Why Help DIY'rs?

[DennisT]

??? I haven't asked for advice. Regardless, I'll let it drop.

 

[Ernesto]

it seems to me that an equally good question would be----why help the pros?----as with any questions in life the basic format is---Whats in it for me?----speaking for myself i get more contentment helping those that have taken the time and effort to ask for help than dealing with the delicate little egos that populate the pit of vipers that is the flooring business---just my opinion

That is an equally great question rug, I'd have to say over the last oh let's say 10 years on forums I have more than given my share of help to both the DIY'r and pros out there all over the world.

So stopping DIY help now is not going to put any negative effect on my karma. I probably have at a conservative minimum 100,000 posts on several forums. That's ever since the beginning of the internet forum.

Lots of great posts on this thread. I just thought the question needed addressing out in public. Not hidden. And look, it even brought out some lurkers.

 

[Ken]

I can see both sides especially Ernie's after this thread, lol. I'm the first to admit when I'm out of my league and I'm grateful for every last one of you that has given me advice. Everyone has bits of info that were all looking for and everyone's help or guidance is not lost on me.

 

[Floorist]

I have asked a lot of questions when new products came out. Here in the boonies, there is no one to ask. It has helped a lot. IVC vinyl was out for a long time before I ever saw it. I certainly appreciate the help.

 

[Nick]

I remember doing the first piece on that other forum.

 

[Ernesto]

I remember doing the first piece on that other forum.

I know forums dislike talking about other forums, but there's been so many. Not sure which one your talking about Nick.
Since the FCI/BNP is no more I guess its OK to talk about that one. I believe it started in like circa '96ish and was so basic sort of like the old chatroom. Then they only upgraded it like twice.

Fred Gambles site was just about as old.

Kinda glad I am not a mod anymore.

We could do a whole story board on the history of flooring forums.

 

[Nick]

Jims site . Not going to mention the name , But you and Floorist know who i speak of .

 

[Ernesto]

I can see both sides especially Ernie's after this thread, lol. I'm the first to admit when I'm out of my league and I'm grateful for every last one of you that has given me advice. Everyone has bits of info that were all looking for and everyone's help or guidance is not lost on me.

Helping other installers is not so bad as the DIY IMO. Especially if that installer/contractor is not your competition.

Jims site . Not going to mention the name.

Thanks for sparing me.

I still think my change in opinion about helping the DIY'r is healthy for the installation community. I think I've done enough damage thoughout the years. And the DIY mentality of some retail/manufacturing sectors seem to be getting worse.

The manufacturers seem inclined to make product more DIY friendly except the problems still exist, prep, moisture testing and skill are just not there like others mention about 90% are butchered and not up to industry standard, although the DIY'r finds it acceptable. Does make me money on inspections and repairs though.

The Box stores continue to push DIY just for the sake of sales, even though it most likely effects the bottom line on installs. They have product in the isles that they will not install. Think about that for a miinute. lol

The flooring forums want the traffic which makes them money so they are inclined to drive the DIY to their site. I believe it's all going to hellinahandbasket and gaining more momentum every year. Pretty soo grandma is going to nailing down hardwood. And what happens when grandma cuts her fingers off with a chop saw? It's going to be your responsibility.

 

[Nick]

Could not agree with you more E.

 

[rugaddict]

for you conspiracy theorists---the push behind the diy market is that there is a 50/50 chance that the install will go bad ---hopefully leading to the store selling the floor twice-----any big box would always prefer cash and carry -

 

[Floorist]

for you conspiracy theorists---the push behind the diy market is that there is a 50/50 chance that the install will go bad ---hopefully leading to the store selling the floor twice-----any big box would always prefer cash and carry -

Stores have always preferred cash and carry. Most consumer complaints are about installation and always have been. The most successful store within 100 miles of here sells cash and carry only and gives out a list of installers. When my name was on that list, I could count on being booked six weeks ahead. They told the customers not to pay for installation until satisfied. I only quit working there because I would drive 800 to 1000 miles a week doing installations. Driving 2 hours to a job, installing for 10 or 12 hours and driving 2 hours home was just too much for an old man.

 

[Ernesto]

That theory is just nonsense. Any consumer who jacks a job always blames the product first, then the box/retailer for not warranting their hack job. So the consumer is not going to go back for seconds. They go to then other box store or go whining on the internet looking for a shoulder to cry on.
No offense DIY people. That's how I hear it on inspections.

 

[Floorist]

That theory is just nonsense. Any consumer who jacks a job always blames the product first, then the box/retailer for not warranting their hack job. So the consumer is not going to go back for seconds. They go to then other box store or go whining on the internet looking for a shoulder to cry on.
No offense DIY people. That's how I hear it on inspections.

Agreed, DIYers blame the product, if they pay to have it installed, they blame the installer. And most stores also blame the installer.

 

[Nick]

Everyone blames the installer .

 

[FloorMaven]

Everyone blames the installer .

It's a good bet cause it's usually the installer's fault.

 

[FloorMaven]

Agreed, DIYers blame the product...

So do professionals.

 

[Floorist]

So do professionals.

Very true.

 

[Ernesto]

I agree, completely makes my point. If pros are even having issues and not understanding the complexities of installations how would you expect a DIY person to. Over the course of the last week we have witnessed three.
What everyone is missing is that many of these floor failures are due to cheap floors that have a greater threshold for failure due to site conditions. And those conditions are either not addressed by both pros and the DIY crowd or pros are pressured to just get'r done as well as those who are just ignorant and do not care. Add in rather vague installation instructions and you have a recipe for disaster.

 

[FloorMaven]

I think you're embellishing...the percentage of dissatisfied customers is relatively small.

 

[Ernesto]

I think you're embellishing...the percentage of dissatisfied customers is relatively small.

Ha ha ha, I could write a book about all the denied claims from dissatisfied consumers no one ever sees or is documented. Are you serious?