Finally had a level subfloor turn into a 3 day nightmare in Kitchener

I took on a job last week in Kitchener, small living room maybe 300 sq ft. Client said subfloor was good to go, just slap the LVP down. Got there and it was off by almost 3/8 of an inch in the middle, a huge hump. I spent 2 whole days just grinding and patching with self leveler, and still had to wait overnight for it to cure before I could even start laying planks. The actual flooring took maybe 6 hours lol. So my question is, how long do you guys normally budget for subfloor fixes vs the actual install? Do you always check with a long level first or just trust the homeowner?

2 comments

2 Comments

rowanw3119d ago

Yeah I used to be the same way, just trust what the homeowner says and show up expecting a smooth day. But after a job in Guelph last year where a "level" basement floor was off by half an inch in a few spots, I learned my lesson the hard way. Now I always bring a 6 foot level and check at least three spots across the room before I even unload the planks. Idk, it adds maybe 15 minutes but can save you two days of grinding and leveler like you had. I'd rather waste a bit of time upfront than bust my back with a grinder for hours.

wendy_carr19d ago

Jump right in with a long level before you even crack open a box of flooring. @rowanw31 nailed it with that 6 foot rule, it's a total game changer. I've noticed the same pattern everywhere, not just in flooring but in life. Like when I'm fixing up my old truck, I used to just trust that the parts I ordered would fit, but now I always measure twice before I start wrenching. It's a hassle upfront but it saves you from a whole weekend of chasing your tail. Same thing with my girlfriend's baking, she checks the oven temp with her own thermometer instead of trusting the dial because that dial has let her down a dozen times. People always think things are "close enough" until you prove them wrong with a straight edge.