The installation of wood floors may cost an arm and a leg these days! Accordingly, you have to make sure that the process goes right with no flaws.
Wood floor inspectors help you with any concerns you may have about your wood floor, helping translate your concerns into technical requirements that the installer understands. Here’s what you need to know about a wood floor inspection before getting started.
The Inspection Process
It’s essential to note that not all inspectors will follow the same process. As different problems require different solutions, expect the inspection process to vary from one person to another.
For instance, a squeaky floor won’t be inspected the same way as a floor with a flawed peeling finish. In case a friend of yours has had the same experience, don’t expect that yours will be a replica!
Some inspections may even require removing a part of your floor to observe its conditions and pinpoint the issue correctly. Don’t worry if you don’t find the inspector walking with a bag full of tools and hammers, though – they aren’t carpenters, and it isn’t in their area of expertise to use such tools. Instead, they’ll probably ask you to bring someone along to do this part of the job.
PS. Ever wonder if cherry wood is a good option for you?
Gathering Information
A wood floor inspector visiting your premises has one aim; to help you identify the problem and mend it accordingly. As mentioned before, inspectors aren’t carpenters. They’re people with the appropriate knowledge and training related to the industry.
Therefore, don’t be bothered by the extensive amount of questions the inspector may flood you with. It’s their right to gather all the needed information, and every concern you mention is kept in the inspector’s mind for later observations.
It all comes in your best interest, which is why you should be cooperative and detailed with the inspector. Help them help you! They’ll listen attentively to every concern you have and repeat what you’ve said to make sure they understood your right.
In some cases, if all the parties involved in installing the wood floor are present, inspectors can even ask to interview them. Whether through a phone call or face-to-face encounter, inspectors wouldn’t miss the chance to collect more information. If you still have your installer’s number, why not prepare it for your inspector?!
Floor Conditions and Installation
It’s normal to find the inspector asking for invoices and installation dates. The timeline of events that have happened at your residence can significantly affect your wood floor. Inspectors will try to gather as much data as they can, including the product’s data. They’ll ask for information like the product’s manufacturer, description, color, and many other related data.
Following on with their assessment, inspectors examine all the gaps between the boards, floor dimensions, and nails inserted in the wood. If they stumble upon any flaws regarding those parts, they’ll be moving to the next investigation phase; how many or how large those nails or gaps are.
Temperature and Humidity
Environmental conditions have severe effects on wood floors. That’s why inspectors will ask for information about the general climate surrounding you and within your house. You’d be surprised by how heating or cooling systems contribute to floor problems.
Most professional inspectors may already have the needed information regarding this part. They’re usually familiar with the geographical features and construction methods in any given area. No worries if your inspector hasn’t asked; it’s already a note they’ve taken beforehand.
Reports
It’s important to know that you won’t get all the answers you need right away. So, don’t expect that the inspector will make any verbal statement regarding the floor flaws. This actually means that you’ve hired a professional, experienced inspector.
Inspectors will take their time to analyze the given information, study it, and report you on the findings. They’ll give you a timeline on when they’ll deliver their extensive report to you, stating and explaining the causes and problems in your wood floor.
Nothing in the report should feel biased or subjective. Floor inspection experts don’t give personal opinions. They state facts based on information, uncovering the problem in your wood floor. Also, there shouldn’t be any irrelevant data in your report. Overall, the report should be clear and coherent, serving the aim of guiding you to the issues with your wood floor.
You’re Perfectly Set to Meet Your Inspector!
Now that you have all the information you need regarding your floor inspection appointment, leave all the worries about that matter behind. Let the experts have the lead and wait for the report about your wood floor problems.