flooring dilemma

5 years ago

We are getting new laminate flooring out in throughout our first floor. After demo, we were told the floor is not level in our kitchen and dining room. We agreed to pay to have the floor leveled. We just went to take a look, and we noticed that they went around our appliances with the leveling compound. Does someone know if this is common? Should I assume they are not going to level under our appliances or is it common to come back and do that after the rest of the floor has set or is it common to put something else under the appliances to make them level (like plywood or something). I’m furious right now, and before I call tomorrow and raise a stink I just want to know if this is something that should have been done or if maybe they are going to do it when they come back to install.

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Comments (5)

PRO
G & S Floor Service
5 years ago
Under appliances can be done after the main field is completed. This way you have dried material to move the appliance on top. Bring it to their attention and tell them you are concerned of a bounce in that area, due to the unevenness. I am sure they will take care of it.

The only issue maybe disconnecting any electrical, plumbing or gas from the appliances. You would need to bring in a electrician and plumber to do that, since flooring contractors are not licensed to disconnect plumbing and electrical work - liability reasons.
PRO
Wirth it
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you! It’s in my contract that they are to move and install flooring under the appliances. I verbally agreed to the leveling since it was after the fact but I would have assumed since flooring is going under there it would have been leveled too.
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PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
I think if it is in your contract then G&S is correct once the rest is dry they will do under the appliances IMO the appliances should have been taken out before anything was done.
SJ McCarthy
5 years ago
I'm seeing old flooring underneath one of your appliances. It looks like old vinyl tile, is that correct? Did you used to have a beige vinyl product (with fake grout lines) on the floor before you began the renovation?

If I'm correct (and see what I see) then this is point #1 to bring up with them. Ideally the kitchen appliances should have been unhooked and move at the time the old floor was removed (and you would have used a food delivery system during this process because you would not have access to stove/oven, dishwasher etc.).

Ask them WHY they left the old floor under the appliances and WHAT they planned to do about it and WHY the appliances were left in place?

That's an excellent place to start. And my guess is the installer is a different guy then the person who signed/negotiated the contract? This could be a simple miscommunication. The worker might have assumed that a floating floor would run up to the appliances...not under. This is a common misconception.
PRO
Wirth it
Original Author
5 years ago
Yes there was laminate flooring over some old vinyl. The installers pulled up the laminate and the old vinyl underneath is staying. Sooo good news I’d that I called them today and they said once the leveling is set, they pull out the appliances and level under them. What a relief! Thank you all that responded!!