Unplanned Bump

A restoration company repaired the sagging, cracked beam supporting the middle of our 2^nd story bedroom floor. In the process, workers impregnated my floor. When they jacked up the beam, our bedroom above it grew a significant bump. This wasn’t from the beam. I learned that when old tongue and groove wood flooring pops its neat fit, it bubbles and can’t always pop back into place. Why didn’t the company tell me this might happen, before they put pressure on the floor from below?

The restorers had created a new problem that was unsightly and a tripping hazard. The solid, lifeless bump kept the bedroom door from closing. It also threatened to quickly wear our new carpeting that I waited all my life for. The owner of the company didn’t want to accept responsibility in resolving this. His company did what he said they’d do; straighten and reinforce the beam.

Desperate, I called a family member who is a carpenter, and pulled a neighbor into my house for his opinion. Both have experience with wood and home improvement. They confirmed my popped wood situation.

Confrontation is an emotional drain on me. But I’m proud of myself for speaking up. The company agreed to flatten out the floor, but had to pull up the carpeting. They refused to be liable for the carpeting, or its proper re-installation, after replacing the popped flooring to abort the bump. What choice did I have? 

Now, the floor dips slightly where the popped wood was cut out and new wood laid. But I understand perfect restoration on an aged house requires a higher price tag. Luckily, the company’s employee who did the work used to lay carpeting for a living, and did a satisfactory job for us.

 I hope this is the end of our story. We began with new carpeting as a Valentine’s Day gift to each other for feathering our love nest. A month later, we’re poorer than expected, with wall-to-wall that will need stretching sooner than is typical for new carpeting. I promise to post again if an additional sequel pops up.