Has anyone ripped up carpet & found hardwood floors under?

I want to rip our carpet up in the living room, I've cut it back and peaked a bit but I'm afraid of what I'll find, I cannot put a boat-load of $ in the floor, and I'm so sick of carpet. Looks like hard wood, but what if its a total mess under the carpet? This house was built in the early 1930's and has had add on's since. I've heard some times linseed oil can do wonders for hardwood and I've also heard that a white wash can look attractive on a hardwood floor. I need to do something that also wont take alot of time,
DH wont be able to help so I thought maybe he can get a hotel room and the kids can help me rip out the carpet and help with what ever is underneath. Any suggestions? Thanks, Jill