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The Market Is Shifting — Confidence Still Sells. As material costs stabilize and interest rates fluctuate, homeowners are more cautious about new construction investments. What’s winning their trust? Builder accountability and structural protection. That’s where RWC Structural Warranties step in — offering builders a competitive edge, cost protection, and credibility in a cautious market.

Top 3 Reasons Builders Are Doubling Down on Warranties This Fall

  1. Buyer Confidence = Faster Sales
    Homebuyers today expect reassurance beyond craftsmanship. A 10-Year Structural Warranty from RWC helps seal the deal by showing that your homes are backed by an industry leader with 40+ years of expertise and over 4 million homes covered nationwide.
  2. Reduce Risk in Uncertain Markets
    With shifting soil conditions, supply chain variations, and evolving codes, structural claims can be unpredictable. RWC’s coverage helps limit your liability — protecting your bottom line long after closing.
  3. Stand Out with Builder-Centric Support
    We’re not just a warranty company — we’re your partner. From remodeler and commercial coverage to state-specific structural options, our programs are designed to meet your project mix and protect your reputation.

Builder’s Fall Prep Checklist: Protect Your Projects Before Winter Hits

Benefits & Advantages: A Snapshot of the RWC Warranty

Keep Building with Confidence

Whether it's a single custom home, a commercial project, or a remodel - RWC ensures lasting protection, professional credibility, and buyer peace of mind.

 

By Tiaira Satchell, RWC

In the little towns where we grew up, homeowners, like our parents, knew the people to hire if their home needed repairs or modifications. There was Mr. Allen for sidewalks and other flat work. Mr. Teufel was the man to call if you were replacing wallpaper, especially if the work was needed in your foyer or living room. The Wilson brothers were best for roofs, and if a ball had been thrown through a window, they would hire Mr. White, if they could get him. Often the deciding factor on whether to retain any of these gentlemen was not dependent on price, but on how soon they could come and do the work. They were all in demand because they were known to be craftsmen whose work was usually worth the wait.

Another such craftsman we were lucky to know personally was the carpenter, Mr. Nonemaker, or as we knew him, our great uncle Bill. He was a master cabinet maker who could remodel kitchens and fix anything, but more impressively to us at the time, could convert any dark or creepy basement that did not have a dirt floor into a rec room where countless hours of pool or ping pong would be played. For livelier and more well-heeled customers, he would add a bar, and perhaps a powder room. He was careful and methodical in his work and liked to fish a lot (and drink a bit), so sometimes his projects would take a while to complete. But he was worth waiting for. He loved when customers would tell him that friends and neighbors who were invited for the first time to the rec room or remodeled kitchen would run their hands along cabinets, drawers and seams before asking, “This is Mr. Nonemaker’s work, isn’t it?”

Times have changed, of course, with the big box hardware stores dotting the landscape and DIY “experts” populating You Tube with How-To videos. And that’s a shame because, while people might be getting their home repairs done more quickly and on their own time and money terms, they do not get to appreciate the product that was delivered by the Mr. Whites, the Wilson brothers, or the Uncle Bills we remember from just a few decades ago. Richard Sennett, the renowned American sociologist who studies work in modern culture, distinguishes mere work from craftsmanship and describes craftsmanship as “the desire to do a job well for its own sake.” White, the Wilsons, and Uncle Bill were not mere workers. They were craftsmen who took pride in their work, as if it were an art form.

With building supply prices near all-time highs and with pressure from buyers pushing housing prices downward, builders face pressure to keep their costs down. But just as it was decades ago, people will pay for quality and for a home they can take pride in, and nothing makes a homeowner prouder of his home than when people notice the craftsmanship that went into building it. A good way to distinguish your company from your competitors is to insist that your employees and subcontractors who are in the trades not just build to code but build with a level of craftsmanship that gets noticed and is appreciated by your customers and prospective customers.

