Its a milling issue with the manufacturer when sizes vary between boards that do not allow a tight fit when tapped together properly, or any out of square ends that causes gapping. Gapping when there are no out of square ands or piece size differentials is an improper installation issue wher ethe boards were not tapped into place properly or moved during the installation process. Best you can do is file a claim with the manufacturer and ask for an independent inspection, then go from there. You can do this through the retailer and see what they say. Or you can go straight to the manufacturer circumventing the retailer of you think they are trying to screw you. What I see in those pictures are end joints that might not ahve been properly tapped together and I see possible manufacturing defect in milling from the manufacturer. Its difficult to tell for certain without a physical inspection.

I have a tiny little office -- about 7 x 9 -- though with fabulous windows and a balcony. Personally, I LOVE the smallness of the space, as if feels just perfect for one person working alone. Now, when I have visitors, I do feel 'invaded', because it's a ONE-BUTT space ;-) As a potential home buyer, I'd really discount a house with a 10 x 13' living room. That's not NEARLY big enough to be useful. So for that reason, I'd suggest looking at furniture solutions instead of walls. There are some great wall units that can work well for an office, then close up to hide the mess. (And you can take them with you when you leave.) Could a pair of barn doors (exterior mount 'pocket' doors) be used to separate the living room from the family room to give you the noise-insulation you need?

In our current house, which we are remodeling, we had red oak flooring that had a clear poly finish on it. Though in the photo it looks lighter and more natural, it was very yellow/orange in real life, so I feel your pain! I tried several stain colors, and ended up with the Minwax Special Walnut (for the third time, lol). I included a photo so you can see how much it darkened/neutralized the color. Before: After: Whether you want to go natural with a clear water-based finish or want to go darker with stain, you will still need to have your floors resanded. Also, test whatever look you want to go with first, on the bare wood. Good luck!

I like to break all sense of budgets with ideas, but here goes anyway :) I love the place. It’s amazing. I’d think about moving the wine fridge across from the glass sliding doors I’d there’s space. I can imagine sitting outside and wanting to open a glass of wine. A little set up there, maybe even with a coffee station, might encourage more use of the balcony. So then assuming you reface, you can put more storage cabinetry to the right of the fridge and bring the cabinets on that side to the all the way to the top, and take the uppers off the opposite side (above the sink) in favor of open shelving. If you’re really up for a little more kitchen room and budget were no object (haha), is push the island out further into the dining space. A round table is an awesome idea. For fireplace - maybe something tall and all the way to the top, almost more like a wall feature than a traditional fireplace? For couch, for whatever reason the room screams u-shaped couch to me - almost like a conversation pit. I love the house. Even if you move in as is, you’re going to love it too.