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2 • House & Home • September 2014


SHEMBEDA

FLOOR COVERING Family Owned & Operated Since 1972 CARPET • CERAMIC TILE • VINYL

Emporium’s Georgia Home Inside the Local Housing Market Living in Another Era: Smethport’s Mansions Emporium’s Warner Home Gerneral Kane’s Legacy

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Fresh Start: Habitat For Humanity Helped Local Family Renovation Love: Lynn Hall is Receiving a Facelift September 2014 • House & Home • 3


By AMANDA JONES

A

n iconic three-story historical home just outside of Emporium’s business district has recently changed hands, but will remain within the family. The large, beautifully wood-constructed dwelling was built within short years of Emporium’s birth by Albert (A.W.) Georgia. Georgia purchased the land surrounding the home in 1870, and the home is shown on a historical map penned in 1872 which is kept at the Cameron County Little Museum in Sterling Run. Georgia’s name can still be found on the back of a door within the home, so closely kept has the home been in recent years to its original condition. The land was purchased from J.S. Cook and his wife, Belinda, and Aden Housler, the plot coming from land originally owned by the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad.

Georgia owned a lumber mill in West Creek prior to building the home. The mill burned in 1869, but it is believed that Georgia owned another mill in the Pennsylvania town of Endeavor, where his daughter lived at the time of his death. In the 1880s, Georgia operated a cigar store across from the Dolan Hotel along Fourth Street in the heart of Emporium’s business district. The Dolan Hotel was at that time known as the City Hotel, and the cigar store was located next to the Shive’s Building. Around this time, Georgia sold the home to George Walker, and he and his wife moved in and raised six children; four boys and two girls. In the 1890s, the home was updated, and a large front porch, elegant veranda and bay windows were added. The youngest of the Walker chil-

dren was a daughter, Grace Anne, who took over the home from her parents. She came to be known as quite eccentric later in life. In 1929, Grace Walker had the home converted into apartments, keeping the main portion of the downstairs as her own, and renting the remaining apartments, all fully plumbed with flush toilets, to women employed at Sylvania and young married couples looking for their first home. Grace Walker often played her violin in the living room of her home, in front of the large bay windows, and often passersby stopped to look inside on their way down Emporium’s wide main street. Her signature palm tree was used in displays at Big G and another storefront on the East End for decades after her death. In the 1950s, George Havistraw purchased the house with his wife, Marie Sherman. The couple had

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Georgia Home, Emporium, PA

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five children, and their daughter, Jeannette Klock operated a beauty parlor in the front room for many years. The Klocks sold the home to Sandy and the late James Hornung in 1976, and the couple raised their family within the homes sprawling walls. The Hornungs operated businesses, including J&H Machining, which is still in operation on Emporium’s East End. Several years ago, James and Sandy Hornung built a smaller home on Fifth Street, just behind the large, red home in which they had raised their family. The original Georgia Home was placed for sale, but the size of the house was daunting to many would-be homeowners who came to see the lovely dwelling. Tenants were found, and the home was rented out for a time, remaining on the market all the while. Sandy Hornung has received good news recently, however. Her daughter and son-in-law decided to move back into the family homestead and are updating it to suit their needs. Additions include adding a new coat of paint, which will bring the home from the bright red visitors are accustomed to a deep, midnight blue with white trim. %

Of Kane

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By ALEX DAVIS It’s sure been an unusual realestate market in the four-county region. In one case more properties have sold but at lower amounts. On the other hand, there are many homes on the market but fewer buyers. “This has been an odd year,” said Anne Horning, broker/owner at Crown Realty Services, with headquarters in Emporium. Many of the properties that have sold have ranged from $6,000 to $55,000. A property expected to close recently sold for $100,000. Meanwhile, southern Cameron County is doing well with residences being purchased as camps. Why the shortage of higherpriced properties? She guessed that it could be attributed to the trend of people not getting mortgages because of stringent banks. Some people are putting their homes on the market themselves,

Horning said. The agency is involved in the real-estate market in McKean, Potter, Elk, and Cameron counties. Cameron County is the main area, with three or four properties listed in the other counties. At the Bradford office of Chosen Acres Realty, realtor Candy Smith many homes are on the market but not many buyers. She is expecting an upswing in the market — following a tough year. A rough winter slowed sales, which usually pick up in the spring, Smith said. “But we’re slowly climbing back to where we were,” she said. Smith said the plan is to close on several properties by the end of November. The average real-estate price for the company is $80,000. “That’s been that way for years,” Smith said. Chosen Acres Realty serves all

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of McKean County. Two real estate businesses, one in Potter County and another in Elk, declined to have comments printed, and another realtor in Elk County was not available for an interview.