You may think this suggestion is crazy given the reported shortage of skilled home building labor. This shortage is well documented in a study released by the Home Builders Institute earlier this year. According to the HBI, the aggregate economic impact from longer construction times associated with the skilled labor shortage costs the industry an estimated $10.6 Billion each year. The shortage also results in a reduction of nearly 20,000 homes built per year and an average increase in construction time of about two months per home built. In light of these findings, the NAHB and the HBI are supporting hands-on training programs and industry-recognized certifications to help produce a new generation of skilled laborers.

Recognition of this problem and an industry-wide effort to address it could not come soon enough. Here at RWC, for the first time in forty years, we have noticed an uptick in workmanship claims dating back to the Covid pandemic. Some builders in some parts of the country seem to have trouble finding subcontractors and skilled laborers who have and demonstrate the pride of a craftsman in their work. We believe each of our members, following the lead of the NAHB, can either rid themselves of this problem or make sure they don’t experience the problem in the first place in the following ways.

First, find young people (male and female) who are looking for a rewarding career that gives them the opportunity to do something they can be proud of. Start with vocational schools or check your local high schools for career pathway programs that team with employers to give students shadowing and interning opportunities. Throughout the process of exposing students to your operations, plant the seed early that your company is a place for craftsmen, that working there will be different from working other places, and that you want your whole team to take pride in what they do. If the articles we read about the expected growth of Artificial Intelligence can be believed, there will be many fewer entry-level white-collar jobs available to young people over the next decade. Get your recruitment plan ready now and grow that next generation of craftsmen from what may be an expanded pool of candidates.

Second, train your new employees and subs not just to build to municipal code standards, but to build to your company’s standards. Set that bar high enough that people, after seeing the high level of craftmanship in any of your homes, will turn to the owner and ask, “This is (Your Company’s) work, isn’t it.”

Third, if all goes according to plan, your skilled workers will improve your company’s reputation, increase sales, and even allow you to charge more for your homes. Share your good fortune with them. Pay them what they deserve, like craftsmen, who “do a job well for its own sake,” and thus keep them building for you and not for your competitor.

We believe that if you follow this plan, you will become even prouder of the homes you build, and you’ll sell more of them. And when you do, make sure that each and every one of your homes are covered by an RWC new home warranty.

Over more than forty years, RWC has provided warranty protection on over four million homes. We offer a wide variety of warranty options like our standard ten-year warranty, our Day 1 coverage warranty, our extended appliance and system warranties, and our specialty warranties for remodeling projects, detached garages, and commercial construction. Only RWC has developed and offers its members a customized state warranty that mirrors each state’s statute of repose and accommodates other state specific issues. All RWC warranties provide clear performance standards that help create realistic homeowner expectations and provide a road map to resolve even the stickiest customer complaints.

At RWC, every guarantee our warranties make is backed by Western Pacific Mutual Insurance Company, RRG. Western Pacific has an A- rating from A. M. Best and only insures home warranty and similar new home construction risks, like builders’ general liability, which can be offered through the RWC Insurance Advantage program to RWC members. No other warranty company has an insurer with this kind of strength solely dedicated to covering builders and their homes.

Like the skilled craftsmen you know, we at RWC take pride in our work and try to do every job well, just for the sake of doing it well. Help us put that attitude to work for you by placing an RWC warranty on every home you build.

Have a great fall & winter!

One of the often-overlooked benefits of becoming a member of RWC is the customer service support that comes with the warranty.

Our Warranty Resolution Administrative Team fields an average of 40 calls each day from homeowners. These calls can be as simple as asking how exactly to submit a warranty request (claim), but more commonly, homeowners are reaching out because they are experiencing an issue with their home.

Our trained Warranty Administrative Assistants listen carefully to each concern and provide guidance on what is - and isn’t - covered under the warranty.

For example, if a homeowner inquires about an item not covered, we explain the coverage and the relevant exclusions, which are referenced in their warranty booklet.

