Empire Today
Reviews and Complaints

The Sales rep told me (voluntarily) that laminate flooring would NOT have a hollow clicking sound when you walk on it. Actually it DOES make that cheap sound.

You don't know this until the flooring installation is done. Then it is too late. Empire would not give me a refund. A senior executive told me the hollow sound would go away in four months.

Really?!? This was on top of installers being 6 hours late a

Contacted Empire flooring after getting estimates from LL flooring and a couple private contractors. Decided on Empire due to warranty concerns, the personality of the salesman and comparable cost with LL Flooring.

I discussed a concern with the salesman regarding the underlayment that was to be used. I hoped for an option such as DMX (LL Flooring carries) which has what I believe are better wicking capabilities. I contacted Empire through their online chat 2 days after signing the contract and expressed my concern. I was contacted by the sales Manager who sent me a copy of the spec sheet for the underlayment (sound buffer).

After reading the spec sheet I was more convinced of my concern and contacted the salesman. Long story short I was given the ok to purchase the underlayment (DMX) by sales via text messaging. I purchase 700 sf of underlayment and notified sales that all was ready for the installers. The day of the installation I contacted the salesman after 8 am that I hadn't heard from installers which prompted a call from Empire an hour later notifying me that installers would arrive between 1 and 3 that afternoon.

I had taken 2 days off from work to empty the furniture, aquarium, etc and be there for the installation. After running an errand I returned at 11:15 to find the installers had been there and gone telling my wife that they could not install the underlayment I purchased and the humidity being 100% would void warranties. I notified the salesman about the situation, and he contacted the installers called me back and said that in fact they could not install the underlayment and I would need to reschedule.

I had planned this out with Easter in mind and a large family gathering. Now I'm stuck with an install date down the road and a wife who thinks I should install myself or hire another.

Had new floors installed kitchen, family room and laundry room , laminate pieces sticks up in many places asked for help from Empire for 4 months and no help , installers come when they want, and the time that they want, no return calls from the company called many times and email them no response our home is torn up waiting for a response installers told us floor should be replaced, installers did a inspection took pictures we even bought extended warranty Do8extended extended warranty

Very Frustrated and Disappointed!

My husband and I met with Sales Representative for a consultation in mid July 2020, for wood flooring for my entire upper level, stairs and foyer, and, LVT flooring for three bathrooms. Got approved and installation was scheduled for the next day.

The kitchen flooring is not leveled with the other flooring, about 1/4 inch higher, and where the refrigerator is, the wood does not meet up to the kitchen cabinet. In the master bedroom, there is a portion of the flooring where you can still see the subflooring because the wood is not appropriately connected to the other wood flooring, as well as pieces of the shoe molding were left just square without adding the rounding pieces to make it complete. I reported my concerns to Empire, along with work to replace a few baseboards/shoe molding that were damaged when I got some doors replaced, which I was willing to pay for those repairs. I spoke with my assigned representative, who scheduled for someone to come out to access what needed to be done.

The foreman, who did the initial install came and took pictures of the repairs that I was going to pay for, as well as, the concerns that I had with the initial installation (space gapping with the flooring in the bedroom and the kitchen not being leveled with the other flooring) throughout the upper level. The representative contacted a few days later and I was quoted $544 to fix the repairs that were damaged, not fault of theirs. I received an install date and when the installers came, they did not have all the material to fix all the repairs that I agreed to pay for. I mentioned to them my concerns about how my kitchen flooring was not leveled and they agreed, took pictures, called their supervisor, and, said that they'd get back to me.

For the second time, I received another install date, and, again, they only came to do the repairs that I agreed to pay for, and, did not have all the material to complete the job. I spoke with the representative and reported the same issues. For a third time, the cycle repeated itself with the same result, took pictures and agreed that the flooring was not done properly. I informed the representative of my disappointment and how dissatisfied with the outcome of nothing being done to rectify the issues with my flooring.

After weeks of going back and forth, I requested that a Supervisor come to see the work that was done, and, to see if my issues/concerns and fixed to my satisfaction, took pictures and nothing was done. I mentioned that we're paying almost $15,000 for the flooring, and, that we are not satisfied customers of the work that has been performed. She indicated that she did not see where an inspection was completed on file after the flooring was installed, and, I agreed, so she scheduled an inspection. When the contractor came out to access our concerns, we were informed that the kitchen flooring was not leveled because pieces of our subfloors were damaged, which was not brought to our attention, on the day of the install.

