Diy Hard Wood Floor Reveal
or, as I wanted to title it: How Sears Broke My Heart
This post could be very ramble’sih so I apologize ahead of time. Actually I can pretty much guarantee I am going to ramble. Most of you know we are putting in hard wood floors. (yay). What some of you may not know, is that the reason this whole project began is because a brand new refrigerator we bought had a very bad leak from the ice maker. It flooded the kitchen on our main level and made it’s way down through the floor into the ceiling of the lower level of our home. This resulted in damage that had to be dealt with. The refrigerator was from Sears. Sears was wonderful during this process and the Regional Manager was very helpful. Sears referred us to an outside claims department as is the policy because the Sears Kenmore Elite unit we bought was made by LG. After just shy of a year, of back and forth, and jumping through hoops, and hassles galore with the claims department, we settled for $600 less then the lowest estimate we got to have the repairs made and the flooring replaced. Yes, they were only willing to offer us $600 less then the lowest of the 3 estimates I had to get. I was told I could file a claim if that was not satisfactory.
Moving on, Jim and I decided to save and pay the difference not only for that floor, but to do the living area as well so we could have a seamless look on the main floor. We decided to install hard wood flooring and diy it to help with costs. With that, comes a lot of a mess and a house turned upside down. Well, I did rather well ignoring the mess, the tools, the displacement, etc… besides being excited for the end result, I hung in there.
Until we were thisclosetobeingdone and our trusty table saw similar to which you can better understand at websites similar to mechanopedia caught fire and died. Jim put the last piece of flooring in by going old school with a hammer and chisel. The problem? We still have to rip all the transition pieces to complete the floor. We have 3 doorways and the large section between the living room and kitchen, and the step down into the sun room. Not being able to lay these, also has the baseboard installation on hold. It all goes together like a puzzle. And this puzzle is at a standstill.
Today, I heard from Sears about our table saw situation, and for the wholesale cost to them on a $244 item, they choose to offer me a “discount” so I could buy a new one to replace the one that caught fire. A whopping 10% off to be exact. I shared on facebook how disappointed I was and how upset this has made me. I do have to disclose, they told me I could file a damages claim. But yeah… no thanks. I don’t have a year. I really expected them to say hey, get a new saw and get that project done. We want to make good on this. I was just certain that they would want to save the day!! What the hell was I thinking? It may sound silly that I have no interest in a claim, but I just don’t want to fight. I fought all my fight against cancer thankyouverymuch. I just don’t have it in me to be that irritated and inconvenienced. I also thought, hmm… logically, wouldn’t it be cheaper to replace the unit, them to pay an adjuster to travel to our home (they don’t live around here!) and all the people involved in a claim? Doesn’t add up to me, but then, I don’t work for Sears.
I do know, I will drive 2 hours each way, (in the snow, lol) to Eugene and shop at a big box retailer, and buy another brand, putting our project off even longer. All the while praying it does not rain. Hello? I live in OREGON. Before I buy anything at the Sears literally 5 minutes from my house.
I just want to note, that I have nothing against Craftsman, I would get another Craftsman tool in a heartbeat. It’s the level of customer service that is so wildly lacking that upsets me.
Which coincidentally we have tried to support since we live in a small town. You know, support the local community and all that. It’s actually sad that our local store will suffer because of this. We were loyal shoppers for over 25 years. My grandfathers bought Craftsman, my dad bought Craftsman. Heck, we got Craftsman tools as wedding gifts! We still own and use many Craftsman tools. We’ve got our home and the little cottage. We have bought a lot of appliances at Sears over the years. As a mater of fact, we just bought a new dish washer about 5 weeks ago. From Sears. Jim wanted the security of knowing we had a brand new one with these new floors.
Now it’s not the reveal I had in mind, at all, but here is a quick pic I snapped today.
It’s not decorated, but we worked over the weekend getting all the protective cardboard up off the floor, cleaning and moving all the furniture back. It was as far as we could get. At that point we were still hoping to finish this weekend. I’m not sure what our plan is now. I guess we’ll finish when we can? It’s a bit disconcerting.
The new wall color throughout is Glidden (shown below).
All trim is BM in Super White-Gloss. All ceilings are BM Super White ceiling paint.
This is the wall color before:
I have to admit I fell a bit sad. I’m definitely off my game. I’d say I feel totally discombobulated!