This helps homeowners understand their coverage more clearly and prevents unnecessary calls to the builder regarding issues that fall outside the scope of coverage.

By Sandra Sweigert, RWC

At this year’s BAGI Bash (Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis) creativity was on full display — and not just in the latest tools, materials, and smart-home gadgets. The event organizers challenged vendors with a theme -- to design their booths around their favorite movie. RWC’s account executives Staci Cool and Crystal Jackson went all in with the theme and turned out a spectacular booth that was not only perfectly on point for the prompt & the time of year, but also for our industry - inspired by the classic 1990 film Home Alone.

Visitors were greeted by our very own “wet bandits,” on hand to help educate attending builders on potential booby traps, and craft the ultimate home protection plan. (After all, even Kevin needed backup!) Every detail crafted in their booth served a purpose. Informative flyers reminded attendees that accidents happen and highlighted how a comprehensive home warranty can prevent small issues from turning into full-blown disasters. And cute, clever Little Nero’s pizza boxes were filled with a variety of fun, handy items and goodies.

And if you wanted to win the Home Alone–themed prize, well then, you needed to prove your smarts in the “Wet Bandits Warranty Trivia” game. Those who scored the highest were entered into a drawing to win the “Cozy Night In” gift basket. Inside were treats like a gift card (for a plain cheese pizza, if you prefer), plenty of snacks, and Home Alone–themed koozies to keep your beverages cold while you “eat junk and watch rubbish.”

Congratulations to Bob Sandberg with RLS, located in Indiana, for winning the prize! Bob has been a loyal member with RWC for 27 years.

But beneath the laughter and holiday spirit, there was real business being done. The booth attracted steady traffic throughout the day, giving the team a perfect chance to connect with builders, realtors, and contractors. The theme may have made people smile, but it also made them stop. Everyone remembers the chaos of that movie — and Staci and Crystal used that feeling to talk about how a home warranty helps prevent real-life chaos.

Not long ago, the choice between buying a resale home and building a new one was often dictated by price. Resale homes were typically more affordable, and building seemed like a luxury reserved for those with bigger budgets and longer timelines. But the market has shifted — and the gap between the two options is quickly disappearing.

Cost Gaps Are Narrowing — And In Some Areas, They're Gone
Just a few years ago, building a home could cost anywhere from 15% to 30% more than buying an existing one. But as housing prices continue to rise in the resale market — driven by high demand, low inventory, and inflation — that difference is shrinking. In many regions, especially fast-growing suburban and rural areas, the cost of a newly built home is now equal to or even less than that of a comparable resale home. On a broader scale nationwide, the median sales price for a new single‑family home was $416,900 in the first quarter of 2025; an existing home’s median was $402,300 — a difference of just $14,600.

When you factor in renovation costs and the premium buyers are paying in today’s resale market, building a home can be a smarter financial choice.

Material & Labor Costs Are Stabilizing
The construction industry was hit hard in the early 2020s by supply chain issues and labor shortages, driving up the cost of building materials like lumber, concrete, and drywall. These inflated prices made new construction less competitive with resale homes. However, as supply chains stabilize and construction labor becomes more available, costs have plateaued or even declined in some markets. Builders are now able to offer more competitive pricing, sometimes with added incentives like free upgrades or closing cost assistance.

Modern Efficiency = Long-Term Savings
Building a new home today means benefiting from the latest in energy efficiency, insulation, windows, appliances, and HVAC systems. These upgrades translate to significant savings on utility bills, often hundreds of dollars per year compared to older homes.

Customization Is King
Building a home doesn’t just give you a blank slate — it gives you control. You can design the layout that fits your lifestyle, choose finishes that reflect your taste, and enjoy energy-efficient systems that cut down your monthly expenses. Want an open-concept kitchen, a home office, or a spa-like bathroom? It’s yours. You don’t have to settle for someone else’s choices or invest time and money to remodel a resale home to fit your needs. This level of personalization is especially appealing to younger buyers and growing families who want homes that reflect modern living.

