I am having a basement finished. The floor is concrete.
My preferred installer will lay engineered hardwood and use Ultrabond 980.
I'm told that a moisture barrier is not required.
I'm not sure what this means but several people I have talked to have expressed surprise at the lack of the barrier.
Are there questions I should be asking or does the installation method sound good?

Thanks,

JB

If the installer did a moisture test , and the level is within acceptable range a moisture barrier is not required.
Engineered is the only hardwood you want to install below grade.
I would feel more comfortable installing Mapei Planiseal regardless of moisture readings, being that the installation is below grade, for my own peace of mind. But that's just me, it's not required, if slab is within range.

But you can always expect the moisture levels to change, do a ph test as well.

Exactly, no guarantee levels are staying the same after time of testing. That's why I recommend sealing regardless.

On a related matter, remember that a lot of problems with below grade installations are caused by elevated humidity levels in the air ABOVE the floor. This should be regulated with the installation of a dehumidifier, which can be put behind a louvered door into the furnace room, if you cant find an attractive enough unit to blend with your decor. If you use the hose connection, running to a storm drain, it can run continuously without worrying about having to empty the reservoir on a regular basis.

Ph test!