Flooring Contractor Damaged My Dry-walls

[Andrew Decher]

  I have been working on my first re-model for 4 months now. It is a two bedroom 750 sq/ft ranch that we converted into a three bedroom. We have had just a few projects along the way, including, new electric panel box, new electric in the bathroom and kitchen, new Pex plumbing in the whole house, a support wall teardown + header beam install, whole house installation of recessed lights, new drywall in the kitchen and bathroom, new sub-floor in the kitchen and bathroom, and new hardwood floors in the entire house. It's safe to say we bit off more than we can chew.

  We have had a few hiccups along the way, however, the thing that has irritated me the most thus far is the highly recommended hardwood floor company we hired. We had about 380 sq/ft of new oak floor laid down and 290 sq/ft of original flooring that we had refinished. Let me tell you that the floors look great! Here's the kicker, almost every freshly painted wall (some brand new) have grease, nicks, dents, scratches, and small holes in them! The installer said he would take care of the issue but only ended up throwing spackle on SOME of the new imperfections, plus the spots he spackled are unsanded and unpainted. 

  The job cost $3,100. I paid $1,500 when the floors where dropped off. I have yet to pay the $1,600 balance. My question is, what is the frustration of finishing the walls that were just finished worth? Am I overthinking this?

[Robert Gravel]

I am a contractor and it is real easy to mark walls when installing hardwood. In the old days up north they used to lay oak before the drywall. The installer will try to get as close to the wall tongue nailing as possible before they top nail. way too easy to hit the wall. I never paint before the flooring. It seems like you should but you are asking for trouble. If the place is painted the installer may charge a bit more to deal with the issue blow off and towel dust off fresh paint.  Also all the base trim needs to come off the wall if possible. you could leave it on and use quarter round but that is questionable. If door and jambs are coming out install the floor before the new doors. If you are using unfinished flooring your base will be marked up from the sanders, edgers and you may get some unintentional poly splash when coating. also if there is existing hardwood that will be refinished cover it before you paint and careful with the demo guys removing carpet. Razor cuts are really tough to get out and sometimes never come out.