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[mountain_ivy]

to date:  Invited four companies for estimates.  One never showed or called; one had a snafu, missed time, finally called and rescheduled, but didn't measure what he was supposed to (hubby was home and he's sometimes a tad vague); #3 uses oil-based poly and measured space at 650 sf; #$ uses water-based poly and measures space at 717 sf.

I gather that water-based is better environmentally, but may not be as impervious to scratches, etc.  Your thoughts, experiences gratefully appreciated.

[mountain_ivy]

Checking back in with newly refinished floors.  I think I broke every rule in the "how to find a home service" book, but the floors look great!!  I had several estimates, with varying prices.  Then I saw an add for a very low price; hubby and I went to the store (we live in a area with more floor stores than is believable), liked the products and the owner, and his estimate when he came out.  We decided to have the floors done while we were gone for 10 days over winter break, taking our two small dogs with us and leaving feline in large basement with catsitter coming regularly. I was nervous about not being there to look over workmen's shoulders (they, of course, were elated), but relieved not to be concerned about living in basement ourselves.

Everything worked great:  refinished floors look like they should, and laminated floors look like they've always been there.  Given how many "rules" we broke, I think we're probably lucky.

[noof_]

Glad it worked out.

[anon4now]

You were lucky, and it's great it turned out well---please post the experience on ANGIE"S LIST so others can benefit, and that goodguy contractor can get some more biznis.  Hurray! (www.angieslist.com)

[mountain_ivy]

anon--Thanks for the suggestion; I'll do it.