Leveling floor (34x17)

We’re installing hardwood floors throughout our first floor. The contractor said we’d have to level the floor (“adjust it 1.5 inches”). What is a reasonable price for “leveling” this type of space?

guikazoid

in Flooring 11 years and 8 months ago

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mruby36 | 11 years and 8 months ago

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1.5 inches is a lot and I agree with Bruce regarding unintended consequences created when raising the low points to match the high if thats what you’re thinking about doing. But my question is: why is your contractor telling you this, how much extra $$ is behind the question and what are his (her) thoughts about the other problems potentially created? No one could give you a cost estimate without far more info, and, is the reason for obtaining other estimates to be used as a benchmark to measure the validity of your contractor? Just wonderin… Matt R www.nyc-hs.com

brucef | 11 years and 8 months ago

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Before a discussion of a reasonable price, should properly come a discussion of the pro’s and con’s of the idea. Understanding the root causes of the tilt or curve means grasping the physics of the equation. Presumably gravity provided the force, but what let go? Leveling floors is part art and part science. In a brownstone, floor surfaces meet other surfaces, be they hallways, stairs, baseboards?? A decision to fix one problem in this case usually creates a different problem. Unless you enjoy playing whack a mole with your wallet, you need a game plan. I personally love making floors plumb. What could be easier in concept. A laser shone all around will prove perfect … level-ness. Oftentimes picking the highest spot and raising all other locations to that height is unworkable. Like all the baseboards have to come off and all the detail has to be re-installed. Not for the faint of heart. Sometimes you have to compromise. I will make my floors “flatter”, but no they still won’t be level. One size does not fit all. Screetch on the brakes before you truly understand what you are contemplating.