Less Competition, Less Stress
Buying a resale home in a hot market often means bidding wars, waived inspections, and rushed decisions. It’s emotionally draining and can lead to compromises — or overpaying. Building a home offers a clearer, calmer path.

Builder Incentives Are Making New Construction More Attractive
In a bid to compete with the resale market and move inventory, many homebuilders are offering aggressive incentives which can reduce your upfront costs or make the long-term mortgage payments more affordable — narrowing the perceived cost difference with a resale purchase.

Builder Warranties = Peace of Mind
New homes come with builder warranties, like the array of products we offer at RWC and our affiliates, that cover structural components, major systems, etc. It’s a proven bonus that can help homeowners avoid unexpected repair bills in the first few years.

Building May Be the Better Bet Today
While building a home was once seen as the more expensive or impractical option, potential buyers need to understand today's market has changed. With rising resale prices, limited inventory, and the long-term benefits of new construction, building is not just a luxury — it’s a smart choice.

By Victoria Sontheimer, RWC

2025 National Sales Meeting Highlights

The sales teams recently gathered in Harrisburg, PA for our 2025 National Sales Meeting - a week dedicated to collaboration, innovation, and finding new ways to serve our valued builder members.

This year’s theme was all about growth and progress. From enhancing our warranty programs to introducing new homeowner-focused products, we’re streamlining operations and expanding opportunities for builders nationwide.

Our team also explored exciting technology upgrades and marketing initiatives designed to make doing business with RWC faster, simpler, and more effective.

Our reps joined field training sessions at active job sites, seeing firsthand how RWC coverage protects builders and homeowners from the ground up.

We’re energized for what’s ahead—new products, greater efficiencies, and continued innovation—all aimed at helping our members build with confidence.

Onward and upward—together.

By Rich McPhee, RWC National Sales Manager

Contemporary, farmhouse, cape cod, craftsman — there’s a seemingly endless list of residential architecture styles to choose from when buying, designing, or building a home. But what styles transcend fads and the passing of time, and what are buyers looking for today?

Contemporary
Marked by large, tall windows and lack of ornamentation, Contemporary homes often have an unusual mix of materials such as stone, brick, wood, and glass. These homes increasingly make use of flat roof systems, although gabled roof types are also incredibly popular, with the latter often characterized by exposed beams. Both tend to be designed to incorporate the surrounding landscape.

Advantages:
- Natural light
- Spaciousness
- Often surrounded by nature
- Sustainable building materials

Disadvantages:
- Can be bland
- Prone to damage (broken glass, etc.)
- Expensive
- Trendy

Cottage
A Cottage is easiest understood as a small home for a single family. Cottage-style architecture is celebrated for its simple design, coziness, and ability to stand the test of time.

Advantages:
- Coziness
- Longevity
- Location
- Simple design
- Encourages togetherness

Disadvantages:
- Small floorplan
- Maintenance
- Location
- Can feel cramped
- Resale value

Farmhouse
Farmhouse homes embody a cozy feel with a modern-yet-rustic look. They emphasize function, natural materials, organic color palettes, and a variety of textures. Farmhouse modular homes are also on the rise. Here, elements of warm minimalism also come into play, embracing simplicity and comfort.

Advantages:
- Flexible design
- Inexpensive
- Low maintenance
- Often in nature

Disadvantages:
- Can be isolating
- Difficult to personalize
- Finding fixtures that match the style
- Could look dated

Ranch
This style harkens back to Spanish Colonial, Prairie, and craftsman homes and is known for its one-story, pitched-roof construction, built-in garage, wood or brick exterior walls, sliding and picture windows, and sliding doors leading to patios.

