Hello everyone, Let me thank you for your help ahead of time.

I purchased a house in December '09, and it was built to my specifications (I got to pick upgrades, etc). One of the things I upgraded was the flooring. I had upgraded to engineered wood flooring throughout the entire main level. Immediately noticable was a "popping" sound when walking across it. This problem was brought up many times prior to the close of my house, and I had gotten many reassurances that it would be fixed. They first wanted to try to "let it settle" for the first few months.

It hasn't settled, and now we're moving on with the fixing of the problem. The problem, we've found out, is that the installers nailed it down over a blue foamy pad instead of the tar paper-like material that is supposed to be underneath it. So finally, both the builder and I agree that there is a problem.

The next step is where I'm having issues. I see a lot of over-wood, and some delamination occuring throughout the floors. There is also cracks in a few boards (hair-like cracks that are barely noticable). The builder went ahead and bought 250 square feet of this flooring to fix the problem (taking out unattractive boards, and damaged boards) for 1000 square ft area. His plan is to rip up the existing boards, and glue them back down to the subfloor (he doesn't plan on putting down an underlayment). While I'm sure this fix is cheapest for him, I'm not sure it's what I want.

Do I have the right to request a new floor completely? Am I stuck with letting him rip it up and glue it back down directly to the subfloor? What can I do about this issue, or can I do anything? I requested a new floor, and he gave me this "I estimate the fix to cost 1250 I can write you a check or we can fix the problem, your choice" kind of answer. I don't really feel comfortable putting this floor in without someone telling me this is ok. Is this normal, or is he just hoping that I'm ok with a jimmy rig fix?

It sounds like he is coming to the plate and taking responsibility to make it right. IMO you should let him perform and make it right.

What I'm saying isn't whether I should let him fix it.. it's whether or not pulling up the existing floor... and then gluing it to the subfloor is appropriate....

That's a huge band aid in my opinion. I can see a few minor areas here and there but 25%? Who knows what other areas are going to start loosening. That's the way I see it. My guess is the fasteners aren't long enough to get a good bite(hold) in the subfloor due to the underlayment used. They may have been the correct length, but not with the blue foamy stuff. How thick is it?

If they plan to glue new ones direct it won't work. What will they look like adjacent to ones that have the blue foam under them? Maybe they think they can squish enough glue under them to bring the new boards up to the same vertical height of the existing with pad underneath?

Strange fix if you ask me.

Let me clarify. The blue underlay was an 1/8" thick pad that was "supposed to be used if the floor was going to be floated" (as I was told by the builder). Because it was used is the reason I'm being given as to why the wood is cracking/popping when you walk on it. An obvious installation error.

These boards have been nailed (in the main areas) about 4-6 inches apart (discovered using magnets), the boards he pulled up to see if the floor could be salvaged were in the closet where an 18-24" board had 2 nails, or 4 top nails in it. They plan on ripping out the entire floor, every board, and then glueing it directly to the (I believe it's called OAS board?) subfloor.

I'm concerned with the possible damage to the wood boards as they're being pulled up, as well as the damage that's being used.

I'm not only asking if this is correct (because it seems to me that it isn't), but also if I MUST allow him to try this as a solution. I don't really know what my rights as a consumer are. Also, notice the quality of the floor is somewhat disappointing. It works only because some people like that "distressed" type look.... personally I'd prefer it to be somewhat higher in quality and appearance. Another reason I'm upset by this whole situation. I was shown one board when I picked this floor.... one.. and it was spot on to a light maple with nice appearance.. then I get this floor after all said and done.

Here are some pictures of what I'm talking about, and a video (if youtube gets it working).


http://s968.photobucket.com/albums/ae165/flooringissuesnow/Floor/
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLAohWmSfxs[/youtube]

I think your right on with that. IMO I cant see them removing the entire floor and being able to clean it up ( pull all the staples ) , and sorting out unacceptable boards.
I still believe you have to go along with their program of trying to make it right.

It's an aweful inconvenience to you, but this is how I see it playing out.... The company sends out guys to take up the floor. As their into it, trying to remove without damaging planks, trying to remove all the fasteners, and without damaging planks , trying to figure which boards are no good, all major time consuming to say the least, ( I would be breathing down their neck through the process). The installers and company realize they have this whole cluster. You demand a complete refund, (threaten suing for inconvenience),and go elsewhere.