Before, during our inspection. They put down the sheets for people to walk on because they had just cleaned the carpet. We should have looked under - the cleaning sure didn't clean well. So gross.

After, hooray! We had a top rated company come out and quote fixing the damage in an approximately 4x8 section. You can almost see the new wood, it's the lighter area by the plastic covered doorway. Had them quote refinishing too since they were here, and since it wasn't outrageously more to have it done then to do it ourselves (and would take about 90% less time for them to do it) we went for it. Just a 'natural' stain that brings out the grain and traffic master varnish. I LOVE LOVE LOVE them, and hate my house a little less now =D Next 'small' project - baseboards!

I, too, am working on baseboards. ;)

Since you know you will take that paneling down one day, but perhaps not any time soon, it would be a great chance to experiment with some color coating. It is really not a hard thing to do, if you are not a perfectionist. Just grab a brush and a roller and a can of paint and have some fun.
:)