Advantages:
- Low maintenance
- Affordable
- Easy to design
- Easy to evacuate

Disadvantages:
- Requires more property
- Limited design flexibility
- Can feel cramped
- Smaller yard

Cape Cod
Cape Cods are some of the earliest houses built in the US, dating back to the 17th century in New England when the first colonial style Cape Cods were shingle-sided, one-story cottages with no dormers. The style evolved into a square or rectangular structure with one- or one-and-a-half stories, accompanied by steeply pitched, gabled roofs. It may have dormers and shutters. The siding on traditional Cape Cod-style homes is usually clapboard, cedar shake, or brick, though contemporary designs have begun prioritizing products that look like weathered wood which are much more resilient to coastal weather.

Advantages:
- Inexpensive to build
- Flexible design options
- Curb appeal
- Built to last

Disadvantages:
- Relatively small floorplan
- Frequently have low ceilings
- Difficult to expand
- Hot second floor

Craftsman
Craftsman-style homes are similar to the conventional bungalow but lack any sort of real ornamentation. The incredible simplicity of this style was meant to evoke a natural, almost organic character that allowed the home to blend in with any landscape. Some of the most common materials used in its construction include rough-hewn wood, natural stone, and stucco. Identifying exterior features typically include a low-slung gabled roof, overhanging eaves, and very wide front porches which are often framed by squat tapered columns on elevated pedestals. They are generally designed around an open floor plan and can include interior elements like exposed roof rafters or beamed ceilings, handcrafted furniture, and dark wooden molding and wainscoting.

Advantages:
- Typically have large porches
- Handcrafted aesthetic
- Lower build cost
- Sustainable building materials

Disadvantages:
- Some may find them plain
- Low square footage and smaller room size
- Susceptible to termite damage
- Upkeep can be expensive

Neo-Eclectic
The Neo-Eclectic house style can be best described as an amalgamation of different architectural elements found in a variety of revival-type home styles, combining design elements from multiple architectural styles in the same building. Architects in different regions often draw upon various styles when designing these homes, with the Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival styles being incredibly influential on the West Coast and the Georgian Revival, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, and Cape Cod styles greatly influencing the design of Neo-Eclectic homes along the East Coast. Regardless of region, the stylistic elements of Neo-Eclectic homes are almost always superficial, existing only for decorative purposes. Surface-level claddings like architectural stone veneer are often used in place of their structural counterparts and many Neo-Eclectic homes take advantage of external insulation and finish systems, which may be shaped, textured, and colored to mimic a variety of materials.

Advantages:
- Large and spacious
- Ideal for families
- Built-in garages
- Have a modern feel

Disadvantages:
- Considered unoriginal and pretentious
- Often make use of cheaper materials
- Require frequent maintenance and repairs
- Harder to heat and cool efficiently

Colonial
Colonial style includes any house that is rectangular and symmetrical with bedrooms on the second floor. The double-hung windows usually have many small, equally sized square panes. From the late 1800s throughout the 20th century builders made Colonial Revival homes with elegant central hallways and elaborate cornices. Unlike the original Colonials, Colonial Revival homes are often sided in white clapboard and trimmed with black or green shutters.

Advantages:
- Curb appeal
- Privacy (distinct rooms)
- Large floorplan
- Grand front entrance

Disadvantages:
- Mobility
- Isolated rooms
- Standard ceiling heights
- Limited light fixture options

Four of the above styles have repeatedly dominated the housing market over the last five years: Ranch, Neo-eclectic, Colonial, and Contemporary. These styles, especially the Ranch, have remained popular in large part thanks to their affordability and overall practicality, qualities that make them ideal for families.

No matter which style of home you choose—it’s more than just a design preference. A home is a long-term investment, and protecting that investment is just as important as choosing the right style. That’s why using a builder who includes an RWC structural warranty on their homes can make all the difference. If unexpected issues arise, a warranty provides the peace of mind that your home—and your finances—are protected, so you can focus on enjoying the space and building memories.

