Ep 10. Hardwood Floors to the Rescue

As a renovation and design expert, Nicole Curtis has seen it all. In Rehab Addict season 5 episode 10, titled "Hardwood Floors to the Rescue," she tackles a significant challenge - restoring hardwood floors in a historic home that were covered up with carpet.

The episode begins with Nicole and her team removing the carpet to reveal damaged hardwood floors that are in desperate need of restoration. She explains that hardwood floors can be a crucial selling point for a home, and restoring them can be a costly but necessary investment. While the cost may be high upfront, the longevity and increased value of the home make the restoration worthwhile.

Nicole also emphasizes the importance of preserving the historic character of the home and highlights the unique architectural elements in the space. The home they are working on has been in the same family for generations, and Nicole wants to pay tribute to its rich history and lineage.

As the restoration process begins, it becomes clear that the hardwood floors are severely damaged. Nicole and her team must sand and refinish the floors, replace damaged planks, and create custom wood inlays where needed. The process is time-consuming and requires precision and attention to detail.

Throughout the episode, Nicole provides valuable insights into the restoration process, showcasing the various tools and techniques necessary for this type of renovation. She explains why it's essential to sand the floors in a specific way and how to create a seamless transition between the old and new boards.

One of the highlights of the episode is watching the transformation of the hardwood floors from damaged and worn to shiny and beautiful. As the team adds the finishing touches, the floors come alive, adding warmth and character to the home.

However, there are several unexpected challenges that arise during the renovation, including asbestos tiles that must be removed, and unexpected damage to the subfloor. Nicole and her team must work quickly to address these issues so that the project can stay on schedule.

Throughout the episode, Nicole emphasizes the importance of safety on a construction site, highlighting the dangers of asbestos and lead paint. She ensures that all safety protocols are followed, and that her team is equipped with the necessary protective gear.

As the renovation comes to a close, Nicole reflects on the challenges and triumphs of this project, noting that restoring hardwood floors requires patience, perseverance, and expertise. She encourages homeowners to consider the investment of hardwood floor restoration, explaining that it can significantly increase the value of a home while adding character and warmth.

In the end, "Hardwood Floors to the Rescue" is a satisfying episode that showcases the beauty and value of hardwood floors. Nicole Curtis and her team go above and beyond to restore the damaged floors and preserve the historic character of the home, proving once again that she is a master of restoration and design.