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8 • House & Home • September 2014

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September 2014 • House & Home • 9


Crown Realty Services 267 E. 4th Street Emporium, PA 15834 Office: 814.486.0313 Fax: 814.486.0345

http://www.crownrealtypa.com/

109 CARPENTER ROAD, COUDERSPORT

Very nice single story log home with knotty pine interior. 2 BR, 1.75 baths. On 4.6 acres with wooded and open areas. 2 garages.

$169,900

Charles Cooper

Margie Smith

Anne Horning

ORCHARD RD, WHITTAM ORE HILL, EMPORI UM

Immaculate single story, 3 BR, 1 bath cabin on .48 acre lot. FA & elec heat, well, septic. Laundry, eat in kitchen, great covered porch. Fully furnished! Very clean. Your home away from awaits!

$72,500

DEERING RUN RD, AUSTIN RICH VALLEY RD, EMPORIUM Single story camp on 4.6 acres. Eating, sleeping, and living areas. Located within a mile of the Susquehannock State Forest, near Cherry Springs. Perfect hunting and fishing getaway!

$42,000

TWO PROPERTIES IN ONE!

Former church and parsonage. Church has 1100 square feet, mostly finished basement, half bath and a parking lot. The house has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, DR, double living room, new boiler, 200 amp elec service, and well pump.

$68,000

Myra Buckles

Jessica Finch

9409 ROUTE 155, KEATING SUMMIT AREA

Single story, 1 BR, 1 bath camp. Modern kitchen & bath, 19x21 LR with fireplace, Oil heat + woodstove, well & septic. On 300x100 lot, a short distance from state land.

$39,500

1260 CLEAR CREEK RD, EMPORIUM Very private 2 story barn-shaped home with 3 BR, 2.5 baths, open LR/DR with FP, galley kitchen. Full bsmnt with garage. Wraparound deck + 2nd floor deck. On 25 acres with OGMS.

$195,000

715 MAURUS ST, ST. MARYS 210 BLAINE AVE, JOHNSONBURG 164 OSWALD LANE, EMPORIUM Exceptional brick Tudor with 4 BR, 4.5 baths, 2 gas FPs, 2 WB FPs, eat-in kitchen, formal dining room. The LR is breathtaking with 30’ ceilings, leading to an executive library and office. The full bsmnt boasts a FR with equipped bar and FP. Att 2 stall garage. Includes det 3 car gar with 2 BR apt above. On 1.68 acres near the hospital.

$750,000

Updated 3 BR, 1 bath with new furnace, roof, flooring, kitchen cabinets & counter + much more!

$38,000

Spacious single story CAMP with 3 BR, 1.5 baths. Electric heat + 2 Woodstoves. Well & septic. On 38 private, scenic acres just a few miles from Emporium. OGM’s included.

$132,000

ROUTE 120, TRUMAN 2004 MOORE HILL RD E. ALLEGANY AVE., COMMERCIAL

Single story brick Tudor style home built in 2000. 3 BR, 3 baths, high ceilings, tile and wood floors, gourmet kitchen with snack bar and breakfast nook.The finished basement has a family room with FP, bedroom, full bath and storage. Attached 2 car garage. On 162 acres bordering State Land, with ponds, barn with fenced pasture, and a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains. If you are looking for an exceptional home on a private setting, this could be the one!

$750,000

10 • House & Home • September 2014

Newer singlewide MH on 3.5 acres adjoining State Land. 3 BR, 2 baths, covered porch, det garage, fenced in yard. Very clean & well maintained. This property has much to offer!

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1 Story commercial bldg, potential for multiple uses. 3 Phase electric, central heat & air, extra 100x100 lot. Awesome visibility for your business!