Building a new home is an exciting journey filled with countless decisions that will shape the future of your living space. One of the most impactful choices you can make during the construction phase is the integration of solar panels. This forward-thinking approach not only sets the stage for a sustainable lifestyle but also offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond environmental considerations.

Why Consider Solar Panels from the Get-Go?
Cost Efficiency - Incorporating solar panels during the construction of your home can be more cost-effective than retrofitting them later. When planned in advance, the costs of installation can be included in your mortgage, spreading the expense over a longer period. Additionally, you can take advantage of tax incentives and rebates available for new construction projects that prioritize renewable energy solutions.

Seamless Integration - Installing solar panels during construction allows for a seamless integration with your home's design. Architects and builders can work together to ensure optimal placement for maximum sunlight exposure, without compromising the aesthetic appeal of your home. This collaboration can lead to innovative designs that enhance both the functionality and appearance of your property.

Energy Savings and Independence - Solar panels provide a renewable source of energy that can significantly reduce your electricity bills. By generating your own power, you can become less reliant on the grid, leading to increased energy independence. Over time, the savings on energy costs can offset the initial investment, making solar panels a financially savvy choice.

Environmental Impact
Reducing Carbon Footprint - Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that reduces your home's carbon footprint. The average residential solar system offsets approximately 5 to 6 tons of carbon dioxide annually, which is the equivalent to planting about 100 trees each year.

Sustainable Living - Incorporating solar panels is a step towards a sustainable lifestyle. It demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and can inspire others in your community to consider renewable energy solutions.

Planning and Considerations
Site Assessment - Before proceeding with solar panel installation, a site assessment is crucial. This involves evaluating the sun exposure your property receives and identifying the best locations for panel placement (south-facing roof sections with minimal shading maximize solar production in North America). Working with a professional can help ensure that your solar system is as efficient as possible.

System Size and Capacity - Determine the appropriate system size based on your home's energy needs. This involves considering factors such as the size of your home, the number of occupants, and your energy consumption patterns. A tailored system ensures you maximize the benefits of solar energy.

Future-Proofing - Installing solar panels during home construction is an investment in your future. It not only increases the resale value of your property but also positions your home to adapt to future technological advancements in renewable energy; new construction with solar often includes smart energy management systems, battery storage readiness, and electric vehicle charging capabilities.

Incorporating solar isn’t just an add-on — it’s a strategic decision that delivers financial benefits from day one. The combination of reduced installation costs, favorable financing options, ongoing energy savings, and increased home value creates a compelling case for making solar part of your initial construction plans. As energy costs continue to rise and climate considerations become increasingly important, homes built with integrated renewable energy systems will stand out in both the housing market and in monthly operating costs. The question is no longer whether solar makes sense for new construction, but rather how to optimize its implementation for maximum benefit. By planning for solar from the beginning of your construction project, you’re not just building a house — you’re creating an energy-producing asset that will serve you for decades to come.

There are few purchases that you will make during your lifetime that are more valuable than your house. Whether it’s a starter residence or your forever home, you want to make sure you protect and maintain it properly.

Our home warranty explains that regular homeowner maintenance is essential to protecting your home. A warranty doesn’t cover issues caused by neglect—so if small problems are left to grow into bigger ones, the responsibility falls on the homeowner. Staying on top of upkeep now can help avoid costly repairs later that won’t be covered.