This should be a super happy time, instead I am stressed.
Worst of all, my decorating mojo is a no gogo. All the pretty walls I painted are nail free. And I don’t know what I want to put where. What the heck kind of a blogger am I??? You guys should probably fire me.
Maybe I need some pinspiration?
I did get to put out my burlap table runner I ordered from Ann Drake at Sutton Place Designs.
It’s so pretty. I’ve been waiting to be able to put it out! I got it just for this spot and it’s perfect. I so adore the crisp ruffled border! I picked up a mercury glass gourd at Ross last week and popped it on top just to get to look at it. I knew I had to get everything cleaned up before I even thought about getting my Fall decor out. One mess at a time!
Because none of the transitions are done and the baseboards are not installed I didn’t take a full room shot. You can see the floors some though and how all the trim is white now!!! That was such a labor of love. It took tons of paint to cover that dark brown wood, but I LOVE it. hahaha.
I did get a few things put in my glass front cabinet as well as two tag sale finds perched on top. The milk crate is so heavy, with metal sides. I bought from a neat lady that had had it forever! The globe was $3 bucks at yard sale. It’s in super shape and at least 30 years old. It’s a really vibrant blue. I liked the shade.
Here is a Before reminder of the sun room:
You know… I never liked how the brown trim broke up the room so badly, especially in photos. I can’t even find a full room shot because of that. lol. So I’ll show you the how it looked when we moved in:
… and a snippet before picture. I just put off painting the trim since it sort of tied in the flooring and I knew it was going to be difficult, mostly over the stair case. Double that with the vaulted ceiling. Wow, it already feels like forever ago we had that laminate counter! Yuck.
And a during photo:
I painted everything to the left. I had professionals paint everything over the stairs. I didn’t dare fall and hurt myself. It just was not worth it.
You know, I feel a little bit better. I swear I am such an open book! I can’t keep anything inside. I’m like a “what you see is what you get” kinda girl, for the most part. I know I am so lucky. I do. I guess with my car breaking down, and being so close to finishing something up and other boring things, I just got a little overwhelmed. I don’t write beautifully and poetically… I’m just me. I sort of just gush it all out there. I’ve written very personal posts before and deleted them. But today I’m just going to hit publish because I know some of you probably feel the same sometimes too.
Like I tell you all the time on facebook, I love our community. I really do. You guys make my day so often. Sometimes I tear up, belly laugh and even snort laugh. (don’t tell!).
You guys mean a lot to me.
Shannon
UPDATE: We now have an Ace Hardware right here in town! Guess what they sell? Yep. Craftsman. BooYah!
UPDATE II: If you want to see some proper hardwood floor pics try viewing our home tour.
Brandi @ Nest of Bliss says
Loving your new floors. It’s too bad about the frustration that had to go along with it… but on the bright side those floors are pretty spiffy!
Charlene@A Pinch of Joy says
We’ve been loyal Sears customers forevah — appliances, for sure, and my husband has every tool Craftsman produced, I think. But they are no longer our first choice and we didn’t even have the terrible experience you did. Bad enough with the refrigerator but the flaming saw too… shame, shame Sears! Love the dark floors though and the white woodwork is fabulous!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thank you for stopping by. Yes, it is a shame.. I felt like I really had to vent that one out. I was not happy. Now, the S word is not spoken on our house.. and sadly, all I have heard is much of the same from others. With much hard work, repairs are done and the floor is in. It is nice to have it all uniform now. We sort of like it 😉
Jami @ An Oregon Cottage says
Here’s what I can say: aaacckk! And that Sears is SO short-sighted. Sigh…they’re in business trouble, you’d think they’d step up the customer service to stay afloat.
Whatever. But the floors? So awesome!! And as I’m painting tons of trim right now, I can feel your white-trim-painting-pain, but holy moly – they difference is amazing!!
Your attitude is great, sweet Shannon – it’s not worth a fight. Just revel in your new wonderful space, ha!
Shirley says
It a shame Sears can’t read your blog and know that we ladies stick together in blog land and they can’t do this kind of service and still go on. Granted they are a big company and we are little people to them but that is not right. Now on a brighter side, your house is beautiful. I love the floors and the paint you painted the walls. Breath a sigh of success. Great job!
Pamela says
Your floors are gorgeous Shannon! I know you are happy to be done with them!
