Is $70,000 to install hardwood floors in a custom home a fair price?
Project Details
I am building a custom home in New Jersey and have experienced significant issues with the quality and color of the hardwood floor installation. The flooring subcontractor has made the same color mistake twice and there are still sanding machine marks after two attempts. I am questioning if I am overreacting, especially since the r/flooring subreddit suggests this might be normal. I am disheartened because I feel I am not getting what I paid for in my custom-built home. I understand that furniture will cover marks in the center of rooms, but the marks around the edges of bedrooms are still a concern. I am trying to determine the best path forward, whether to ask for a fix or a partial refund.
Quote Details
This quote is for the installation of hardwood floors throughout a custom home. The project has encountered significant quality and color issues across two attempts. - Initial Installation: Incorrectly applied 75% chestnut, 25% white mix instead of 100% chestnut. Scuff marks (believed to be from sanding machine or edgers) visible in almost every room. - Second Attempt (Resand and Redo): Again, the incorrect 75% chestnut, 25% white mix was used. Kitchen cabinetry was stained and damaged during the process (subsequently agreed to be fixed/replaced by cabinet people). Sanding machine marks are still present in several rooms, particularly towards the edges. - Homeowner's Concern: Believes the floors are not NWFA compliant due to visible swirls. - Subcontractor's Stance: Agrees visible swirls exist but does not believe they detract from appearance; claims compliance. - Proposed Resolution (from subcontractor): Hand sanding and restaining the swirls, with no guarantee of blending well. The issue of the incorrect stain color has not been addressed.
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More Details
Category
Flooring
Price
$70,000
Quote Date
October 1, 2025
Location
New Jersey
Flooring material
Hardwood
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