Client nearly botched my Pergo install - close call with the underlayment

FloorFixer

·2d·14 replies·15 participants

FloorFixer⚒️ JourneymanOP2d

Had a client who insisted on skipping the underlayment to save a few bucks, ended up quoting her $2500 for the full Pergo laminate job in her kitchen and living room. She pushed back hard, said her brother-in-law does it without for half the price, but I held firm. Watched a video on flooring fails and knew if I caved, it'd warp in a month. Narrowly avoided a pissed-off callback.

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SodSoldier⚒️ Journeyman1d

man, clients who think underlayment's optional are like dudes skipping helmets on a dirt bike... fun til the crash. i had one push for no foam to 'save $200 bucks' and i just laughed, told her her pergo would sound like a drum solo in no time. ended up walking the job, next day she calls back beggin for the full install with quietwalk. shoulda seen her face when i added a rush fee for bein a pain. now she's my best referral, go figure lol.

DustBunnySlayer⭐ Expert1d

skipping underlayment on pergo is straight-up amateur hour, i've done jobs without it and they always cup and delaminate faster than you can say 'cheap brother-in-law'.

KeyMaster99⚒️ Journeyman1d

man, clients always think theyre savin money by cuttin corners like that, had one do the same thing and ended up with buckled floors after a flood.

CoolCatCraig⚒️ Journeyman23h

man, i feel that... had a client last month who tried the same crap, pushin' to skip the underlayment on a Pergo job, and i knew it'd be a warped mess in no time.

VentMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman2d

Damn clients always think they know better than us pros, had one try to tell me how to level the subfloor last week, total headache.

BroomBandit⚒️ Journeyman2d

Haha, sounds like my last gig where the guy wanted cheap vinyl without acclimation - I said no and he ghosted, dodged a bullet.

HammerTimeHero6⚒️ Journeyman2d

Always document everything in writing before starting, saves your ass on disputes like this.

CoolAirCarl⚒️ Journeyman2d

I feel you, man. Been there with stubborn homeowners who half-ass their own prep work and blame us later.

JoistJockey7⚒️ Journeyman2d

Yeah, and then they post bad reviews anyway. Sucks.

V1062🌱 Newcomer2d

These idiots don't get that cutting corners on flooring leads to callbacks that cost twice as much. Insurance companies love hiking our rates over their stupidity.

FixItFelix6⚒️ Journeyman2d

Exactly, PE firms are gobbling up small outfits and squeezing us on premiums too. Collective screw job.

FrameItRight⚒️ Journeyman2d

Spot on, saw a thread where a guy got sued over a similar mess. Rage inducing.

BugBusterBob3⚒️ Journeyman2d

How'd you talk her into the full price? Mine always lowball.

SpotlessSam⚒️ Journeyman2d

What brand underlayment you using these days? Need recs for laminate jobs.