Given the budget, I recommend hardwood or engineered hardwood, not VPF.

Yes to a carpet runner on the stairs.

Broadloom in the bedrooms…most folks like the cushioned warmth. My personal taste is continue the hardwood through out.

If you decide to carpet bedrooms make sure you get a waterproof pad and if it has to be seamed, have the installer duct tape the seams. Stains in carpet actually are caused by cheap padding, not the rug itself. Once the culprit sinks into the pad, you will never get it out.

I chose Mohawk.

https://www.mohawkflooring.com/carpet/brand/smartcushion

Vinyl is very popular right now because of its durability and water resistant properties. The value of the home and the homeowner's lifestyle will also be determining factors.

A $1M home is probably going to have other floor finishes. A $250K home is likely to be just fine with laminate or vinyl. A homeowner who is a 'flooring snob' will want something other than vinyl (although there are those who will accept the product). A practical person who has a rambunctious household (without a live-in house keeper) will thoroughly enjoy vinyl for what it is: a handsome 'look a like' floor that is durable.

There are several caveats to working with vinyl. Heat and/or direct sunlight on the floor is the BIGGEST problem with vinyl. So if your home includes floor-ceiling windows that are south facing and those windows are original to the 1977 home, you might want to go with something else. Vinyl is still vinyl. It will warp/melt when it gets too hot.

Yes, we are on a tight budget. Not the mill you mentioned forsure. Vinyl is supposed to be waterproof, so, it would be an option for bath and basement. I like the looks from homes i've seen it in. Supposed to be very durable.

Thanks for the suggestions on waterproof carpet padding.

My builder is saying skip "Homedepot or Menards" doesn't care for their installers. Wants me to go to a private company he has an account with. I am just afraid their prices will be through the roof. Back to "NO , we do not have a million dollars to spend on this house."

Also, ya, we do not have any windows facing south on the vinyl planks. House is positioned north and south with picture window in front facing west and slider out back facing east. Trees in front and trees in back.

Thanks for the note though, i'll bring it up to the flooring place. Their reviews looked good. For the most part. Some unhappy costumers. Guess you get that anywhere.