If you are having a new floor put in, consider using a hard floor such as wood, ceramic or slate instead of carpeting. Carpeting is an ideal home for dust mites, which is a leading cause of allergies in the home. Before making a decision, talk to your remodeling contractor for recommendations. Be sure if you choose hardwood floors, to discuss the effects of fumes that may be emitted when furnishing a new hard floor.

Consider staying out of the home for a couple days to let it properly air out after installing a floor.

NARI is a professional association whose member companies voluntarily subscribe to a strict code of ethics. Consumers can search www.RemodelToday.com to find a remodeler who is a member of NARI.

For more information about finding a qualified remodeling professional, consumers can call the NARI National hotline at 800-611-NARI and request a free copy of NARI's brochure, "How to Select a Remodeling Professional," or visit www.RemodelToday.com and click on the homeowners guide for more information.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. With more than 5800 members nationwide, the Association -- based in Des Plaines, Illinois, -- is "The Voice of the Remodeling Industry"TM.