I'm writing this to share what happened when MLB installed our timber floors, so other homeowners know what to expect.
We bought a pre-finished timber floorboard, and the pack came with the manufacturer's installation guide. The guide says clearly that any adhesive on the surface must be cleaned off straight away. That step matters with pre-finished boards, because once the glue cures it's very hard to remove without damaging the coating.
As far as I could tell, MLB didn't follow the guide. Glue was left on the boards and allowed to set. When they tried to get it off later, it wouldn't come off. They then told me the floor was "fine" and that I should get a cleaner in to finish the job. I didn't think that was acceptable. A new floor shouldn't need someone else to fix the installer's residue, and the product came with instructions that would have prevented the problem.
When I showed them the installation guide to explain my concern, Sina ripped it up and yelled at me, accusing me of trying to rip them off. I was then called racist and a bad person. I found that deeply upsetting and completely unprofessional. All I'd done was raise a reasonable concern about the work, backed up by the manufacturer's own instructions.
To be clear, I'm not trying to get out of paying anyone. I expect tradespeople to do a professional job, and when the job is done properly, I pay them. That's a fair expectation for any homeowner spending good money on a new floor.
What let me down:
They didn't follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Glue residue was left to cure on a pre-finished surface.
They expected me to arrange and pay for a cleaner to fix it.
When I raised the problem, they were aggressive and insulting instead of dealing with it.
If you're considering MLB, I'd strongly suggest you think carefully. Make sure your installer commits in writing to following the manufacturer's guide, and check the work before you sign off.
To protect yourself legally, stick to what you saw and heard yourself, and frame judgements as your opinion ("I found", "as far as I could tell"). Keep photos of the residue and the installation guide in case the review is challenged. If the glue has damaged the finish, you can also lodge a complaint with Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Avoid
