Get free estimates from qualified pros Get free quotes » Sheet flooring is changing its image big time. No longer dull and dingy-looking, linoleum and vinyl floor coverings now come in bright modern patterns, for a fresh new look. These materials do require some special treatment during installation, though, so be sure that you avoid these 12 common mistakes.MISTAKE #1: Thinking that all sheet flooring is linoleum. DO IT RIGHT: Learn the difference between the two. "Linoleum" is a natural product made from linseed (flax seed) oil, blended with fillers like wood flour, rosin, and cork dust. Vinyl flooring is manufactured from petroleum and is highly moisture proof, while linoleum must be sealed against water penetration after it has been installed.MISTAKE #2: Not measuring and cutting extremely precisely. Linoleum and sheet vinyl flooring are appealing and affordable (The cost to install vinyl or linoleum floor by a professional contractor is approximately half that of tiles and one-third the price of hardwood).
However, it does not allow nearly as much margin for error as a pieced floor. DO IT RIGHT: Take the dimensions of the area to be covered before you order your vinyl flooring. Then measure again before you make even a single cut in your material.MISTAKE #3: Installing your flooring right after purchase. DO IT RIGHT: Leave sensitive vinyl and linoleum for 24 hours to acclimate to the temperature of your home.MISTAKE #4: Trying to save time by not making a template of the floor. DO IT RIGHT: Use sturdy felt paper, taping pieces together to form an accurate whole-room template.MISTAKE #5: Tearing up the old floor. DO IT RIGHT: It's fine -- not to mention time-saving -- to install linoleum or a vinyl floor right on top of the existing material, as long as it is clean, dry, and level. The additional thickness will be relatively small; trim the bottom of the door if you need a little additional clearance.MISTAKE #6: Leaving the baseboard moldings in place. DO IT RIGHT: Remove the moldings, as well as the door threshold, before you lay the vinyl flooring.
MISTAKE #7: Not bothering to read the manufacturer's instructions on your sheet flooring adhesive. DO IT RIGHT: Make sure that you understand the process. Wear a breathing mask or respirator and ensure the room is well ventilated, if the directions specify.MISTAKE #8: Being sloppy while you're spreading the glue. DO IT RIGHT: Spread a smooth, even layer and take care to get the glue into every corner of the room.MISTAKE #9: Not allowing enough "open time" between applying adhesive and placing the sheet flooring material. DO IT RIGHT: Follow the directions to avoid bubbling of the glue.MISTAKE #10: Delaying the cleanup of excess glue. If allowed to dry, sheet flooring adhesive requires a solvent for removal. DO IT RIGHT: Keep warm water and a cleaning cloth close at hand for this purpose.MISTAKE #11: Neglecting to use a roller to smooth out the linoleum vinyl flooring after you've glued it in place. DO IT RIGHT: Roll the floor, starting form the center outward, with a rented floor roller -- or even a kitchen rolling pin for small areas.
MISTAKE #12: Treating your carefully installation of vinyl or linoleum floor roughly in the future. DO IT RIGHT: Take off your high heels or cleats before walking on your beautiful new flooring, and protect it from dents and scuffs with furniture pads on the legs of your chairs and tables. Plynyl woven floormats by Chilewich are vinyl floor rugs made of innovative woven vinyl fabric bonded to a flexible, soft polyurethane cushion for indoor flooring. Designed for heavy traffic areas, Chilewich vinyl floor mats are stain and water resistant, durable, and easy to maintain and clean. Available in various styles, colors and sizes, Chilewich floor mats look great and are perfect for kitchens, rec rooms or dorms. Care of Chilewich mats.Depreciation is the concept of claiming a business expense over a number of years, rather than claiming the expense in one year. In general, you must depreciate items that cost more than $500. In a previous article, “What is Depreciation?” I discussed the exceptions to this general rule.
Let’s now look at what items you can depreciate and what depreciation category they belong in. Any item you buy that costs more than $500 and use for your business must fit into one of the following categories: Personal Property (Items not attached to your home or land) * Office Equipment – 5 year property Computer, printer, copier, fax, desk, filing cabinets, scanner, printer stand, computer tables, and desk chair * Other Personal Property – 7 year property Appliances (washer, dryer, freezer, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, etc.), furniture (tables, chairs, sofa, lawn furniture, rocking chair, etc.), bookcase, dehumidifier, entertainment center, hand/power tools, ladder, lamps, lawn furniture, outdoor play equipment, picnic table, rocking chair, rug/carpet/vinyl flooring, television, swing set, window air conditioner, etc. Land Improvement (Items attached to the land and increase its value) – 15 year property Cement slab, cement stairs and railing, driveway, fence, under-ground lawn sprinkler system, patio, new sewer line, sidewalk/walkway, swimming pool, etc.
Home Improvement (Items attached to your home and increase its value) – 39 year property Attic fan, awnings, central air conditioning, deck, furnace, garage, new plumbing or electrical work, new room addition, porch, replacement windows, tile/wood flooring, remodeling, etc. Home (Includes a trailer) – 39 year property You always want to depreciate your home, no matter what! See my article, “Should You Depreciate Your Home?” Vehicle (Includes a car, truck or van) – 5 year property You will only depreciate your vehicle if you use the actual expenses method for claiming vehicle expenses. If you use the standard mileage method, you will not depreciate your vehicle. I’ve written a handout summarizing the above information. For a complete list of hundreds of items you can depreciate, see my book, Family Child Care Record Keeping Guide. See also: “What is Depreciation?” and “The Section 179 Rule: A Powerful Way to Cut Your Taxes.”