What you Need to know about purchasing hardwood ONLINE
DID YOU KNOW?
- Were you aware that most warranties do not apply to products that are sold online? For Example: These hardwood flooring manufacturers post warnings directly on their corporate website:
http://www.andersonfloors.com/custsvc/inetsales.aspx
http://www.br111.com/##
- Most hardwood sold online does NOT come with matching MOLDINGS.
- Have you ever tried to return something you bought online?? It might not be so easy, so you have to hope that through all that shipment your materials arrive intact. And sometimes the shipping costs make up for the money you saved.
- What if your wood doesn't look like it did in the picture? You own it.
- There is often no number available to call with concerns and if there is, there often isn't a real person to talk to, just an automated machine.
- Internet retailers will not deal with claims outside of the state they are licensed in.
Buyer Beware
Testimonials of complaints we have received:
"I ordered from hardwoodinstallers.com because they said they had the wood in stock. When I received the materials the T-molds and Endmolds did not match in color and they said there was nothing they could do about it. The stair nose did not fit and when they sent me more they were a completely different color. I just want this nightmare to be over and now I can't get a call back."
North County; September 20, 2009
"I ordered bamboo from Home Depot Expo and the stairnosing they gave me doesn't fit the tongue and groove of the bamboo planks! Where can I get stair nose that fits and can someone help me install it?"
NOTE: Home Depot Expo went out of business in 2009
North Park; March, 2008
We helped her install her floor but we had to custom rout out the stairnose to fit after getting two replacement orders from Home Depot Expot. This was extra time and money that well exceeded any savings she had on the floor price.
"I got Bella solid floors from Lumber Liquidators and now there are ridges all across the floor. They say that it isn't their concern and my installer won't return my phone calls!"
San Diego; June, 2008
This is because of insufficient acclimation time. Solid floors need to adjust to the humidity levels in your home before they are installed. This is the responsibility of your installer. For a case like this you need to get an independent inspector or go through the Contractors License Board.
"I ordered Kahrs online; it was damaged during shipment. The internet company claimed it wasn't their property after they released it and the shipping company took two months to come out and reclaim their damaged box. They replaced it with a box that didn't match. After installation the floor cupped and it took another two months for an inspection. He left without giving me any information. The freight company never honored their refund."
San Diego; August, 2009
Geneva Flooring is a Licensed installation Company!!!!!
Our installers are an integral part of our company and we work as a team to deliver the same level of excellence in each installation. Our crew leaders personally select and train their helpers to provide excellent team work on every project.
Nuno
Nuno has been working with Geneva Flooring since we opened in 2000. He has been installing hardwood for ten years as an apprentise and a crew leader. He is gifted at munipulating wood and intricate installation details.
Marcus
Marcus has eleven years experience with hardwood and tile installations. He has craftsman experience with unique tile arrangements and wood layouts.
The Importance of a Licensed installer:
This Page Will Tell You What to Look for When Comparing Your Wood Installation Crews
The Contractor's State License Board was instituted for the protection of the consumer. use it
THe CSLB can protect the consumer. A license ensures a knowledge of the trade, state laws, and experience. Doing your homework before investing in your hardwood floors could prevent disappointment in the future.
Selecting a licensed installer grants you the warranty of the install. Any future claims may be taken to the CSLB and you have their assistance in addressing the problems and have the validity of the installer's license in your specific project. This is the State's way of protecting the consumer from faulty installs, unreachable contacts, and evading wrong-doers.
It is easy to check to see if your installer is licensed!
go to http://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/default.asp
They can provide you with information, easily help you check on your installer's license by name or number, and connect to other information that can assist you
CALIFORNIA CREATED THE CSLB TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR PROJECT! IT IS FREE, USE IT.
Do you realize? that if an uninsured person is on your property YOU are responsible if they get injured?
FACT: Most unlicensed installers and handymen do NOT HAVE INSURANCE
FACT: Many licensed installers let their insurance RUN OUT and DO NOT RENEW.
FACT: Most installers DO NOT have WORK COMP for their helpers.
FACT: 3 out of 5 licensed installers don't have their license the following year.
And Other Unfortunate and Not-Well-Known Facts:
FACT: Licensed installers do not have to have any contact information other than a phone number. Is that who you want to be available when you need repairs and call-backs?
FACT: Most hardwood companies on the internet DO NOT provide matching MOLDINGS. And if they do, and you don't like the way it looks? Tough.
