ᐅ "Uneven Gaps in Parquet Flooring? Defect or Acceptable Tolerance?"

Created on: 23 Feb 2019 16:01
D
delilah26
Hello everyone,

I’m moving into my new build on March 1st and have the handover with the builder on Monday.

The hardwood flooring was “included,” meaning the builder had it installed. For the past 4 weeks, it has already been subtly subjected to wear and tear—there are small stones, sand, dirt everywhere, and thousands of scratches. I’m trying hard to stay calm. Despite reminding the builder twice, the flooring was not covered. So I covered it myself. Yesterday, it was scrubbed by a “non-expert,” as the person himself said, using a neutral cleaner, which of course rubbed the dust and dirt in even more. My patience is running thin.

Anyway—I also noticed yesterday that some areas look “carelessly” done and some corners appear a bit worn. I’m not a professional and don’t know if this is normal.

I definitely don’t want to be picky or exaggerate, so here’s my expert question: is this result within a “normal” range or is it poorly executed?

Thanks a million in advance!

Best regards,
delilah26


Wood floor with diagonal seam, visible grain, and dust residue

Wood or laminate floor with visible joints, dust, and light scratches.


Close-up of wood floor with joint and dust


Parquet wood floor with visible joints, dust, and crumbs.


Close-up of wood floorboards, grain, and joints.


Wood floor with light brown planks, visible grain and joints.


Wood floor with laminate planks, dust, and white spots along a joint line.


Wood floor with diagonal joint, visible grain, and small dust spots.


Close-up of wood floor with visible joints and light dust.
delilah2623 Feb 2019 21:23
Domski schrieb:
Please provide 1-2 overview photos. I’m not familiar with parquet flooring installed without staggered joints, and except when the manufacturer allows it, this is generally not considered proper practice. The visual impression from the pictures is worn.

I would reject the acceptance of the parquet.

Thank you for your reply! I also have the impression that it looks worn. It is mosaic parquet laid in a straight joint pattern, and according to the installer, no staggering is needed. He was from Romania and spoke only English.

I have attached another photo from above, as well as one from the manufacturer, to give a better sense of the scale.


Wood floor with square panels in warm brown-beige wood look.


Bright dining room with wooden table, upholstered chairs, wall art, and vase.
delilah2623 Feb 2019 21:27
Alexius schrieb:
I would never accept that – you could do better blindfolded. If I were you, I’d be persistent – either a complete redo or at least a waiver of 80% of the costs (?).

Thank you for your reply! Compared to the manufacturer’s image, it just doesn’t look good. It just looks so “untidy.”

Bright dining room with rustic wooden table, upholstered chairs, and wall art.


However, the builder is firmly convinced that it looks fine as it is and matches the manufacturer’s picture exactly hahah
11ant23 Feb 2019 21:47
delilah26 schrieb:
I'm not a professional and I don't know if this is normal.

You’re in good company here, namely
delilah26 schrieb:
a "non-expert" person

who apparently misplaced it.
delilah26 schrieb:
that in some places it looks “sloppy” and some corners look a bit worn down.

More worn out than from ten years of pub visits, I’d say.

There used to be a saying: "Foolish hands spoil tables and walls" — it seems they have now expanded their field of work to floors as well.

I have never seen branded products like this before. I have no talent for this kind of work and still believe I would have done a better job even by dim light.
delilah26 schrieb:
stones, sand, dirt everywhere and thousands of scratches. I'm struggling to stay calm. Despite twice warning the builder, the hardwood floor was not covered.

Even English dirt causes scratches in Romania, it’s understood beyond any language barriers that only covering would have helped. But alright, it all has to be removed anyway, so the scratches don’t matter anymore.
delilah26 schrieb:
The builder is firmly convinced it’s fine as it looks now and matches the manufacturer’s photo exactly haha

Get him to sign that someone will fix this at his expense. By “builder” you probably mean a general contractor, otherwise you wouldn’t be allowed there yet (?)

Clear situation: refuse to accept the handover.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
delilah2623 Feb 2019 21:54
Yosan schrieb:
Please take a photo that shows an overall view. From the current pictures, it looks quite worn...

I took a photo from further away earlier, but unfortunately, you can’t see anything from that distance. From there, it appears superficial and at first glance might seem well done. However, when you look more closely, the originally posted photos come into view.


Empty room with wooden floor and large windows, sunlight reflecting on the floor
delilah2623 Feb 2019 22:27
11ant schrieb:
You’re in good company, namely

those who apparently misplaced it.

More worn out than from ten years of pub visits, I would say.

Used to be said “Foolish hands smear tables and walls” – apparently they have now extended their scope to floors as well.

I have never seen branded goods like this. I have no talent for such things, yet I like to think I could have done better myself, even in dim light.

Even English dirt in Romania leaves scratches, one knows beyond all language barriers that only covering it up would have helped. But okay, it now has to be completely replaced, so the scratches don’t matter.

He should sign that someone will restore it to this exact condition at his expense. By “building contractor” you probably mean a building company, otherwise you wouldn’t be allowed there yet (?)

Clear-cut case: refuse acceptance.

Thank you for your reply; despite the unpleasant situation, I actually had to smile a few times!

I do mean a building contractor! But the notary assured me that I may go there since it is my “property” and I may check on the construction progress when the site is open.

From a distance, it may look superficially okay, but on closer inspection, the horror reveals itself.

Besides the unsightly joints, there are scratches. And by Friday, there will probably be more. This is how it looked yesterday, as an example:


Wood floor indoors with wet spots, dust and dirt


Wood floor with dust and flour residues; a diagonal wood seam visible.


Light wood floor with dust, white spots and scratches.


Dusty wood floor with stains; small white square, dark shoe in corner; window frame.


Under these circumstances, I will definitely demand remedial work first, if that is possible!
N
nordanney
23 Feb 2019 22:34
Has it already been sanded and oiled, or is it still in its untreated original state?