Should i try to make a claim.

emma.cook3

2 years ago i paid for a new wooden floor. The company allocated me a joiner who i paid when he had finished.
My floor buckled and cupped. It also cracked a wall and several areas of skirting when it expanded.
The floor company said it was nothing to do with them as i chose the joiner(i did not). They finally refitted the floor and found that the waterproof membrane was not fitted to the edge and there was no expansion gap, but it buckled again. They employed an expert who said the floor was fine, however there is still a 3cm high hill across my floor and the floor is generally uneven.

I sent letters to the joiner and the company by recorded delivery but have had no response.

I just want the cost of the floor and skirting back.

Should i leave it or should i go to small claims.
We have no spare money and can't Risk losing.

Fire_Fox

What do you mean by 'allocated' do you mean suggested or recommended? If you made arrangements with the joiner and you paid the joiner you may be deemed to have contracted with them directly, in which case you need to chase them. However it is now complicated by the fact the company has been out to repair the job, which *seems* like an acceptance of liability.

IMO you need a report from an independent flooring expert, how much it will cost to put right. By expert I mean someone with equal or higher qualifications and registrations with professional bodies that whom you have used to date. Then send a letter before action, copy of completed small claims form (costs nothing to fill in form ) and report to the person or company you are contracted to. You would claim for all your losses, which is the cost of putting it right NOT a straight refund.

unholyangel

Im no expert (semi competent DIY'er perhaps) but even I know to leave a gap as wood expands and constricts in heat/cold.

Who you chase will depend on why the fault exists. If its because it hasnt been laid correctly, the joiner. If its actually down to the materials being not fit for purpose/durable etc....it would be the retailer imo.

emma.cook3

The floor company gave me the joiners name but they said at the time that if anything went wrong they would be responsible but of course have denied this. I don't think I have a chance because the joiner could just deny fitting the floor. It's so unfair. I could have fitted it better myself.