Howdens Laminate flooring issue ...palmed off by builder and Howdens

Dan-Dan

Hi All

Just a problem were having with a Howdens laminate flooring issue

We had a diner/kitchen created, by taking out an internal wall so it was open plan, we opted for Howdens professional laminate flooring, and the builder who did the wall removal and all that work, also installed the flooring

After a few months (this was late last December) we noticed what can only be described as `wear` on a couple of joins, kind of where the lengths meet side by side? and a couple of rough protruding edges (very very slight though) , we contacted the builder and Howdens and Howdens sent someone out to have a look , someone came , took pictures , passed no comment and left , then they contacted us and said the `QA` dept need to come and take a look…again , two chaps came out , took pictures and left

We had heard nothing for a number of days so I chased Howdens who said, QA dept can see no fault with the product, and to investigate any further, we/builder would need to remove a sample of our floor and send it to them (there are no spares left from install!), they then said as the builder is their client, the report was sent to him, and I must take it up with him if any queries..

I have left a message for the builder, but my biggest fear was always that between them, they would stitch us up; Howdens accept no blame, even though you can see whiteness on edges, and the builder is potentially not interested as any action by him will of course cost him money

We feel that one way or other, someone is responsible but now have two parties who work with each other all the time pulling the drawbridge up

Has anyone got any thoughts on where we can turn now, should the builder, as we do expect, claim no responsibility?

Thanks

Bradden

Who did Howdens supply.. you or the contractor? If the invoice was paid by the contractor then you need to go through them.

The wear you have described may well be due to incorrect installation .. incorrect underlay or insufficient expansion gap. The fact that the QA Dept. haven't stated that as the cause however makes me think the installation is not the issue which should reassure the contractor and encourage them to help.

Dan-Dan

Bradden wrote: »

Who did Howdens supply.. you or the contractor? If the invoice was paid by the contractor then you need to go through them.

The wear you have described may well be due to incorrect installation .. incorrect underlay or insufficient expansion gap. The fact that the QA Dept. haven't stated that as the cause however makes me think the installation is not the issue which should reassure the contractor and encourage them to help.

Hi

thanks for your reply

Howdens supplied our builder direct ,i aid him and he paid howdens, they say it`s not a product issue but other than that have said they discussed and sent the QA report to him , and i must go through to him , as you said

My worry now , is the builder is literally that branches biggest client and i am 110% sure he will not accept that he installed it poorly

agrinnall

If the builder won't share the report with you then you may need to commission your own report then reclaim the cost of that from the builder (who in turn might be able to reclaim from Howdens if the report blames materials rather than installation).

Dan-Dan

hmmm , sounds messy

Dan-Dan

I knew we would get shafted.....

from the builder just now...

Hi




After discussions with Howdens and looking at the survey it seems that the marks are due to wear and tear.


There is only a very thin top layer on all types of laminate flooring. I have seen wear and tear before where there has been heavy foot traffic and/or abrasive items/furniture moved on the surface. I have even seen the top layer starting to lift (my brother in laws) from surface water damage.


Kind regards


So it seems to me , that a professional flooring oak laminate flooring , sold by Howdens , to my builder , with a supposed 20 year wear guarantee on it , is all but failed , after 11 months

Gutted , but with little faith in getting a resolution

frugal_mike

As mentioned in a previous post, you will need to commission your own independent report. Neither Howdens nor your builder are impartial here. If it finds that the flooring is faulty or the installation is faulty then you will have a claim against your builder (since he supplied it).

Also, how did you pay the builder?

Dan-Dan

frugal_mike wrote: »

As mentioned in a previous post, you will need to commission your own independent report. Neither Howdens nor your builder are impartial here. If it finds that the flooring is faulty or the installation is faulty then you will have a claim against your builder (since he supplied it).

Also, how did you pay the builder?

Hi Mike

I paid via BACS on receipt of invoice

Whats frustrating , is 2 weeks after install , an edge of laminate was able to be felt with your finger , and the builder came and `waxed` it down , i suspect he will never ever admit poor fitting , even if i refer him back to that

Any suggestions on how to enlist an approved independant expert ?

bod1467

A starter-for-10 would be to google for independent laminate flooring inspectors <your area>.

Dan-Dan

bod1467 wrote: »

A starter-for-10 would be to google for independent laminate flooring inspectors <your area>.

I actually found this website http://www.nicfltd.org.uk/inspections.php

and someone very local is rated as an expert in laminate flooring , might give him a call tomorrow

Dan-Dan

Just an update , the builder has offered us a full refund of the cost of the laminate , i do appreciate the gesture , but at the same time , i still dont get the flooring we wanted because there is no labour refund

any opinions ?