Floor Preparation Procedures: 5/1/2025

Our responsibility and commitment to you is to install your flooring in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation warranty and the standards set by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA).

Most tongue-and-groove hard surface flooring products require the subfloor to be flat within ⅛ inch over a 10-foot span. We assume that your concrete or plywood subfloor has been properly installed, is flat, and is in sound structural condition.

In the event that your subfloor is not in acceptable condition, and you are requesting us to proceed with the installation, you as the homeowner accept responsibility for any required repairs. This may include grinding high areas or using leveling compound to fill low spots in order to protect the integrity of your flooring warranty.

Unfortunately, we are increasingly finding subfloors with significant unevenness—often between ½ inch to 1½ inches in variance. These situations require considerable time and expertise to correct. Rest assured, we are capable of handling almost any subfloor condition, as long as you are informed of and accept the charges involved:

  • Grinding (diamond blade grinder with an experienced technician): $95 per hour
  • Self-Leveling Compound (includes primer, mixing, and application by a skilled technician): $95 per bag

We flatten the subfloor to within acceptable tolerance—we do not level your entire home.

Please note: Our goal is not to profit from subfloor preparation. We simply aim to recover the cost of labor and materials, and our pricing reflects current industry standards.

When your subfloor is covered by carpet, tile, wood, or furniture, there is no way to accurately determine its condition until those coverings are removed.

For estimation purposes we are using an average of about $1.85 per foot, but actual charges may be lower or higher depending on the condition of your subfloor. You will only be charged based on what is actually needed.


Frequently Asked Question:
“Why would I have to pay for floor preparation if the previous flooring was installed correctly?”

When we remove existing flooring, the previous leveling compound may not have been applied properly, may come up in sections, or may completely break apart. This adds significant labor to the preparation process and is beyond our control.

We want to provide you with an early indication that subfloor repair costs can vary based on actual site conditions. While we can update your estimate based on visible issues, the final cost will only be known once prep work is completed and we know the total bags used and grinding hours required.


Additional Notes:

  • Unforeseen Flooring Layers: Any additional flooring discovered beneath your existing flooring will incur extra charges for removal.
  • Asbestos: Any asbestos removal is the sole responsibility of the homeowner.

Doors:
We are not responsible for retractable closet doors, interior closet doors, closet organizers, or any doors leading to the exterior that may not close properly after installation. As a courtesy, we will remove and reset existing doors when possible, but we are not licensed door contractors. Some doors may require adjustments by a licensed contractor or experienced handyman.


Acknowledgment:

Please sign below to confirm that you have read and understand the floor preparation procedures outlined above. A signed deposit check or electronic payment will serve as acknowledgment and agreement to these terms.