How, When, and Why to Use a Third-Party Flooring Inspector

By Robert Blochinger

Over time, flooring inspectors have developed a bad reputation, with phrases such as “use at your own risk,” “do we have to,” “use as a last option,” and “why must we” associated with them. Many in the industry question whether a flooring inspector is worth the expense and if they are really an asset of doing business.

Certified flooring inspectors have a unique position within the flooring industry. We review failures and perform discovery of causation through visual and physical observation, testing (at times destructive), and use of specialized tools and equipment. We also are asked for
corrective-action suggestions.

There is a positive, preventative side to what flooring inspectors do: We perform evaluations prior to installations. For the restoration industry, we serve as a backup to any site condition that requires a third party when the parties cannot come together on an issue.

How to use a flooring inspector

Oil residue on porcelain tile resulted from cleaning with the wrong agent.

If you are reading this article, you likely want a basic understanding of what flooring inspectors can do. Once you take on a project, you are held responsible for any negative issues—but inspectors can be used to mitigate risks. They can:

• Evaluate a site before any work is performed to determine if you will be able to control the workspace
• Determine before flooring installation (for substrate evaluation) if the surface is flat, smooth, and clean; whether the moisture content is within range; or if a moisture barrier is required
• Determine whether the subfloor is within tolerance to industry standards to support the new floor
• Determine whether the existing flooring is salvageable (on a restoration project)
• Determine if the area of negative concern is conducive to corrective action
• Determine if the product and installation materials are correctly specified
• Evaluate whether flooring maintenance has been performed within manufacturing and industry standards regarding protocol and chemical agents.

When to use a flooring inspector

Visual inspection shows the joint widths are different sizes.

Some things to consider when deciding when to call in a third-party inspector include whether:

• The job site has one or multiple issues
• The issues are beyond the scope of the technician performing the installation
• The technician is uncomfortable performing the work, and a certified person is, therefore, required for oversight
• The project has been reopened by the insurance company or consumer after completion due to negative issues
• Legal counsel has been brought into the project from either side
• Workmanship is questioned regarding compliance to existing standards
• The product has a latent defect
• The job has been stopped due to product defect discovered
• There is pattern alignment difficulty
• Control of the workspace is compromised
• There is a need to negotiate an amicable solution to issues—perhaps a corrective action suggestion
• You need a disinterested expert.

Why to use a flooring inspector

Shown here is moisture reflection on luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring.

There are many reasons to bring a third-party entity into a project. These experts are prevalent in all industries and disciplines, not just flooring. The basic reason for inspectors is not just to discover causation, but also to prevent negative issues from becoming a problem. A third party can offer value in tricky situations such as for:

• Substrate moisture issues that require testing
• Evaluation of substrate preparation action
• Measurement of flatness ratio of substrate surfaces
• Evaluation of workspace for flooring installation to determine if it is ready
• Documentation of the installation process—the before, during, and after
• Training the staff, consumer, general contractor, and claims representative as to the flooring specified and that will be installed
• Explanation of any warranty questions
• Determination of causation of the negative concern
• Bypassing the “they-said” discussion and blame game.

There is no minimum level of need for calling in an inspector; they can work on the smallest residential project or the largest commercial project. However, each expert has capabilities to perform within their respective certifications and scope of work based on their training, education, and experience.

For example, in a water event, whether residential or commercial, the protocol is the same. After a restorer has evaluated (inspected) the site conditions, their scope of work begins, and the flooring comes into question. Type of flooring is a concern regarding the salvageability, which depends on the extent of the damage. Will the technician have knowledge and experience necessary to decide? Will they have the ability to present an actual value for the damaged flooring?

If legal action is presented against your company for work performed, whether it is a direct link to your workmanship or because you’re the last one to work on it, an expert is required. Or if it’s just the normal procedure of bringing everyone to the table during a construction defect lawsuit, an expert is required as well. It’s that expert, the third party, that will present the case for you to the lawyers. However, keep in mind that, as third-party experts, inspectors report on the facts of the case, not what we are told.

The mildew shown on this wool fiber is from improper storage and wrap.

For example, recently I was called in by a flooring contractor to determine why a new porcelain tile flooring had a “haze” on it. (A water damage event required a replacement from the preexisting vinyl floor.) The general contractor did not allow the flooring contractor to give the tile its first cleaning, as they should have. There was a grout haze on the surface. The janitorial company did not perform a perfect cleaning. So, the flooring contractor was called in to clean… three times. There was still an undesirable appearance on the tile surface. Who is at fault in this case?

I performed a visual and physical review as well as a test cleaning with generic cleaning products. During this time, I discovered an oil-based substance on the surface in various corners. After interviews with the opposing parties and testing, I determined the tile had not been property cleaned yet. All four cleanings used the incorrect cleaning agents. I suggested a professional, certified cleaning company be brought in to correct the situation.

There is a need for third-party experts in many situations. Once you identify the need, they can become an integral part of your scope of work for any project.

Robert Blochinger started out in the flooring industry as a water and fire damage cleaner and restorer. After opening his own installation business, he worked to become an IICRC certified flooring inspector in eight separate disciplines. He currently serves as the chair of the Inspection Division of the IICRC. Blochinger currently works as a full-time inspector in addition to owning his own IICRC Certified Firm. Reach him at [email protected].