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Rose Mansion

By FRAN DeLANCEY

V

Forrest Mansion 12 • House & Home • September 2014

isitors to Smethport often comment about the beautiful Victorian-style homes that line Main Street in the borough’s historic Mansion District. These ostentatious and decorative homes, which became popular during the reign of British Queen Victoria — 1837-1901 — were built for the wealthy to impress and remain impressive today. They are often characterized by asymmetrical exteriors, steps leading to large wraparound porches, and grand entrances, large bay windows and steep roofs, sometimes at different levels. In the eastern United States, Victorian-era homes tend to be three stories, including the attic, and built on a full-sized basement. Two of Smethport’s Victorian-era homes are the Rose Mansion at 916 West Main St. and the John Forrest Mansion at 620 West Main St. Both are examples of the stick style, a variation of the Victorians, that gained popularity during the middle of the 19th century, and in addition to homes, was also used in train stations and emergency stations. Stick-style houses are recognized by details borrowed from the Middle Ages, such as bold brick chimneys,


decorative spindle detailing at the gable peaks and trusses on the gables. Kay James and her parents, John and Pat McAnallen, reside in the Rose Mansion that was built circa 1889. The home is named after Robert Rose, who moved to Smethport as attorney and agent for the Bingham land estate that once owned about two million acres in Maine, and later owned large expanses of wilderness in Potter, McKean, Elk and Tioga counties. He was also solicitor for the McKean County Commissioners. Rose, who resettled to Smethport in 1873, married Laena Hamlin, daughter of Henry Hamlin. Historical reports say that their home was one of the fine residences of the borough and was the “center of a refined social life, to which his own personality gives much of the zest.” The home has two floors, a basement, a huge attic and attached garage, James said. Not everything with the mansion is original, though. The McAnallens have added a stair lift. In addition, some roof work has been done, as well as exterior painting.

What makes this house unique? “It’s the spaciousness and openness and the hardwood floors,” James said. James’ business, The Rose Boutique, is also located at the Rose Mansion. The Forrest Mansion, next door to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, formerly served as the rectory. Forrest was a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., where he received his business education. He was later employed by the Buffalo Coal Co., where his work performance attracted the attention of Byron Hamlin, owner of the McKean and Buffalo Railroad. The railroad company carried coal for the Buffalo Coal Co. Hamlin persuaded young Forrest to relocate to Smethport and work for Hamlin’s land company. Forrest and Mary Hamlin, Byron’s daughter, were married in 1878. Forrest died in 1918. His wife, a respected Smethport native, resided in this home, which dates to the late 1880s, until her death at 87 in December 1944. At one point, the mansion was home to The Guidance Center. Today, the home is now owned by

George and Debbie Tufts. Though they purchased the home in 1989, they didn’t move in until 1992 — since they were still in the military and working for the Department of Defense’s Defense Commissary in Germany. During that time, George Tufts said that he has rehabilitated the interior, a project that is ongoing. The exterior has been worked on, as well. George Tufts said the siding that has been added to the house hides its Victorian stick features. “As the remodeling continues, we’re trying to restore the interior to the original style, and keep it as historical as possible,” he said. “On the to-do list is modifying the stairway that leads from the area where the Forrest’s maid lived to the kitchen.” %

September 2014 • House & Home • 13


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By AMANDA JONES

F

ew buildings existed within the Borough of Emporium when it was incorporated as the county seat of Cameron County, and fewer yet survived the fires that raged through the wooden structures of the downtown area in the decades to follow. By 1862, Emporium’s population had increased to 110, and there were 27 buildings in town. One of those, the Warner Home at the corner of Fourth Street and Woodland Avenue, was built during that year, constructed in the Victorian style popular in that era. Emporium did not reach 1,000 residents until 1880. Much of the land in the area of the Warner Home was owned by Josiah Howard, an early benefactor of Emporium and Cameron County. Howard came into wealth after he and his brother inherited the lumbering enterprise built by their father, Charles (C.B.) Howard, later expanding operations into the explosives in-

