Lumber Liquidators

I was referred by LL/​HSS to a company who was «authorized» by them to install my Morning Star Bamboo flooring. I was led to believe that they had experience, that they were licensed, that they were professionals, and «installation specialists». Below explains what I actually got.
«Specialist” — a person who has special knowledge and skill relating to a particular job.
HSS claims that their «installation specialists» are «professional, licensed, insured, and independent». An HSS rep told me that my installer has «done a lot of work for us». Which is actually concerning because the installer referred to me by HSS either did not read Morning Star Bamboo’s installation manual, ignored it, or did not understand it. HSS wants me to allow the contractor to fix it. My problem with that was when I agreed to that «provision», it was under the assumption the contractor was a qualified, professional, «installation specialist», who had no bad work history that HSS should have warned me about. Why would you ask a customer to allow an unqualified person to do a repair– just because they deceived you into entering a contract with them under false pretenses facilitated by HSS? Whatever the case, the installer disqualified himself as a professional in the following ways.
1). Upon pulling up the old flooring, subfloor damage was discovered. I had gouges in the subfloor of a firework pattern. I asked 3 times if covering it was ok, and asked «are you sure»? They assured me the «only thing» I needed to be concerned about was «raised areas– like a seam». They assured me they did many installs and knew what they were doing. This was a huge lie.
2). Pg. 2 Morning Star Solid Clic Bamboo instructions «A perimeter expansion space of ½» must be left around the walls and at all fixed objects. They did not do this in various places including by the walls, fireplace, or next to the stairs banister.
3). Pg. 2 Morning Star Clic Bamboo instructions: «…installation requires expansion breaks and T-​molding transitions be installed between adjoining rooms, in hallways, and at all doorways to allow for normal independent floor movement and environment fluctuations.» I have 8 doorways that I purchased molding for– that it wasn’t installed. They didn’t leave it with me either. Company owner was going to «secure» a perimeter side with an F-​molding– his explanation of why moving narrow board ends that appear to be unlocked and moving. Securing the boards would prevent the floor from floating per manual.
4). Acclimation is a HUGE issue with Bamboo I guess. Now that I’ve read more about it I have discovered that the HSS referred installer misused his «professional» credentials to advise me in a negligent manner. He led me to believe that Morning Star Bamboo acclimation can be determined according to time period. Information in the manual stresses acclimation. Per the instruction manual, a moisture meter was suppose to be used on the subfloor and on the new flooring numerous times to ensure the boards and conditions were ready to be installed. In retrospect, I didn’t see the installers use moisture meters and I was there the entire time. There were things that I assumed they might know that I didn’t– because I am not an «installation specialist». That’s why I was paying someone to know what they were doing. Morning Star Installation manual states: Proper job site conditions, acclimation, moisture testing of the subfloor and new flooring all work together for the success of the installation, and is the responsibility of those overseeing the project. NOT FOLLOWING THE ABOVE RECOMMENDATIONS CAN NEGATIVELY IMPACT BOARD PERFORMANCE AND CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT, SQUEAKS, BOARD GAPPING, BOARD-​EDGE CUPPING, FINISH SPLITS, AND OTHER RELATED ISSUES.
How many other customers are having problems due to subfloor conditions that were ignored and covered up by this installer– or others? Problems that look like «household climatic» issues and warranties unfairly voided by the manufacturer?
To make things worse, the owner’s unique name, of the installation company, (including matching middle initial and generational roman numeral) as listed on the LLC document registered with the state, matches a link leading to a court case (in same city) in which the defendant was convicted of federal charges of possessing a firearm by a felon– in which the court case described the defendant as being deceptive and lying to authorities. The case referenced previous multiple other felonies. I am upset I’ve been put in a situation now where I am suppose to confront such a person?
I don’t know how HSS does their Prescreening, but this is not what I expected. HSS says they are trying to help me resolve this matter… we’ll see. I’ll let you know.
All I can say is google the installers, check creds, and don’t use cash, use a credit card to pay because they often offer mediation services when these things go wrong. Good luck