Why do I need a flooring inspector?

If you suspect you have an improper flooring installation or defective materials, then you might require a flooring inspection.  

 

When are flooring inspectors commissioned?

Flooring Inspectors are commissioned when a flooring problem cannot be resolved between the parties involved. They are independent of all parties and offer an unbiased evaluation of the flooring components, the substrate, and the environment they are maintained in.

 

Who can commission a flooring inspection? 

Inspections are commonly commissioned by homeowners, distributors, dealers, contractors, installers, realtors, insurance companies, and manufacturers to evaluate the disputed flooring problem.

 

How are flooring inspections done?

​Inspections are done first by the guidelines established by the manufacturer and secondly by the industry standards. Often both the manufacturing guidelines and the industry standards are cited in the report.  

 

Are all inspections the same regardless of the flooring type?

Inspection procedures vary by flooring type and installation method used. For example, Hardwood exhibiting a cupping concern will be evaluated with moisture testing equipment whereas, LVP is moisture impervious. Other site tests may include relative humidity testing, bond testing, porosity testing, ph testing, and more. 

 

How long does it take to do a flooring inspection and site interview(s)? 

A flooring inspection is typically 2-3 hours for hard surfaces and 1.5 for carpet depending on job size and location. The site interview(s) will last approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the job scope and number of parties involved/present. 

 

When will I know the inspector’s conclusion about my flooring problem?

Once the site inspection is completed and all relevant flooring interviews have been done, a report will be generated outlining the conditions observed and the potential cause of the problem.

 

How fast can I get my report?

At Elite, the report can be submitted on the same day or up to a week after the inspection due to contact attempts and documentation requests. Independent lab testing will exceed this timeline and cannot be estimated by the inspector until the time of the service. 

 

What are the payment terms?

Payment for services is due the day of the inspection before the report is submitted to the commissioning party by check or money order made out to Elite Inspections, LLC. 

Payment is due and regardless of the outcome of the cooperation of the parties involved. 

 

Are there any additional fees I should know about? 

In some cases: 

1. Advanced moisture testing is not required for all inspections. In the event advanced moisture testing is required, the commissioning party is responsible for the additional fee determined by the inspector based on the application/material and scope of the job.

2. Destructive testing is done after the homeowner’s consent. It is not limited to but includes removal/testing which permanently alters the subject flooring. Destructive testing fees are the responsibility of the commissioning party and cannot be determined ahead of time in all situations, nor estimated by the inspector. The estimated fee for destructive testing services will come from the installer chosen by the commissioning party and be paid directly to the installer by the commissioning party.

3. Independent lab testing. Similarly, lab testing fees are the responsibility of the commissioning party and cannot be determined ahead of time in all situations, nor estimated by the inspector. The estimated fee for lab testing services will come from the lab chosen by the commissioning party and be paid directly to the lab by the commissioning party.

4. Litigation fees. In the event of litigation, there is an $800.00 minimum fee for court appearances regardless of testimony. 

 

How is destructive testing done?

If destructive testing is required, the flooring installer will need to be present to assist and reset the site to a livable standard. 

 

Will an inspection ruin my flooring or make the condition worse?

It is always the goal of the inspector to first evaluate the flooring in a non-destructive manner. 

 

What do I need to do before the inspection?

1. Get a copy of your flooring purchase receipt. 

2. Gather up any site documentation left from the installation such as moisture testing records. 

3. Mark areas of concern the morning of or the night before the inspection to make sure all areas of concern are addressed.

4. Be prepared to answer questions such as the date the concern was first noticed, when the flooring was delivered, who installed the flooring, etc. It is a good idea to look back at your calendar notes, emails, or texts in regards to concerns reported. Additionally, it is helpful to write down the issues you want to be sure are addressed ahead of time; it is sometimes difficult for involved parties to remember everything during the interview. 

5. Move items that are in the way of the flooring evaluation. The inspector will move small door rugs but room rugs, breakables/knick-knacks, electronics, and furniture are the commissioning party's responsibility. Furniture does not have to be moved for all inspections.

6. Make sure minors and large pets are always attended to. 

 

I did not own the house before the flooring was installed and do not have any records? 

A site inspection can be done without all records, though they do help with establishing the most accurate timeline possible and often show the exact quantity of material purchased. If no records exist the site inspection will be conducted based on the relevant information available and the site/product itself. If more detailed information is required the inspector may attempt to gather that information from the general contractor, dealer, installer, or other parties involved. 

 

Do we have to take pictures and videos?

Photos are part of every inspection; however, videos and audio are not. Audio and video availability are at the discretion of the inspector.