step is not taken. Also, your transitions will need to be considered. Is the new wood floor going to butt up to tile, carpet, or vinyl? The height difference in the two products will need to be taken into consideration. You will have a greater selection of thicknesses in the engineered woods. Engineered wood should be several plys, all wood. If you choose a solid wood, the hand scraped versions are fantastic for a high traffic area with children. Hickory, Red Oak, most Brazilian Species, and even Bamboo are hard enough to take everyday traffic and still look terrific. Good luck!

I think the design of the exterior has real 70s integrity. A bit of paint is all you need. Replace the garage doors with floor to ceiling windows matching the aesthetic the current windows already have. You should check out Cocontest.com for architecture work, or you could try and find an interior architect (there are degree courses in interior architecture these days) I've seen loads of one plan's posts and it would definitely be worth having a chat with them. I also think that you'll get more out of the project if you can educate yourself a little on design. I do my best to do this over on www.houseplanshelper.com

These are stairs in our new house which I have sanded. My engineer / architect absolutely hate them and want to replace. The whole house is a 70s refurb needing everything reconfigured and re done. The stairs are the only thing I like. I like the iron and considering painting in farrow and ball railings. Rest of house will be minimalist modern, a bit mid century furniture. My engineer thinks it looks like a garden gate. I know cleaning will be a nightmare. Maybe I should replace iron with glass? Any opinion welcome.

Hi everyone, I am currently in the process of looking at restoring a derelict house on our house to potentially either live in or rent. I was wondering if there is a requirement in regard to either getting a mortgage or insurance to have the structure signed off on by a structural engineer? I would also appreciate any guidance to other forums that go through the process from start to finish. Thanks in advance