We highly recommend Kahala Pacific Floors and their installation contractors; and we would definitely use them again after replacing all the old carpeting and linoleum in our house with new hardwood floors (1100sf), tile (400sf), slate (35sf), and carpeting (650sf) at a final cost of $24,000.
We just purchased a 20 year old home, and all the flooring needed replacement. I got quotes from 4 large reputable companies on Oahu and Kahala Pacific Floors was the most competitive on price and quality of product. We contracted with Kahala Pacific shortly after receiving the initial quote and received a 4% early bird discount, and also received lower than outlet store prices by attending a short instructional seminar at the store on a Saturday morning. They conduct the workshop about once a month, and it was well worth the time to understand how the company purchases their products, and to meet the contractors and all the support staff that took care of us through the whole evolution.
Shirley, the owner, came to our house on very short notice and took extra time to determine our needs, helping us to find just the right hardwood, tile, slate, and carpets that struck just the right balance between quality, durability for the family, and expense.
They delivered all the wood material early for the required week or two of acclimation. To save $1000, we were allowed to remove the carpeting ourselves, which was not an allowable option by the other companies. We also saved $300 by removing and installing toilets ourselves.
The dustiest work was completed first: removing and installing the kitchen, bathrooms, and front entry tile and slate. The job took a week using one skilled installer, Chris, who had a very good eye and made recommendations/adjustments that worked out great.
The house was built on a concrete slab, so it required additional prep work to level the floors for the wood -- several days work with two installers, Tim and Chad. A moisture test also revealed that we had additional moisture levels coming up through the floor -- not bad, but right on the cusp of decision to add additional sealant. Though we could have opted out of the sealants which added $1500 to the total cost, Shirley and Allen helped us by offering lots of advice and innovative ways to lay down the sealant which used fewer pails and saved several hundred dollars. It also made the floor softer. If we chose not to add the sealant, they would have used another layer of poly as a solution for additional barrier.
Tim and Chad were always on time, worked hard, and were a model of professionalism. With house guests coming in and out they remained accommodating and respectful. For us, they are the new standard for workmen in the house. They were true craftsman and I marvel everyday at the perfect installation in the places I didn't expect it -- like on the stairs and all the moulding at joints and ends. We used the hardwood quarter round throughout the house and each end piece is tapered and transitions perfectly. The stairs purposely have no moulding and look like original installation. It's all beautiful. Post installation they even came back for a day to correct a squeak that had developed at the back door and go over the floor one last time for any stray glue, etc.
I looked all over Walmart, Lowes, and Home Depot for felt tabs to put under the furniture on the new floor, and could only find very expensive small packages. I called Jaymie at the office and left a message on the machine that I needed help. The very next morning they delivered 2 large and comprehensive packages of felt (about 400 pieces) right to the house -- and it was about the same price as about 40 low quality pads from the other shops. I wish I'd called them first!
The carpets were installed in half a day by Alex. It was very well done and we're very happy. At the beginning of the project we were going with regular rebound padding to keep costs down, but we requested to upgrade to the best available padding. It added $200, but provided more noticeable cushion, and moisture barrier, too. Since we only ordered from local stock on the island to facilitate a quick install, we we did run into a snag in the last few days when the carpet we ordered had run out of stock. With Shirley's advice we did find a suitable replacement which was the same patterned carpet in a different color -- today we like it just as much as the first choice.
We did make several adjustments throughout the month-long process, and the team at the office kept up with every change request. A couple weeks after the conclusion of the whole project, we even got a check back from the office after all the reconciled changes showed an overpayment.
Love our new floors and our relationship with the Kahala Pacific Floors team. read more