Subcontractor Unprofessional Installation
Worked for our contractor Elite Construction during basement renovation. Went with Torlys as floor brand as we wanted a premium look. Woodchuck delivered an unlevel poorly finished vinyl plank installation. Gaps at the sides of walls. They took the approach that things were close enough. One should not have to try to conceal poor installation with quarter round on a new floor. DIY would have been more professional. After complaints they pulled it up and laid the planks a second time. Still not level. No underlay used to stop flexing. Still gaps around doors. Would not recommend
- Approximate cost of services:
- $5,000.00
- Company Response
We are sorry to hear that you are unhappy with your basement floor.
We were contracted by Elite Construction to install a Torlys vinyl floor in your basement. Our written agreement with them expressly indicated that preparation of the subfloor and leveling of the concrete was not within the scope of our work.
After we finished the installation we were contacted about unlevel or hollow areas in the floor. At that time we explained to your contractor that this was due to the concrete subfloor not having been adequately prepared. We were instructed by Elite Construction to remove the floor so they could correct the uneven concrete and then we would reinstall the floor. This was a separate contract with Elite and was chargeable. To this they agreed.
Upon returning to reinstall the floor we found that very little work had been done to correct the subfloor deficiencies. We contacted Elite and were instructed by him to continue and that he would take responsibility.
The work we were hired to do was completed according to the arrangements made by your contractor. We have made numerous attempts to make contact with them and discuss further, but have not been able to reach them.
With regard to your comment that we installed quarter round in order to conceal unnecessary gaps, I have included the follow directly from the Torlys installation guidelines for your floor:
"A minimum of 1/8” (3.2mm) expansion wedges must be used at all walls and vertical obstructions, to allow for proper expansion/contraction space. The wedges should be removed after the flooring installation has been completed, and the expansion/contraction space should be covered by baseboard, quarter round, and/or drywall (if wall is undercut)."
As you can see, expansion/contraction space is required, and so quarter round or other trim is used to conceal that space around the perimeter of the room.
We take customer satisfaction very seriously and are disappointed that things have turned out this way. Should your contractor who hired us wish to re-visit this project, we would be happy to discuss that with them.