dustry, serving as an executive at the Novelty Incandescent Lamp Co. (later Sylvania) and the first bank board, and founding the first county library and Emporium Water Co. The Warner Family acquired the land as part of a 300-acre tract, with George Warner, Julia Warner, and their son, Robert Warner, owning the home and that parcel of land within a short period of time. George and Julia Warner were early pioneers in the deeply forested region, and Julia was the daughter of the first white Shippen settler, John Earl. Upon Julia Warner’s death, Robert Warner inherited the property, and he and his wife, Myra, owned the large home until 1928. The property was purchased by Metro Stations, Inc. represented by attorney B.M. Marcus of Olean, N.Y. In 1929, Metro Stations sold the property and home to the Gore family from Sinnemahoning to build a

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gas station. As the home was on the corner, and that was the area thought most logical for location of a business, the building was moved further eastward along Emporium’s main thoroughfare so that it now occupies 338 West Fourth St. In July of 1929, the home was sold by Art and Anna May Gore to William and Regina Stout, and their daughter, Irene Stout, turned the home into Stout’s Tea Room and Tourist Home. The interior of the Tea Room was repainted a vibrant yellow and arranged to hold 35 diners. In the guest quarters, there were accommodations for 18 people. Members of the Stout Family owned the home until 1976. In addition to serving as a boarding home, the house also was used as the Pennsylvania State Police barracks for a number of years. William F. and Mary Straub inherited the home from Irene Stout Sullivan, widow of James Sullivan, in

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September 2014 • House & Home • 15


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1976, and owned it until 1990 when it was purchased by William Hopwood III. The home was painted pink and white in the last decade of the 20th century, having been a grayish blue and yellow at different times throughout its history. The porch gazebo was added and several other updates at this time. The former Warner Home was purchased most recently by Michael Thompson. %

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Kane Manor General Thomas L. Kane fought during the American Civil War and received a brevet promotion for gallantry at the Battle of Gettysburg. He and his wife moved to western Pennsylvania after the war and founded the town of Kane.

Kane Mansion

Silverside Manor 18 • House & Home • September 2014


A Lasting By CHUCK ABRAHAM

G

en. Thomas L. Kane and his family left an indelible mark on McKean County. While Kane’s original homestead, Kane Summit, burned down in the 1890s, three important houses directly related to the Kane family are still standing and still in use. The most notable of the Kane family homes is Kane Manor on Clay Street in Kane. The mansion was built by Dr. Elizabeth Kane after the 1896 fire that destroyed Kane Summit. Kane named the manor “Anoatok,” an Eskimo word meaning “wind loved spot.” According to Dennis Driscoll of the Kane Historic Preservation Society, the mansion became the home of Dr. Evan O’Neill Kane, who was known in the medical field as the first surgeon to perform an operation on himself. Today, Kane Manor serves as a bed and breakfast with many period items within its walls. Kane Manor is not the only remaining house in Kane that some of the general’s relatives called home. The old house at 107 Edgar James St. was originally the residence of Dr. William Woods Kane, later known as Dr. Thomas Lieper Kane after the death of his father. Dr. Kane’s daughter, Sybil Kent Kane, lived there after his death. Sybil’s niece, Carol Kane Simerly of Payson, Ariz., said that she was close to her aunt, who became a second mother to her after the death of her own mother, and she spent a great deal of time at the house. She recalled Sunday meals with her aunt as one of her most important weekly events. Simerly is the 90-year-old great-great granddaughter of General Kane. The house eventually became the first Lutheran Home in Kane Borough. The building is currently an apartment house. However, the original porch and house are still very prominent in spite of more modern additions made to accommodate a greater amount of people. While the original Kane Summit burned down about 114 years ago, one need only go to nearby Kushequa to see a replica of the original homestead. The Silverside Mansion was built in 1908 by Kane’s son, Elisha Kent Kane, to take the place of the original that fire destroyed. Driscoll said Kane built the replica of Kane Summit on the original foundation of his own home. But, in order to fit the foundation, Kane, an engineer, scaled Silverside to 90 percent of the original dimensions of Kane Manor. The Silverside Manor is currently owned by Michael and James McCann. %

September 2014 • House & Home • 19


By JENNIFER WILLEMIN

S

arah Bell and her child almost became homeless. As a single mother, she was living on one income, going to college and renting a house with her mother in Bradford. Then her mother moved out to be with her husband, and Bell could no longer afford rent on her own. One phone call changed her life. She contacted Harry Solarek at the Habitat for Humanity McKean County, which proved to be a step in the right direction for Bell, who recommended that she apply for a Habitat home. Habitat for Humanity McKean County is part of a global, non-profit housing organization that believes that every person should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. The organization builds and repairs houses across the world using volunteer labor and donations.