While some aspects of home maintenance can be almost instinctual and performed without much fuss, there are tasks that may require a bit more research and implementation. A crucial component of your home requires you to, quite literally, start from the ground up - your hardwood flooring. Homeowners are more frequently turning to hardwood over carpeting as it can be both more aesthetically pleasing as well as a wise investment in the long run. Put in hardwoods, and if you take care of them, you’ll never have to install new flooring in your home again. But caring for your hardwood flooring is a multifaceted task, and one which a large number of homeowners may not properly understand. Below, we outline a basic maintenance schedule then delve into a few more specific aspects of care.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning Maintenance Schedule

Sweep or dust mop: Daily
Vacuum (using the bare floor setting): Weekly
Clean with wood flooring cleaner: Monthly
Apply a new coat of finish or maintenance coat: Every 3 to 5 years
Sand and refinish: Every few decades

Do’s & Don’ts for Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Do:

Don’t:

Ways to Ace Hardwood Floor Cleaning
Flooring experts recommend taking special care when doing these three activities to clean hardwood floors:

  1. Sweeping and Vacuuming
    Regular sweeping or vacuuming can keep hardwoods clean, but avoid using standard vacuums with beater bars, or brushrolls, on hardwood surfaces. Some vacuums allow you to turn off the brushroll setting. Another option is to choose a vacuum specifically made for hardwood floors.
  2. Mopping
    There’s a right way and a wrong way to mop your wood flooring. Because water can damage hardwoods, using a wet mop and leaving water residue behind is not a good strategy. Also, avoid steam mops, which apply pressure that forces moisture into the wood. That can lead to swelling and warping over time. Instead, “dry mop,” using a microfiber mop, along with a spray cleaner that is specifically made for hardwood floors.
  3. Using Cleaning Solutions
    Be selective about the cleaning solutions you use on your hardwood flooring. For example, vinegar — a favorite in house cleaning — is acidic and can penetrate the wood and leave streaks. Instead, opt for mild, pH-neutral cleaners that are designed specifically for hardwood flooring. Look for the words “hardwood cleaner” on the bottle or ask professional flooring companies for suggestions. Always test new products in small, hidden areas of the floor before spreading it elsewhere.

Treating Damage on Hardwood Floors
Minor scratches may occur on just the top-layer finish rather than in the wood itself. In that case, the scratches can often be repaired with touch-up markers, stain pens, and furniture repair kits. You can also rub the natural oils from a walnut or pecan over the scuff marks to help darken the wood and disguise the scratches. A tennis ball or a little baking soda on a damp cloth may help remove scuff marks. For deeper scratches, you may need a wood filler that matches the color of your floor. As an alternative, you can have your floors restained or refinished.

When to Refinish Your Hardwood Floors
If your floors are looking dull, you may be tempted to reach for polish as a fix. That can be a big mistake. In general, avoid using any products on your hardwoods with words like “polish,” “shine,” or “rejuvenate;” it’s a short-lived reward. It can dull very quickly and then leave a cloudy film on your floors. The only way to revive dull-looking floors is to have them lightly buffed and then apply a fresh coat of polyurethane wood finish on top.

For deeper scratches, dents, or damage to your hardwoods, you may need to have the floors completely sanded back to the raw wood and refinished. The cost to refinish hardwoods averages nearly $2,000, but the price can vary greatly. If you want a new look, refinishing also allows you to change the stain color of your hardwood.

Keep in mind, wood types vary in how often they can be refinished or how prone they are to scratching. For example, hardwood flooring’s durability and hardness are measured on a Janka scale, a rating of how susceptible the wood is to denting or showing wear. The higher the rating, the more resistant the wood will be to dents and wear and tear. In general, softwoods like pine tend to have lower Janka scales; hardwoods like hickory and Brazilian teak or walnut usually resist scratches and damage.

The number of times hardwoods can be refinished varies. For example, engineered wood flooring — a popular type of wood flooring — often can be refinished only one to three times, since the top layer is wood but underneath it is plywood. Hardwoods that have a wear layer that’s thinner than 2 millimeters, for example, may not be ideal for sanding. You may be able to refinish solid hardwood flooring 10 or more times, depending on the floor’s thickness.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning Affects Lifespan
The lifespan of hardwood flooring is one of the longest of any household material, possibly extending to 100 years or more. The lifespan greatly depends on you, however, and how well you care for the flooring. The importance of maintenance cannot be overstated.