hardwood checklist

hardwood  PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKLIST

______ DUST - Dust will be generated from ripping up and removing existing floor coverings, cutting and installing the material. Our installers will do everything possible to minimize dust; however, this is not possible to eliminate it. Hopkins Carpet One does not pay or reimburse for cleaning up dust.
_____ SEASONAL GAPPING - You may notice gaps that appear and disappear in your floor as the seasons change. This is more noticeable in homes with gas/propane heating. This is a normal condition and can not be prevented.
_____ CHECKING - You may notice right after installation or several months later some wood boards show minor cracks (checking) in the finish mostly near the ends of the boards. As the seasons change your wood floor may check. This is a common occurrence and not a defect.
_____ CUPPING - Cupping is caused by changes in moisture in or around the home which in turn affects the wood. Homes that are not occupied year round are especially susceptible to cupping. Cupping is strictly a site issue and is not covered by any warranty by Hopkins Carpet One or the manufacturer. 
_____ TEMPERATURE/MOISTURE/HUMIDITY - Wood is a cellular product. It will retain and give off moisture. Temperature, moisture and humidity all affect wood. Ideally your home should always be between 65 and 75 degrees and 35% to 55% humidity. Changes in moisture around your home will affect your wood floors. Crawl spaces, landscaping, clogged gutters, sprinklers, etc.....can all raise moisture levels in and around your home thus affecting the wood. Everything listed above is the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain.
_____ SCRATCHING AND DENTS - All wood regardless of type, species, finish, etc.....will show scratches and dents. It is impossible to prevent them. Putting walk off mats by doors, keeping your floor swept, using the manufacturers recommended cleaners and putting felt protection on chairs and furniture will all help REDUCE the amount of scratches and dents you will see.
_____ GRADE/VARIATION/BOARD LENGTHS - Some species of wood by nature will show lots of color and shade variations. Please remember wood is a natural product and can not be “picked” through. Some wood will come in mostly short, long or uniform lengths. Once again this is driven by the species and grade of the product. If there are any questions regarding your selection please review with your salesperson/estimator before purchasing.
_____ ACCLIMATION - If you are purchasing a solid wood floor we must make arrangements to deliver your wood at least 48 hours prior to your installation. The wood must be brought into the home and placed in the area(s) where it will be installed.
_____ MOLDINGS/TRIM - Moldings and trim are made to coordinate with our wood not to match it. Generally it is made in a separate factory and due to the variations that are inherent with natural wood there may be some noticeable differences.
_____ WALLS/BASEBOARDS/ACCESS - Our installers will use caution while in your home to prevent marking baseboards and walls however some minor scratching and marking can occur during removal of your old flooring and installation of your wood. Ceiling nail pops can occur while removing your old flooring or installing your wood. Hopkins Carpet One is not responsible nor do we reimburse for minor scratches, marks and nail pops in ceilings or walls.
_____PLUMBING - must arrange to have your toilets reset, connect gas and water lines. Hopkins Carpet One installers are not licensed nor insured to provide these services. 
_____ PREPARATION - Please remove all personal items, clothing, toys, small furniture, breakables, remove china from hutch, empty bottoms of closets, remove linens from beds, remove drawers from dressers, disconnect and remove any electronics, computers, TV’s. It is important to have this completed before the installer arrives at your home. Hopkins Carpet One does not move delicate items such as grandfather clocks, pianos, large entertainment units and pool tables. Please make arrangements in advance to have these items moved, or we can provide this service. The temperature must remain at a minimum of 65 degrees. In case of inclement weather, please prepare an area for the installers to cut material in garage, basement or house. If your floor squeaks, please mark the area. Installer has option of using plywood subfloor or leveling compound.
_____ REMOVING DOORS - We will remove doors and re-hang them as needed, however if they need to be cut the installer will leave them off so you can arrange to have them cut or we can provide this service is beyond our scope.
_____ SUB-FLOOR SQUEAKING - After your floor is installed you may notice some squeaking. In most cases your base sub floor is causing the noise. It is not possible to predict or stop squeaks. The installer will check your existing sub floor for loose panels and secure them. However, your floor may go through an entire heating/cooling cycle before squeaks develop. Squeaks are not covered by Hopkins Carpet One or the manufacturer.
_____ EXTRA MATERIAL - A waste factor ranging from 2 to 15% is typically used when calculating waste for your job. Species, width, direction, layout and grading of the wood can all affect your job and the amount of left over material. We will leave the left over material with you. Please keep the material in a flat, dry area for any future repairs. Left over material is not returnable.
_____ ELECTRICAL/ALARM WIRES AND PIPES - Hopkins Carpet One is not responsible for cut, pierced, or broken electrical/alarm wires or pipes that are improperly placed/ran in walls, along baseboards, under floors and not in accordance with your local building code.
_____ COLOR CHANGES - Natural materials may experience color changes due to sunlight, lighting or from being covered with an area rugs.
_____ MAINTENANCE - Vary according to manufacturer and materials selected. Ask your sales representative for details.
_____ WARRANTIES - Vary according to manufacturer and materials selected. Ask your sales representative for details. Or reference our website: https://www.hopkinscarpetonehopkins.com/flooring-guide/warranty/our-warranties  
_____ BEAUTIFUL GUARANTEE- At Hopkins Carpet One we know how important it is for you to feel confident in your flooring selection. Therefore, we strive to ensure that the floor we’ve created together is as beautiful as the one in your dreams. If not, we’ll replace it for free. That’s what we call The Beautiful Guarantee®. Ask your sales representative for details. Or reference our website: https://www.hopkinscarpetonehopkins.com/flooring-guide/warranty/our-warranties

 
Please understand an extra service charge may apply for any extra work incurred due to unforeseen problems with your sub-floor or lack of proper preparation leading to extra time spent on your job by the installers.