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“The success I experienced through the whole process was mainly the fact that I was able to afford my own home and to provide a nice warm home for my son,” Bell said. Bell explained that with the help of a low mortgage payment, she was able to start paying other bills off. “I was truly honored to have been part of such an amazing organization,” Bell added. “I’m really glad I am now at a place in my life to where I can do the same for someone else in need and pay it forward.” Bell has had her dreams answered. Now Habitat McKean is looking for a family to move into Bell’s old, two-bedroom home on Interstate Parkway in Bradford. To qualify, one must be working and be able to afford a small, monthly housing payment. “I feel so thankful. We gave Sarah the opportunity to better herself, and she did, so that’s a great thing,”


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Habitat McKean president Sammi Placer said. Prospective homeowners must undergo a rigorous selection process. Habitat McKean committee reviews each application and conducts interviews. A subcommittee will help with finances and determine the applicant’s ability to do service, then the board decides the best fit for the home. “We have a service to provide to community,” Placer said. “Some people are down on their luck, and we want to show them that they can own a home instead of living in public housing.” Recently, Habitat McKean replaced flooring following severe water damage. The organization also partnered with Destinations Bradford for a window project. Materials used are donated; most donations coming from area residents. Placer said Habitat McKean recently received a large donation, totaling a little more than $4,000, from Valu Home Center. Other local, corporate sponsors include American Refining Group, KOA Speer and Zippo Manufacturing Co. Habitat for Humanity McKean County is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. %

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September 2014 • House & Home • 23


By MARTHA KNIGHT

T

he restaurant, home, architect’s studio and landmark known as Lynn Hall used to seem as if it had emerged from the hillside along U.S. Route 6, three miles past Port Allegany toward Smethport. So much a part of its setting was the sprawling building, with its indigenous stone, a viewer could imagine Walter Hall and his crew “discovering” it by removing the surrounding earth and rock. In recent years, though, viewers could have had the impression that the hillside, or nature, was swallowing up the manmade beauty of Lynn Hall, re-assimilating the building by degrees, with giant evergreens obscuring it and dropping layers of needles, frost-heaving the stone, water washing out mortar. Lynn Hall is the only place in the Port Allegany area that is on the National Register of Historic Places. But it looked as if it might become history, in the worst sense. People would comment about its plight, and say, “What a shame!” But who could rescue it? What prince would chop through the tree-hedge and waken this beauty? Gary and Sue DeVore took on that task when they bought Lynn Hall over a year ago. Much has been accomplished since they took up residence in the small house up the drive from Lynn Hall. For one thing, this stunning example of prairie architecture stands clear of the shadows, those towering evergreens having been taken down. How did Shaun Nance perform that feat, so close to the

24 • House & Home • September 2014

building and the highway? Very carefully. From the outside it is obvious that much has been accomplished in restoring water features, masonry, entryways, windows and structural soundness in general. The late Walter Hall, the builder/engineer, understood construction better than architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the architect who designed Fallingwater, built by Hall after his Lynn Hall project was under way. Lynn Hall was a popular restaurant, decades ago. More recently it was the home of Walter Hall’s son, prominent architect Raymond Viner (R.V.) Hall, who also had his architectural studio and home there, and made extensive changes. Inside the sprawling structure the DeVores have made great strides, painstakingly restoring it area by area to its original appearance and using authentic materials. Recently, they turned the water back on, and discovered to their joy that not a single pipe leaks. Volunteers have helped. This past summer a group of teenagers from a Christian program arrived on a mission to work on the project. They contributed their energy and willingness, and probably developed valuable skills in the process. The DeVores are highly qualified teachers of such skills. Between them they have nearly 50 years of experience in architecture, construction and building rehabilitation. Gary grew up working with his father, a stone mason and builder. Later, he was able to oversee maintenance and construction at summer camps, including grounds and as many as 50 buildings at a site. He also dealt with utilities, roads


