The last installment on wood floors – here is Ken discussing the wide array of laminates, with some of the decent ones selling in the mid-$2s per sf:
In our next video, carpet!
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Jim Klinge
Klinge Realty Group
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- 682 S. Coast Hwy 101, Suite #110
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Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jim & Donna Klinge helped us sell our home of 30 years in Ocean Hills. We were very happy with their service and would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone looking for an Honest, Knowledgeable, Skilled, Informed Efficient realty team. Both Jim & Donna were so helpful in different ways and complemented each others skills. Please refer to a more detailed review that we wrote on YELP. Thank You Both for all your help!!!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A+ thank youTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Many years ago, we purchased a home in Carlsbad, using a realtor that was recommended to us - Jim Klinge. Fast forward to 2025, we recently had the privilege of selling 2 homes in Carlsbad, CA and didn't hesitate to reach out to Jim and Donna Klinge of Klinge Realty Group to guide us through the sales. The transactions were very different, each with its own unique situation, opportunities and challenges. From start to finish, Donna and Jim helped navigate the pre-sale preparation, the listing, showing of the house, buyer negotiations, the final close and all of the paperwork and decisions in between. What stands out with both transactions is the professionalism of Jim and Donna (and their team), wonderful communication (timely, relevant, concise), their deep understanding of market dynamics (setting realistic expectations), their access to top-notch contractors, and last, their ability to guide us across the finish line successfully. We wouldn't hesitate to use Jim and Donna in the future and highly recommend them for anyone looking to buy or sell a property in North San Diego County.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We sold a home with Jim and Donna and from beginning to end they were consummate professionals. Their initial walk through the property resulted in a list of items to be repaired or updated. They supplied a list of vendors and job quotes to do the repairs and updates. We originally wanted to sell ‘as is’ and just get it over with. They gave us a selling price for ‘as is’ and options for doing a few updates/repairs to doing it all with the selling price for each option. We agreed to do all they suggested and we sold for the exact price they predicted. For every dollar spent we got back more than $2 back in the selling price. And they got that price in a rising interest rate environment! Donna and Jim are extremely detailed and guide you through ever aspect of the sale. There were no surprises thanks to their guidance. We couldn’t be more pleased with their representation. Thank you Donna and Jim, Jerry and MaryTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have known Jim & Donna Klinge for over a dozen years, having met them in Carlsbad where our children went to the same school. As long time North County residents, it was a no- brainer for us to have the Klinges be our eyes and ears for San Diego real estate in general and North County in particular. As my military career caused our family to move all over the country and overseas to Asia, Europe and the Pacific, we trusted Jim and Donna to help keep our house in Carlsbad rented with reliable and respectful tenants for over 10 years. Naturally, when the time came to sell our beloved Carlsbad home to pursue a rural lifestyle in retirement out of California, we could think of no better team to represent us than Jim and Donna. They immediately went to work to update our house built in 2004 to current-day standards and trends — in 2 short months they transformed it into a literal modern-day masterpiece. 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Jim and Donna demonstrated exceptional professionalism, offering expert guidance on market conditions and pricing strategy, which resulted in a quick and successful sale. Communication was prompt and we were well-informed throughout the entire process. For anyone looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable real estate team, look no further! ---Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Donna and Jim Klinge of Klinge Realty Group have our highest possible recommendation. From Donna and Jim’s first visit to our house through closing their advice and counsel was candid and honest in all dealings. They kept us fully informed throughout the process. The house sold less than three days after listing with a two-week closing. My wife and I have sold several houses during our lives. This was by far the best experience. Klinge Reality is a premium service realtor. You can’t make a better choice for someone to sell your home fast and for top dollar.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Donna and Jim provided exceptional support and professionalism throughout the entire process. We couldn't have been happier with their efforts. They made our house shine, and thanks to their expertise, it sold above the listing price in the very first weekend! Truly a fantastic experience from start to finish.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This year has been difficult on our family, mainly due to having to sell our home. Thankfully we knew God had a plan for us and working with the Klinge team was a key part of it. It was an obvious decision to work with them again after such an amazing experience when purchasing the same home we needed to sell. The challenge was, how will we do this in so little time with so much going on? Jim and Donna held our hand every step of the way. 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Jim understanding my needs, recommending potential places, pointing out the pros and cons of each property was invaluable. Then when the offer was accepted Donna’s organized guidance through the inspections, paperwork etc made the whole process seem effortless. So grateful that I had them on my side!Load more
This “wood” series has been VERY informative.
I’d love it if you could continue with the remaining types of floor coverings (including carpet)… and then maybe move on to other interior upgrades (i.e., counters, cabinets, fixtures, appliances, etc.)???
Laminates are rated for durability (AC rating) 1 – 5. AC3 is the basic decent quality consumer grade, though you do see AC2 even from name brands. AC4 & AC5 are suggested for commercial stuff (AC5 for lobbies and other high wear areas). Several websites claim AC5 has a rougher texture and will wear away your socks. I couldn’t feel it. I installed some AC5 in an apartment. DON’T BUY IF THEY DON’T DISCLOSE THEIR AC Rating!
One hassle: Some brands only have 4 photo patterns, so it becomes difficult to avoid putting the same board pattern next to itself.
The Quality of the laminated photo of wood is a big difference between brands/price levels. A high resolution photo makes a huge difference in how real it looks. I cannot tell some of the high quality stuff from wood.
Also,you need a foam pad (and possibly a moisture barrier) under the laminate. The foam is pretty important because it’s what gives the flooring a sense of solidity – and wood-floor feeling.
Worth paying an extra 25c/sq ft for quality padding.
I’d like to put in request for kitchen sinks 🙂
Seeing as I’m gearing up for a kitchen remodel! I’m really kind of stumped on the sink now that I’ve ruled out stainless (won’t match faucet finish.)
You need your own show on HGTV, Jim! Thank you for another informative show. $2.50 a sq ft is crazy…will be looking into that on my next house. Thank you!
Nothing like checking out a recently flipped or spec built house and listening to the “wood” tiles squeak as you walk over them. This, of course, is a feature, not a bug as you can always hear any assassins that penetrate your domicile in the night.
Was $2.50/sqft the installed price?
I’d guess that $2.50 is materials only. I’ve heard installation for laminate runs $2 per sqft and up (or install it yourself).
If you’re considering laminate, be aware that the majority of laminate flooring does not come with flush stair nose trim. You’ll have a “lip” on the edge of each step, making a potential tripping hazard. I’ve heard some high end lines have flush trim.
Thicker laminate can help alleviate some of the “clicky” sound, and as someone mentioned above, always go for the thicker pad.
I second the motion for Jim getting his own show. I watch HGTV sometimes at the gym (during commercials on ESPN only :))
Anyway, there is a new show with the son of the guy who does Holmes on Homes, I think it is called Holmes Inspection. That is one boring show. Jim would be FAR more entertaining and informative!
Just imagine the variety Jim could provide.
– Luxury homes
– Cash for keys on REOs
– Negotiation tactics
– Remodeling info
– Water infiltration & “mold-like substances”
– Life around NCC
– Exposing fraud
– etc.
David,
Evictions, too.
A good general wood flooring question for Abbey is:
How easy is it to replace a plank or two that has been scratched badly? The interlocking seems like you’d have to start from the wall and go across the floor, removing planks until you got to the damaged one?