04/29/2023
Finding a reliable contractor can be difficult and it shouldn't be. You would expect that a company would be professional just based on the fact that they are in business. Illustrious Hardwoods would like to warn to please use a licensed, bonded and insured company for your safety. Saving a few bucks is not worth it when the project fails and costs two to three times as much to do it over.
Now, more than ever with the advent of click together flooring products, everyone thinks they can install. While I will be the first to admit that installation is the easy part, it is the prep work that matters most and many do not understand what they are getting in to.
The pictures below document a few cases where we have come in and had to completely redo a project. In the first few pictures, the "installer" had absolutely no idea what they were doing. They floor was missing planks in the middle of the install, had weird fill pieces with the grain going the wrong direction, and they didn't even remove the block for the closet door guide after taking up the carpet.
The next project picture shows a piece of luxury vinyl plank with a cork backing that has mold in it. Yes, cork is supposed to be antimicrobial, but when there is that much moisture moving through your concrete slab, it is a great breeding place. Please make sure your installation crew is doing proper moisture testing and using at a minimum a 6 mil plastic v***r barrier. Even better if you go with the slightly more expensive roll on moisture mitigation system. No slab is dry and the biggest problem in Arizona is bad drainage against a home. The water pools up against the slab and absorbs in after a good monsoon rain. Your floor may be find for a few years and then bam, it is failing because you are missing the moisture mitigation aspect.
This set of stairs was done by the builder and would have been fine had they just cut them tight to the drywall and did not caulk the edges but the client was very upset at how bad it looked .We came in, removed everything, installed skirting on the sides, put in new treads with flush mount noses and white risers. The look is so much cleaner and really helps the stairs pop. The flush mount noses also make the stairs easier to use. No caulking was needed when we were done as things were installed tight.
Please do your due diligence when hiring any company and check them out thoroughly. Illustrious Hardwoods is committed to providing you the education you need to make an informed decision whether you choose our company or not. If you would like to discuss your project, please give us a call at 602-888-3361 or send us a message today.
ROC # 319748
Certified Flooring Installer - Hardwood/Laminate/LVP - #17580