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says
BOO ~ Bad customer service & with a blogger!!! Goodness you’d like to think companies would think long term and realize that saving a few $$$ lost than much more in the long run. I do adore your flooring though 🙂
Terry says
I’ve never “talked” to you before but I really enjoy your blog. I just had to comment on how much your story sounds like the way things tend to go around our house. Such aggravation! I definitely understand about being overwhelmed by things that keep going wrong. I have to constantly remind myself to look past the trees and enjoy the forest! Your floors are gorgeous. I love the furniture and decor. I so wish I could put it all together. And all the windows and light–it’s absolutely wonderful. Just stop and take a look out those windows. Your view is absolutely priceless. I would so love to live in your part of the country. I spent a few weeks in your neck of the woods about 15 years ago. My parents and I were each riding our BMW motorcycles packed down with our tents and camping gear. Waking up and peeking out the tent to watch the sun rise over the mountains is by and far one of my very fondest memories. And you have it all right outside your windows….soooo jealous : ) Enjoy all your hard work! It’s absolutely wonderful!!!!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Hello Terry! You know it was a “in the moment” sort of day. I knew inside everything would be fine and I am so blessed, but I was upset and disappointed. Thank you for your very nice comment and sharing your experience here in Oregon. It is beautiful country and we stop and reflect on that often. I mean, I get deer in my backyard! It’s pretty dang awesome (:
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~ says
Nice redo. The room looks so much bigger and the floors are beautiful! Great job. I love white walls and dark floors.
Just bought a new washing machine and Sears price was a bit higher than Home Depot and they wanted $65 to deliver and HD was free delivery?? No brainer. These days Sears has more competition then they did years ago. Folks are doing their homework before they purchase.
Anna Starner says
Okay I will start again ,since I hit post and everything went blank.
First your floors are beautiful!!!!!
I am sure I would have gone out and bought a new saw to get the project finished. Who wants such a gorgeous home that you can’t decorate. BUT I would still expect Sears to follow through. If I get another saw great. I can donate it to the church’s mission team. Next year they wouldn’t have to take their own from home. What ever the outcome I would have the satisfaction knowing they didn’t get the result they wanted (you to just walk away and not pursue the matter). Too many people do this and big business make the prophet at the little guys expense. Good luck in your dealings with Sears.
debbiedoos says
I commented late last night and my comment disappeared. Glad I came back. It looks awesome girl!
Shayna @ The Wood Grain Cottage says
Absolutely gorgeous! All your hard word has definitely paid off! Hugs!
Stacy says
I.LOVE.THE.FLOORS!!!! So glad you shared amidst all the chaos. I am new to blogging and just really figuring everything out, so your honesty and ability to keep it real has encouraged me not to give up. I am a believer that when we go through life’s little messes our transparency will help someone else struggling and give them hope there is a way through it. Your house transformation looks amazing! Glad I found you 🙂
Linda Steelman Jarraf says
Did you paint the white cabinet? If so what type of paint did you use?
Lisa Palmese says
Shannon,
I went through it also and for all your trials and tribulations Your Home Looks Just Beautiful.
I Especially like the parallel pieces you put in it adds such a Big Design Factor. Love it!! Still lmao
I am so Surprised at Sears ? Years ago The Policy was You Broke a Tool whatever tool or it was
worn or old bring it in and get a new one . In fact I remember doing that with a large screwdriver
I was using as a pry bar . lol I am so Sorry and They count and You being worn down and saying
forget about it. I would still pursue both issues before My Painting?Design Business I was a Quality
Assurance Manager for years too many to list. And I assure you that you should pursue it as a matter
of principal . Get the Manger on phone then ask for his Boss and Keep Going Girl I just can’t believe
they treated you like that, and while your under stress and your Home turned upside down. Your Tough
as Nails Take them on During your reveal that You could have Proudly Promoted them and Now Your left
with a Negative view on their Store. What a Shame but It didn’t Matter in The End Your House Looks Gorgeous!! God Bless You and Yours Lisa
Lynn says
Shannon…I absolutely love it. It looks stunning, open and so inviting. I understand about wanting to share even though it’s not finished. It’s tough holding it until it is finished when you are not sure when you will get to finish. I feel like that with our downstairs patio right now. I felt so much of that during the build of the house. But, remember we are all human and can only do what we can do and no more. Big giant hugs to you…you are a blessing to us!!