before

after

before

after

and landscaping. Susan, native to this area, believes she inherited, or absorbed, some of the “hard-working culture of the Swedes here in northwest Pennsylvania,” and describes herself as “a willing partner in both destruction and construction.” Gary says she takes the lead in decoration and finish. Gary’s architectural training came from the University of Wisconsin School of Architecture, an exponent of prairiestyle architecture followed by Wright and Hall the builder, and in his turn, Hall the architect. Memorabilia of the Halls’ building and designing careers are preserved and displayed in Lynn Hall. Some were rescued by some members of the Hall family, some by the DeVores when they carefully extracted as much as they could from the studio area. Gary laments that many other drawings, plans and records could not be saved after years of water damage and mold. More recently other documents and photographs have been donated by community members and collectors. Lynn Hall is a monument to Walter the builder and R.V. the architect, as the DeVores saw the project going in, and as they are carrying it out. They have become walking, talking repositories of Hall lore, the connection between Walter Hall and Wright, R.V. Hall’s own powerful influence on architectural style and his many projects in this area and elsewhere. Visitors stop by, several a day, and the DeVores interrupt their labors to take them on little tours. Virtual tours can be taken at www.lynnhall-restoration.com.%

September 2014 • House & Home • 25


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HOME IS STILL WHERE THE HEART IS! September 2014 • House & Home • 27


6 things to c onside r whe n www.TheCarpetStorePlus.com buying new flooring All your flooring needs We’ve put together 6 tips for you to reference when under one roof! purchasing new flooring

• How long do you plan on owning your home?

If you plan on selling your home, new flooring is pleasing to prospective buyers. Your objective should be to make the home look aesthetically appealing for the new owners instead of fully functional. The new owners preference may vary from yours and they may end up removing the brand new flooring. Therefore, a product with a 7-year warranty would be a better choice than durable, more expensive flooring with a 25-year warranty. If you plan on being in the same house for 20+ years, then a series of inexpensive 7-year products would cost more than a one-time, more expensive, more durable purchase.

• How many people and/or pets use your flooring?

Traffic is an important consideration when purchasing new flooring. Consider the function of the carpet, especially in hallways, stairs and places like living rooms that will see heavy traffic. Also, bear in mind your pets and/or small children and the possible spills and accidents to choose a product that will be friendly under these conditions.

• Know the truth about allergens & your flooring.

Scientists concluded that carpet fibers actually help people with allergies by trapping and immobilizing potential allergy-causing particulates. If allergens are in the carpet, they’re not circulating in the indoor air stream. Hard surface flooring cannot trap dust particles and when you walk across the floor you may stir the dust, making it airborne. It is recommended to use an air-filter to fully remove such particles from the indoor environment, and vacuuming your carpet regularly with a machine made to filter allergens.

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• Comparison Shopping

It is important to know the product inside and out when getting a comparison quote. It is even more important to compare the service you will be receiving throughout the process. Flooring products are known by style and color, each having its own identification number. These numbers make sure that you are quoting “apples-to-apples”. Each flooring shop has its own procedure regarding service. Make sure you feel comfortable with your salesperson, that he has your best interest in mind. Remember that price is only one consideration when making an important flooring purchase.

• Don’t be afraid to ask, “Can you do any better?”

Retailers have a little wiggle-room when it comes to pricing out your flooring, installation and any extras. If you feel the price is too high, don’t be afraid to ask your salesperson if he can do better on the price. If he can’t, he’ll say no. But if he can, and he’s honest, he may be able to cut it down a little, especially if it’s a rather large project.

• Don’t know flooring-Know your Dealer!

Updates in the flooring industry are constant. Consumers aren’t expected to keep up with all the newest product information. Rely on experienced sales professionals and installers to help make your shopping experience fit your needs and expectations. If you’re unsure about your dealers’ qualifications, go ahead and ask him how long he’s been in the business!

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Published By The Bradford Era • 43 Main St. • Bradford, PA • 814-368-3173


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