We're buying a brand new condo, and there is a spot of the wood floor in the 2nd bedroom that has really large gaps between the planks. Their story is the humidity levels in the apt caused the wood to expand and contract, causing the gaps. They probably never left the wood in there to adjust to humidity leves before laying the floor down. We noted it during our walk-thru, and apparantly other apts had this problem. The seller -- which we're really happy about -- has offered us some options:
-- Have the floor in the ENTIRE apartment re-done, at no cost to us.. but it could take 4-8 weeks to complete (we have to figure out to postpone closing, or have the work done while we close -- both will cost us either in extending the rate lock or paying mortgage and rent at the same time). BUT its the only time to have the floor re-done... once we move in, it will be close to logistically impossible to do it ourselves.
-- Rebate check: They are offering us some money... The check is not enough to re-do a new floor ourselves, but would cover moving expenses, a new Tempurpedic bed and electrician to do some lighting for us. Leave the floor as is, and put furniture or a rug over the offending spot... but have to potentially explain to future buyers why that area of the floor is messed up.
What would you do??
dengal
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Re: What would you do??
How much of the place is wood floors? You could you close on the condo (so you keep your rate), but have money left escrow until the work is complete.
ThongLori
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Posted by dengal
How much of the place is wood floors? You could you close on the condo (so you keep your rate), but have money left escrow until the work is complete.
The entire condo - 2 BRs, livingroom/kitchen, except bathrooms - is wood floor.
Sweetie2004
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I would get the floors re-done! Once you get the check you'll never do it yourself and when you go to sell it, the floors will count against the resale value if they aren't done right!
sophie78
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My dad is here and I asked him. He is in real estate. He wants you to make sure the humidity in the apartment is not a problem. Are you sure this was a one time problem?
Also, you don't want to have this problem when you go to sell it. So I would make sure the problem is fixed before you move in.
blushingbride2003
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If you have a problem with the floor and there is the opportunity to fix it now I would get the floors redone. Also make sure the humidity won't cause any problems to the new floors. You really don't want to inherit any problems that will cost you down the road to fix when you go to sell it.
ThongLori
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Posted by am470
My dad is here and I asked him. He is in real estate. He wants you to make sure the humidity in the apartment is not a problem. Are you sure this was a one time problem?
Also, you don't want to have this problem when you go to sell it. So I would make sure the problem is fixed before you move in.
Thanks so much!!... I've been reading online about the humidity and how it affects wood. I know the heat is on pretty high every time we go there... drying out the air, which would cause the planks to shrink.... it seems if they were to replace the floor, maybe now would be a good time, since its winter and the wood would be at its most shrunken... know what I mean? I'm so confused. I think we're going to consult the lawyer on this too, since its going to affect our closing/move-in date...
thanks agaiN!
MrsERod
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I would let the sellers re-do the entire apt.
sophie78
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Posted by ThongLori
Posted by am470
My dad is here and I asked him. He is in real estate. He wants you to make sure the humidity in the apartment is not a problem. Are you sure this was a one time problem?
Also, you don't want to have this problem when you go to sell it. So I would make sure the problem is fixed before you move in.
Thanks so much!!... I've been reading online about the humidity and how it affects wood. I know the heat is on pretty high every time we go there... drying out the air, which would cause the planks to shrink.... it seems if they were to replace the floor, maybe now would be a good time, since its winter and the wood would be at its most shrunken... know what I mean? I'm so confused. I think we're going to consult the lawyer on this too, since its going to affect our closing/move-in date...
thanks agaiN!
I just read your response to my dad. He started getting all upset and said, 'You got to find out why there is all of this humidity.' He thinks that they are keeping the temperature on high so that you don't realize it is humid. He also said that you should have an engineer look at it. It might be caused by a leak or high water table.
ThongLori
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Re: What would you do??
Posted by am470
Posted by ThongLori
Posted by am470
My dad is here and I asked him. He is in real estate. He wants you to make sure the humidity in the apartment is not a problem. Are you sure this was a one time problem?
Also, you don't want to have this problem when you go to sell it. So I would make sure the problem is fixed before you move in.
Thanks so much!!... I've been reading online about the humidity and how it affects wood. I know the heat is on pretty high every time we go there... drying out the air, which would cause the planks to shrink.... it seems if they were to replace the floor, maybe now would be a good time, since its winter and the wood would be at its most shrunken... know what I mean? I'm so confused. I think we're going to consult the lawyer on this too, since its going to affect our closing/move-in date...
thanks agaiN!
I just read your response to my dad. He started getting all upset and said, 'You got to find out why there is all of this humidity.' He thinks that they are keeping the temperature on high so that you don't realize it is humid. He also said that you should have an engineer look at it. It might be caused by a leak or high water table.
It's not the entire floor -- it is one area in one room. It is new construction, and this has happened in a few apartments, but not all. The heat is on because its winter.. we have wood floors where we live now, and the cracks in the floor vary with the seasons. Right now we see them a lot more, b/c the dry air makes the wood shrink. In the summer, they are FAR less noticeable. Its pretty common.. its just in the new apartment, this ONE SPOT the cracks are larger than normal -- and yes it could totally be due to moisture that was not regulated during construction. We are def gonna have them re-do it and have someone monitor the work to make sure they know what the hell they are doing.. Thanks again!! and to your dad too!!
ETA-- we are on the 8th floor... so its prob not the water table
sophie78
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My dad said ok. He said if it is steam heat make sure there isn't a steam leak.
ThongLori
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Posted by am470
My dad said ok. He said if it is steam heat make sure there isn't a steam leak.
Thank you!!
palebride
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the Thongs have a crack? How appropriate!!!
Just teasing!! I would have the floor fixed now....then you don't have to worry about it later
