Flooring Inspection
Project Checklist

Document the visible symptoms — cupping, buckling, gaps, cracking, discoloration, lifting, or hollow sounds.

💡 Note when you first noticed the issue and whether it's spreading.

Identify the flooring type — hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, SPC, LVP/LVT, vinyl, tile, stone, or carpet.

💡 If unsure, a photo of the edge or cross-section helps.

Recall any water events — leaks, spills, flooding, high humidity, or plumbing issues near the affected area.

💡 Even small or slow leaks can cause significant damage over time.

Note whether the problem is worsening — spreading, deepening, or appearing in new areas.

💡 Progressive damage often signals an ongoing moisture source.

Find your flooring purchase receipt or invoice.

💡 Includes product name, manufacturer, and lot number.

Locate the installation records — installer name, company, and date of installation.

💡 Warranty claims often require proof of professional installation.

Gather warranty documents — manufacturer warranty, installer guarantee, or home warranty.

💡 Check if the flooring is still under warranty.

Collect any prior inspection reports, repair invoices, or contractor assessments.

💡 Especially important for insurance or legal disputes.

Note the installer's license number and insurance info if available.

💡 Required for construction defect or arbitration cases.

Document rooms affected, approximate square footage, and number of areas.

💡 Helps the inspector estimate time and scope.

Take wide-angle photos of each affected room showing the full floor area.

💡 Stand in the doorway or corner for the widest view.

Take close-up photos of specific damage — cupped edges, gaps, cracks, stains, lifted planks.

💡 Place a coin or ruler next to the damage for scale.

Record a slow video walkthrough panning across the damaged areas.

💡 Narrate what you're showing — 'this gap started two months ago.'

Photograph the transition areas — doorways, thresholds, and where the flooring meets other materials.

💡 Problems often originate at transitions.

If accessible, photograph the subfloor, crawlspace, or area beneath the flooring.

💡 Moisture sources are often hidden below.

Screenshot any smart-home humidity or temperature logs if you have them.

💡 HVAC data can support a moisture analysis.

Complete the online inspection request form with your contact and property details.

💡 Provide accurate phone and email — we'll confirm by both.

Upload your photos, videos, and documents through the intake form.

💡 The more context we have, the better we can prepare.

Indicate the urgency — standard, urgent, or legal/insurance priority.

💡 Legal and insurance cases may need expedited scheduling.

Note any special access needs — gate codes, parking, pets, or tenants.

💡 Helps the inspector arrive prepared.

Review and submit — you'll receive a confirmation email with next steps.

💡 Check your spam folder if you don't see it within an hour.

Review the appointment options sent to you and select your preferred date.

💡 We'll confirm availability and send a calendar invitation.

Ensure someone 18+ will be present during the inspection.

💡 The inspector needs access and someone to answer questions.

Confirm the estimated inspection duration — typically 1–3 hours depending on scope.

💡 Larger homes or multiple flooring types take longer.

Note the inspector's name and contact number for the day of the visit.

💡 Provided in your confirmation email.

If rescheduling is needed, notify us at least 24 hours in advance.

💡 Call or text 213-679-9672.

Remove furniture, rugs, and personal items from the affected areas if safely possible.

💡 The inspector needs clear access to the flooring surface.

Ensure the HVAC system has been running at normal living conditions for at least 48 hours.

💡 Temperature and humidity readings must reflect actual living conditions.

Secure pets in a separate room or area away from the inspection zone.

💡 For safety and to prevent interference with measurements.

Make sure all areas — including closets, hallways, and adjacent rooms — are accessible.

💡 Inspectors check surrounding areas for hidden damage.

Have your documentation, receipts, and photos ready to hand over.

💡 Physical copies or digital files both work.

If in a multi-unit building, notify the property manager or HOA of the visit.

💡 Access to common areas or subfloor may be needed.

The inspector will introduce themselves and review the scope of the inspection with you.

💡 Ask questions — this is your property and your investment.

Visual assessment of all affected and adjacent flooring areas.

💡 Inspectors look beyond the obvious damage for patterns.

Moisture testing of the flooring surface using calibrated meters.

💡 Pin and pinless meters measure wood moisture content.

Subfloor and ambient conditions testing — temperature, humidity, and if needed, concrete moisture tests.

💡 ASTM F1869 (calcium chloride) or F2170 (in-situ probes) for concrete.

Photo documentation of all findings with measurements and location notes.

💡 Every defect is photographed for the report.

Discussion of preliminary observations with you before leaving.

💡 The inspector may share initial impressions, but the formal report comes later.

Receive a professional written report within the agreed timeframe (typically 3–7 business days).

💡 Forensic and legal reports may take longer due to detail required.

Review the documented findings — cause of failure, extent of damage, and contributing factors.

💡 The report identifies the root cause, not just symptoms.

Review the photographs and test data included as evidence.

💡 All measurements and readings are documented.

Review the recommendations — repair, replacement, further testing, or no action needed.

💡 Recommendations are based on industry standards.

Ask questions — we're available to clarify any findings or terminology.

💡 Don't hesitate to call or email after reading the report.

If filing an insurance claim, submit the report to your adjuster as supporting documentation.

💡 Our reports are formatted for insurance and legal use.

If pursuing a warranty claim, send the report to the manufacturer or retailer.

💡 Follow their claim submission process.

If in a legal dispute, the report can support expert witness testimony if needed.

💡 We provide certified expert witness services.

If repairs are recommended, obtain quotes from qualified flooring contractors.

💡 We can advise on scope but don't perform repairs — we remain independent.

If moisture issues are identified, address the source before any new installation.

💡 Installing over an unresolved moisture problem guarantees repeat failure.

Keep all documentation in a safe place for future reference.

💡 Digital copies are recommended as backup.