(ARA) - The remodeling trend continues to grow nationwide as more and more people are choosing to upgrade their current homes instead of moving to a new one.

According to Remodeling Magazine's 2006 Cost vs. Value Report, the remodeling boom is thriving and the money put into it can be a good investment. The report indicates that the average bathroom remodel costs $12,918 with 84.9 percent costs recouped. A basement remodel averages $54,724 with 78.8 percent recouped and a major kitchen remodel costs $54,241 with 80.4 percent recouped.

"With the housing market unstable, changes to your current home are a smart move, adding value and giving occupants the feel of a whole new house," comments Chris Sy, of Carlisle Wide Plank Floors. "Instead of starting over and uprooting your family, many people are looking for ways to improve their current home and increase its value."

Remodeling can happen all at once or step by step. Smaller changes are a great place to start and get your feet wet especially if you plan to do it yourself. A great upgrade that drastically changes the look in your home is the surface you walk on each day: the flooring.

Start by looking for potential flooring ideas online and in magazines. When looking, keep in mind that good flooring should invoke a feeling of timeless beauty, be environmentally sustainable, and have easy installation and maintenance.

Wood flooring is a popular option that invokes style and has long-lasting durability. A movement that continues to grow in homes across the United States is the use of wide plank wood floors. Homeowners like the fact that bigger boards produce fewer seams and butt joints.

Today, wide plank flooring can achieve a wide variety of looks from contemporary to country cottage to mountain retreat. Installing a wood floor can give your home a new look that will project your own personal tastes and add a classic element that will last.

Companies like Carlisle Wide Plank Floors in Stoddard, N.H., specialize in creating wide plank floors that preserve the historical aspect of the wood. They start with sustainably grown, old growth trees and then cut boards from the center to yield the widest and longest planks with the greatest grain density and stability. The advantage of wide plank floors is the naturally occurring character that is grown into each plank.

Because of the inherent stability of the wood, it can be used over concrete, radiant heat, and in waterfront homes and commercial buildings. Look for quality wood that has been properly cut, air and kiln dried, and acclimated. Installation can easily be done at home without hiring a professional.

Maintenance of wide plank flooring is easy as well. The best solution for finishing these floors is with Tung Oil, which is renowned for its wear and maintenance properties. Once the floors have been treated with Tung Oil, sanding is not necessary and additional applications can be used to touch up high wear areas.

With the current housing market, there is no better time to take another look at your current home and think about potential renovations. It will give new life to your interior rooms, and if you do decide to sell, will increase your house's value. Consider starting with the floor, the foundation to any home.

For more information about wood flooring, visit wideplankflooring.com or call (866) 595-9663.

Courtesy of ARAcontent