Software
Houzz Logo Print
meaux61

Builder installed wrong Window casing. Help

5 years ago

We are building in a development and had selected Craftsman Back Band Casing. However, they installed the wrong casing before we could see it. They installed 1 x 4 MDF Butt joint with a 1/4 inch overhang. Will they be able to add the back band (should they?) or will they have to rip it all out and put in new casing. I would like to share a photo of both but I do not see where I can upload it. We are getting tight on time to closing and if it can be an easy fix, I am ok with that as long as it is appropriate. The casing we wanted is on the left and what we got is on the right.

.

Comments (29)

  • 5 years ago

    Have you informed the builder and asked him/her? If not, I'd suggest doing that immediately.

    meaux61 thanked User
  • 5 years ago

    They did not show it to us until it was already up. We told them immediately when we saw it. They said they would make it right but did not tell us how.

  • 5 years ago

    I would suggest getting in writing how/when they will fix it. It's up to you whether you are satisfied with what you got. If so, and there was no uncharge for the one you picked, you're set. If there was an uncharge, I'd request the difference be credited back. Only you can decide what you're happy with.


    meaux61 thanked User
  • 5 years ago

    Thank you mimimomy. I am looking for the technicalities of the fix here. Do you know about the carpentry of the fix?

  • 5 years ago

    Thank you Hallett and Co !!! I like to be informed on the technicalities when I talk to the project manager!!

  • 5 years ago

    I suggest you get it in writing that you want it fixed or they will say they didn't know.

    meaux61 thanked cpartist
  • 5 years ago

    Hi cpartist! I have an email from them saying that they are working on figuring it out and have contacted the lumber yard. They know.

  • 5 years ago

    Update! It turns out that they ordered the wrong trim and that it is an upgrade that they are offering us at no cost. The trim is called "Craftsman Backband with Scotia" Here is a picture. I like it just fine. We had noticed the extra scotia and backband trim lying around but nobody knew what it was for. Now we know.


  • 5 years ago

    Super! A happy mistake. That's beautiful :)

    meaux61 thanked User
  • 5 years ago

    If the one you originally picked was anything other than MDF I would go with it. MDF doesn’t hold up very well.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    MDF is fine for casing.

    meaux61 thanked Joseph Corlett, LLC
  • 5 years ago

    "If the one you originally picked was anything other than MDF I would go with it. MDF doesn’t hold up very well."


    Where does that statement come from?

    meaux61 thanked millworkman
  • PRO
    5 years ago

    IMO MDF for interior painted casing is the way to go.

    meaux61 thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    It IS MDF btw. The Stool and the base is FJP

  • 5 years ago

    I know, and there is nothing wrong with MDF Trim. I may not use it in high traffic areas but 99 out of 100 times it is absolutely fine.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    I would not use MDF for a stool, it can also be problematic where the casing meets stool as it probe to swelling from water.

  • 5 years ago

    It can be problematic anywhere that liquid may be an issue, especially if the ends and back were not sealed 10 -12" up from the bottom. It paints well, but if damaged, harder to repair. We're using is now for some oversized jamb boards that needed custom sizes, but decided to go with primed poplar for all door and window casing. Worth the additional cost IMO.

  • 5 years ago

    I would not use mdf on door casing or baseboard. used a lot of it in first house we built. hated it. might be fine for window trim.

  • 5 years ago

    ILoveRed - Why did you hate it?


    I am not happy about MDF, but we are having to use some with our new build because of supply and demand, plus skyrocketing cost on the real thing. Our builder (custom build) says MDF is fine for crown, casings and moldings, but did he does not like using it on baseboards. He did say that because we are retired, and don't have children living at home, that MDF will hold up well. He says that if we had children, he would not recommend. Well, we have two grandchildren!!!


    All of the trim was delivered to the house last week and sitting in the garage. The MDF was on back order, as well. I need to check to see if our baseboard trim is MDF or wood. We are using the same type design and sizes of trim that we used in our previous home. I tell you, I could not tell the difference except that it was a little more flexible.

  • 5 years ago

    Does not hold up well to vacuum and kids. difficult to repair.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Did you have toe mold?

  • 5 years ago

    What is a toe mold?

  • 5 years ago

    Wood molding in front of baseboard. Sometimes called shoe mold.

  • 5 years ago

    I find MDF has an odour. I used it once and would and not use it again.

  • 5 years ago

    @User I do not think so. Actually, hope not.

  • 5 years ago

    I was actually asking ILoveRed the question about shoe mold.


    G - I have not known MDF to have an odor unless you get right down on it and smell the edges. Still not that unpleasant. And with a good, tough, and durable trim paint, the MDF should protect it some. We prefer oil pant, but will probably use Alkyd Enamel this time around.


    Patricia Colwell Consulting - You mentioned that you think MDF is the way to go on casings. Do you have a reason you like it?

  • 5 years ago

    It might be called quarter round, or base shoe. Most places will need it unless the floor installers did a perfect job, which means they would need to have perfectly square rooms to begin with. But definitely NOT mdf shoe moulding!!!

    meaux61 thanked Mary Elizabeth
  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    No, I am talking about solid oak. We have always had it in all rooms. Stained to match hardwood, or painted in bathrooms. It gives a nice finished touch and protects the baseboards.