But along the way, we suggested a subtle tweak. Recessing a few transitions added during renovations would make it nicer for them. Installed when this lively family opened up spaces and moved walls as needs demanded, the transitions were necessary. However, they were dropped in on top of the floor to transition and connect from one area to another. This meant you had to step over them as you walked.
Calling to book, our client’s wish was hopeful—get the floors done after Thanksgiving, but before Christmas.
This short timeline to get the job done was ideal. With only one kiddo home and the others at college we had a clear shot to get the project done without the family home.
The size of the task was challenging, but the real hurdle was the furniture. Though there was space to shift it around, moving it while decorating for Christmas required careful planning. But in the end, it all came together.
The Punch List
- Sand out the numerous scratches particularly at the one end of the kitchen table
- Address the sun fade in the kitchen
- Remove scratches and sun fade where the kitchen bar stools are located
- Fix the dark water mark by the dog’s bowl
- Replace the splintered board in the same area by the dog bowl
- Fix a whitish ring in the corner of the family room
- Stain the floor darker to blend better with the blue tones and the wood countertops
The Work
With Thanksgiving still in the air we kicked things off just as the last kid went back to college.
We delivered the trailer on Saturday, and by Sunday, we had the green light to prep and start, giving us a head start on the schedule. With a tight timeline, we made every moment count.
By the end of day one, Marvin had completed the first “cut”—sanding the kitchen area—and quickly applied sample stains. Our client preferred no black tones, opting for a slightly darker brown to complement the blue cabinets and wood counters. Finding the right middle-brown shade was key to getting it just right.
The repairs and transitions ensued.
First, we replaced the splintered board under the dog bowl and eliminated the water stain on the wood floor. Then, Marvin removed the floor transitions and cut the boards to fit flush transitions, adding a subtle but stylish touch. Little did we know, this small change would make a big impact on the family!
Next up Marvin began his magic!
Sanding and staining while turning rough surfaces into smooth, he transformed tired wood floors in to a stunning work of art.
Again, with the clock ticking Marvin got some pep in his step and danced through the sanding quickly. When he cranks his music it’s like he’s moving swiftly across the floor with his sanding machine like he’s doing the Cha-Cha. Every move choreographed with precision and purpose! (Rumor has it Marvin has good rythum, but he’s shy, and ususally ust a couch dancer. Except when he’s with his floor sander— he breaks out all the moves- lol. Please don’t tell him I said that!)
In no time the first section of the floor including the family room off to the side is sanded and ready for stain. The stain was applied was applied. And after checking with Kathleen she is thrilled with the color. So he moves fast, getting the seal and finish coats on.
After long hours of hard work, Marvin stunned the clients by finishing so quickly and capably.
With the main part of the project finished, and not compromising any results, Marvin then surprises them that the dining room will be done with the deadline met! So quickly the furniture is traversed from the dining room to the living room with little room to spare.
And on the home stretch the dining room is sanded, stained and finished as fast but as professionally as the rest of the floors. No corners cut, all given the precise attention to detail. He finished the room as fast as the coats applied would allow! You see, each coat applied requires a curing time. So abiding by those times needed Marvin makes good on his promise and surpases our clients’ expectations beyond belief!
Now “over the moon thrilled” our clients are singing Marvin’s and our praises!
With all the stars lining up it worked out. She can’t wait to show the kids and her family how beautiful the floors look! And right on time, she would be happily able do so right as they could raise a glass to toast just as the chesnuts were roasting on the open fire!
What surprised her and delighted her most
As Marvin always likes to do, he takes pride in fixing the small little things wrong with the floors that most refinishers overlook. And one such example is that of recessing the transitions flat into the floor. He could have left them, but didn’t. So when our client finally saw the workmanship she was elated. The recessed transitions now allowed for ease of movement mobility wise. No more transitions to struggle with maneuvering the occasional wheel chair across the floor!
For him, the pride gained by delighting his clients beyond expectation means everything!
And ps- along with the good holiday cheer our clients suprised Marvin sharing some holiday cheer! They presented him with a very generous tip making it a special Christmas for him too!
Looking for a craftsman who’s passionate about perfecting your hardwood floors? You’ve come to the right place!! For questions answered and to discuss your project call us at 609.953.0472. Or Contact Us online!
