Flooring Timeline
Landgate Custom Homes committed to install premium 4” white oak hardwood floors throughout the main living level of our home. The original total contracted cost was $30,000 although that ballooned to $33,000 after a $3000 upcharge for natural color stain that was not outlined contractually.
The floors were a central aspect of the overall renovation and we spend 100% of our time at home touching these floors. Landgate’s final product is unacceptable
Despite our clear agreement, the white oak floors were installed in May/June 2023—before any HVAC systems were in place. The lack of climate control during installation left the wood vulnerable to New Jersey’s summer humidity. This misstep caused immediate concern, but Landgate assured us it would not be an issue.
The HVAC systems, essential for regulating indoor climate and preventing damage to the floors, were not installed until July 11, 2024 — over a year later. By this point, we were already noticing issues with the floors, including minor warping. However, Landgate continued to downplay our concerns, failing to take immediate action.
The root cause of the flooring problems was a failure to adhere to standard hardwood flooring procedures. White oak, like any natural wood, requires proper acclimation to the environment in which it is installed. Without the HVAC system, the floors were exposed to fluctuating moisture levels and temperature swings, which caused the wood to expand and contract uncontrollably.
As a result, large gaps formed during the colder winter months, while ripples and warping became evident in the heat of summer. This should have been avoided by acclimating the wood to the house’s conditions for a set period of time. The improper handling of these essential steps, combined with poor communication and delayed work, led to long-term damage that could have been prevented.
After discovering the damage, we immediately contacted Landgate to address the growing issues with the floors. On June 27, 2023, we raised concerns about wet walls, humidity control, and floor acclimation, but Landgate disregarded our warnings. Their dismissive attitude and lack of timely action made the situation worse as the problems intensified.
When we engaged Landgate Custom Homes for our renovation project, we expected a high standard of craftsmanship across various aspects of our home. Unfortunately, our experience revealed significant shortcomings in multiple areas:
We appointed Landgate to install new white oak floors, but the project was marred by improper installation. The flooring was laid before the HVAC systems were installed, leading to major issues such as gaps in the winter and ripples in the summer. Our concerns regarding proper acclimation were ignored.
Landgate was responsible for our roofing needs, yet repeated tarp failures during the project resulted in extensive damage to our home. The lack of timely communication and inadequate repairs left us dealing with mold and structural issues.
We expected high-quality installation for our new windows and doors, but the workmanship fell short. Misalignment and poor sealing have led to drafts and potential water intrusion, raising concerns about energy efficiency and long-term durability.
Overall craftsmanship throughout the project was disappointing. Key areas showed signs of poor quality control, with finishes that did not meet the promised standards, leaving us with a subpar final product.
Landgate was tasked with building our new deck using high-quality materials, but they damaged expensive Ipe wood and employed improper fastening techniques. Promises to replace the damaged materials have yet to be fulfilled.
Insulation work was critical for our home’s energy efficiency. However, the installation was poorly executed, leading to inadequate temperature control and increased energy costs.
We anticipated beautifully finished trim work, but the results were inconsistent and lacked attention to detail. This oversight contributed to an overall feeling of neglect in our renovation.
As of September 2024, we are still dealing with the fallout from the flooring issues. Despite multiple attempts to reach a settlement with Landgate, we have not received the promised compensation, and the damage to our floors remains unresolved. The gaps and ripples serve as a constant reminder of the poor workmanship and lack of accountability throughout the project.
Launching this site is our way of warning others about Landgate’s mismanagement and disregard for their clients. We hope that by sharing our story, others can avoid the same costly mistakes we encountered in our renovation.
The flooring installation was supposed to be a key feature of our renovation, adding value and beauty to our home. Instead, it has become a major source of frustration due to Landgate’s failure to follow basic industry standards. We urge anyone considering Landgate Custom Homes to thoroughly vet their processes and communication before trusting them with your home.
To provide transparency regarding our experience, we have included key conversations with Landgate Custom Homes. These exchanges highlight our ongoing concerns about the flooring installation and their responses throughout the process.
Despite raising significant issues regarding humidity control, acclimation of the floors, and visible damage, Landgate’s responses often lacked urgency and accountability. The attached screenshots illustrate our attempts to communicate these problems and the inadequate resolutions offered by the company.
We believe it’s crucial for potential clients to see this dialogue, as it underscores the challenges we faced in addressing our flooring issues and the overall lack of support from Landgate.
When you install $28,000 of white oak flooring without proper climate control, the results are disastrous. Installed in June, before the HVAC system was operational, the floors were exposed to extreme fluctuations in humidity and temperature. This led to noticeable gaps during the colder months as the wood contracted and expanded. In the summer, the opposite happened — the floors buckled, creating unsightly waves and ripples throughout the house.
What should have been a high-end, lasting investment has turned into an ongoing source of frustration. Had Landgate followed standard procedures, including acclimating the wood and ensuring HVAC was in place, this damage could have been avoided. Instead, we’re left with floors that are constantly shifting with the seasons, a clear sign of negligence in planning and execution.
The Untold Story of Landgate’s Failures