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Homeowner regrets $12,000 vinyl plank flooring upgrade

Created at 4 Sep · 4:45 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

A homeowner details the unexpected costs and ongoing issues encountered during a vinyl plank flooring installation, leading to regret over the $12,000 project and a general hesitancy towards future home renovations.

Key Numbers

$12,000total cost of flooring project
$6,000initial flooring quote
$4,000cost of door and subflooring repairs

Who's Involved

Lauren Salles Gumpert
Homeowner and author of the account
Homeowner regrets $12,000 vinyl plank flooring upgrade

↳ Why This Matters

This account highlights the potential for home renovation projects to significantly exceed initial budgets and timelines due to unforeseen issues, impacting homeowners' finances and their willingness to undertake future improvements.

Key facts

  • A homeowner spent over $12,000 to replace carpet and hardwood with vinyl plank flooring.
  • Unexpected issues included wet subflooring, leaking French doors, and damaged subflooring.
  • Additional costs were incurred for plumbing to adjust a toilet flange and for door repairs.
  • The new flooring created a noticeable temperature discrepancy between the downstairs and upstairs.
  • The homeowner expresses regret over the project and a reluctance for future renovations.

A homeowner has expressed deep regret over a vinyl plank flooring installation project that ultimately cost over $12,000, far exceeding the initial estimate. What was intended as a cosmetic update to their home quickly devolved into a series of costly and time-consuming problems.

Upon removing the old flooring, contractors discovered wet subflooring near French doors, necessitating the rental of a dehumidifier. Further investigation revealed that the French doors themselves were leaking significantly and required replacement, along with a section of damaged subflooring. These unexpected repairs added approximately $4,000 to the project's cost. The installation process itself was not without incident, as subcontractors cracked drywall while attempting to remove the old flooring.

Even after the vinyl planks were installed, further issues arose. The new flooring was thinner and lower than the previous material, requiring a plumber to adjust a toilet flange. An elevated electrical outlet also became a tripping hazard. Additionally, the vinyl flooring contributes to a significant temperature difference between the cooler downstairs and the warmer upstairs bedrooms, creating discomfort during colder months.

The homeowner now views the project as a cautionary tale, stating that the hassle and unexpected expenses have made them hesitant to undertake further home renovations. They suggest that such projects are rarely as straightforward as advertised and often lead to uncovering costly issues or creating new problems.

Frequently asked questions

The initial quote for replacing the flooring on the first floor was just under $6,000.

Problems included wet subflooring, leaking French doors, damaged subflooring, and cracked drywall.

The thinner flooring required plumbing adjustments for the toilet, and an elevated outlet became a tripping hazard. It also created a temperature discrepancy between floors.

The homeowner expresses regret, stating they wish they had left the original floors and are now hesitant to pursue other renovations.

How It Developed

Homeowners decided to replace flooring as a cosmetic update.
Initial quote for vinyl plank flooring was under $6,000.
Subcontractors discovered wet subflooring near French doors.
Leaking French doors and damaged subflooring required repairs.
Additional $4,000 was spent on French door and subflooring repairs.
Subcontractors cracked drywall during installation.
Thinner vinyl flooring required a plumber to adjust a toilet flange.
An elevated electrical outlet became a tripping hazard.

Sources

T1
We spent over $12,000 replacing our carpets with vinyl-plank flooring. It looks very nice, but I regret it every day.Business Insider

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