4 months ago I had Vintage brand hardwood (solid/engineered) installed. Within 2 months over 30 hairline cracks appeared. 2 planks with long deep 8" cracks. Owner (Mr. Peter Schultz) dropped by for a look see. Said the cracks are not their fault but could not explain why I had them either. Told me he ha never heard of this happening. Hmmm... Said he would send some one to "touch-up" in September (he came over in early August). Forgot about me. I had to contact them. Easygoing Swedish (I think) man came and did his "touch ups". At certain angles you can still see the cracks. Depending on how the light hits the floor. Luckily it's only the Huge ones. Hairline cracks are not visible.
VERY DISAPPOINTED!! Had "unfinished hardwood" installed in my previous home of 14 years. Not a single crack. Was told that this happens with new homes and prefinished hardwood. Really? Find this hard to believe. I have many friends who've had prefinished hardwood installed by their builders. No problems. And many friends in the US with prefinished/engineered hardwood installs. Though they have older homes. Some built in the 60's.
Now I have new hardwood flooring with 30 plus cracks on 2 floors. Great. Not a good feeling.
If I could go back in time I would have just upgraded the builder's carpet for some higher quality carpet. Much cheaper. No headaches and low maintanence. Just vacuum. I even invested in a "central dehumidifier" for my hardwood install (Lennox $3000). Just to maintain recommended (by Vintage hardwood company) RH levels. Which is between 45-55%. No one I know has a "central dehumidifier". Not even my friends in Los Angeles. Live and learn.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $13,000.00