When we first moved into what we thought was our dream house, we were convinced that only a few minor touch-ups were needed-perhaps a fresh coat of paint and upgrading a few appliances. With this optimistic mindset, we dove into our first major renovation project: replacing the flooring on the main level.
Beginning the Flooring Renovation
Armed with advice from a reputable home improvement store, we took precise measurements and obtained detailed estimates. After some deliberation, we settled on luxury vinyl plank flooring for the living room, dining room, kitchen, coat closet, and half bath. The total estimate came in just under $6,000, which fueled our excitement. However, the reality hit hard as soon as demolition started, and we quickly realized the renovation would be far more expensive and time-consuming than we had anticipated.
Surprises Unveiled
As the contractors began tearing up the old floors, problems started to emerge. While removing the living room carpet was straightforward, it exposed a more significant issue-moisture in the subfloor near the French doors that led to the backyard. The contractors explained that the subfloor would need to be thoroughly dried before any further work could be done. In a rush, we rented a dehumidifier, and for the next several days, we tiptoed around exposed plywood, nails, and staples, dodging hazards. Fortunately, it was just us and our dog at the time, with no children to worry about.
More Repairs Unfold
Unfortunately, the challenges didn’t end there. It soon became clear that the French doors were leaking extensively and needed to be replaced. The water damage had compromised not just the doors but the subfloor beneath them, which was beyond repair. In a bid to keep things moving, we hastily hired some well-meaning but inexperienced contractors to address the issue. This rushed decision ended up costing us an additional $4,000, and a year later, we were forced to redo their subpar repairs.
Delays and Setbacks
After weeks of delays, we cautiously maneuvered around the exposed subflooring, trying to avoid splinters while waiting for the next phase of the renovation. Just as progress seemed to be picking up, disaster struck again-a subcontractor, while removing the old kitchen planks, accidentally cracked the drywall with a crowbar. It felt like each new step only brought more setbacks.
A Shiny New Floor, But Lingering Issues
The new flooring, when finally completed, looked absolutely beautiful, but the journey to get there was far from smooth. After the installation, we faced ongoing problems like damaged subflooring and an electrical outlet that had been raised, turning it into a tripping hazard. While the floors have transformed the look of our home, the process was fraught with unexpected complications and frustrations, far beyond anything we had imagined when we first started this ambitious project.