Contractor Restores Flooring, Faith for Chicago Homeowner

Susan Niemiec knew she needed a professional contractor to install hardwood flooring in her family's Naperville, Ill., home. But she had some trepidation. Friends had told her horror stories about how their contractors disappeared in the middle of remodeling projects. Plus, Niemiec says contractors she had hired for previous projects had talked down to her.

Through servicemagic, Niemiec obtained several bids on her flooring job. She chose Knock on Wood Flooring of Buffalo Grove, Ill. The deciding factor was not price, but owner Bill Gabor's product knowledge and communication skills.

"Bill was very enthusiastic about flooring," Niemiec says. "He knows wood inside and out. Being that it was such a big project, he also wanted to be sure we knew what was involved in the process. He took his time and explained everything, which was outstanding."

Two-way communications
For Gabor, establishing a good working relationship at the outset helps a home improvement project progress smoothly. It also instills confidence in the homeowner.

"We educated Susan on the benefits and disadvantages of wood flooring, the costs, how it will improve the home and how it will make a difference in her everyday life," Gabor says. "She wanted to be sure she had a contractor she could trust and who could do the job right."

Niemiec's wishes were granted—and then some. Gabor and his crew of five spent 10 days in early May transforming the Niemiec home. They ripped up 1,300 square feet of carpeting and tile in the main-level bathroom, foyer, kitchen, dining room, living room, family room, home office and stairs. The crew replaced the flooring with 3-1/4-inch-wide red oak. The dining room received special treatment, with a unique walnut feature strip surrounding red oak planks set at 45-degree angles. Knock on Wood also finished the flooring on site and installed baseboard and trim.

Extra-special service
Niemiec found Gabor and his crew impressive on many levels. For starters, she says, they worked at an "unbelievably fast" pace, and Gabor kept his promise to oversee the project every day. Crew members were also considerate to the Niemiecs' three young sons, exercising patience and working around them. In addition, Niemiec is allergic to dust, so the staff minimized it to keep their customer comfortable.

Then, of course, there's Niemiec's absolute delight with the outcome. "I am so happy with these floors," she says. "They're just gorgeous."

Niemiec also used servicemagic to find Favia Painters for exterior and interior work. "Both companies helped me make informed decisions about my remodeling project," Niemiec says. "I've learned a lot."