I said to the contractor, both me and my husband were here doing the installation, and, why was it not brought to our attention? We are not the professionals, so how are we to know! He stated that they would have had to take up our cabinets in order to fix the problem, which I disagreed to. After that, I was contacted by my assigned representative, who informed me that the contractor said that there was nothing that they could do to rectify the problem, and, that the contractor for Empire said that they were willing to take off $200, and, I told her that that was unacceptable, and, for the amount of money that we're paying for the floors.

It seems as though they are finding ways to make excuses as to why they don't want to resolve their mistakes. For the fifth time, on October 22, 2020, two more installers came and had only two pieces of baseboards to repair (for $544.00) and I said absolutely not. They again took pictures of all the problem areas, agreed that the flooring was not leveled, called their Supervisor, to report all the issues, and, he asked if could speak with me, which, I did, and, he assured me that they would resolve all of my issues/concerns.

I have attempted to reach out to the supervisor, twice, and, left messages, and, has yet to receive a call back. I have also sent the representative two emails, in which she provided would be the best way to contact her, but, has yet to hear back from her, as well.

I am looking forward to a resolution to address my concerns/issues with the hardwood flooring, or, a full refund.

Sincerely,

Valerie Blalock

The Sales Rep measurements were all wrong. They left a

WHOLE room off the order/quote.

Then the warehouse sent the installers out without enough materials.

We had to wait TWO weeks for them to complete the job without a working kitchen during this time. Once they finally got the balance of the material in the installers got some somthing on the new hardwood floor, and it won't come off.

Listen to the poor reviews on this company. They gave us an estimate for our entire house and everything went well.

We were told that we were getting the top carpet with a full warranty. About 5 months after installation, we noticed what seemed to be a seam in the middle of our living room. It was very obvious and we called to take advantage of the warranty to get it corrected.

They sent out a rep to examine it and he explained that it wasn't a seam but a manufactures defect that occasionally occurs during a run of carpet. He said that he would submit our claim to the manufacturer but it would take awhile to get an answer.

I received a call today and was told that my claim was denied, however, they would replace our carpet for a small fee of

$900.00. She said that because I had two dogs in the house, that they couldnt warranty it. She continued to say that they always ask about dogs and kids when filing a warranty claim. So my understanding is that they have this great warranty that is voided if you have dogs or kids.

I asked if the fact that my husbands toenails were long was also a reason to void the warranty. She did not answer.

So here we are with carpet that is not a year old that we will be replacing so as not to have a line through the middle of our living room. Beware of this company.

They will say anything and what you end up with is apartment grade carpet with absolutely NO warranty. And a customer service team that is non existent.

We ordered our flooring and when the first crew came they said that it was the wrong product as our floor was unleveled and told us to order a different product. The salesman had not brought a level was what we were informed and not his fault.

The salesman comes back and brings new samples and never checks the floor in other areas, and when the new crew comes, scheduled for first thing in the morning, arrives at 1 pm, my husband and I both took off, this crew states the same thing. We moved all of our cabinets and the contents of them upstairs and lived like that for 2 weeks. We are in our 60's. No apology from any of them.

Why didn't the salesman investigate the whole floor ahead of time. Shouldn't they be trained. And the installers coming at 1pm to start a basement job. They said the floor would take weeks as they would have to level parts of the basement.

Two different crews, 2 different opinions. Just such a depressing outcome, and feel like who do you trust if you can't trust a big company. We had hired a person who owned their own company and they went MIA before this.

Just really feel so very let down. They had even promised certain workers to us and kept changing them which was okay, but noone had the same opinion about what to do.

Purchased $12,000 worth of flooring, mostly carpet in February 2019. We went with the premium carpet based upon the sales pitch and the promise of Empire service and 20+ year warranties - HUGE MISTAKE in choosing Empire any day!

By March of 2020 we noticed the carpet begin to bunch and had striations in the fibers.

When we called Empire, we were advised that any bunching is an installation issue and our installation warranty expired the month prior. After long and painful iterations of taking and sending photos and conversations with our customer service rep, Clarissa, they finally agreed to send someone to inspect. The inspector told us there appeared to be issues with the quality of the carpet; perhaps it was near the end of the roll and was too tightly rolled in shipping. We relied on his expertise and expected Empire would stand behind the product they sell and take care of us.

After 4 weeks, we were finally told our claim was denied. Upon our requests for an explanation of why they would not stand behind their product; again, they sent another representative. This person adamantly expressed his opinion that they needed to replace the carpet and even called his boss within our earshot and told her the same.

Keep in mind, we would have been happy if they would just offer to help us tighten it up and remove the wrinkles. We were so tired of dealing with this company - even if they charged us $75 as originally offered (back in MARCH!!) but they were not even offering that anymore!!

Now we sit 3 weeks from being told a regional manager will call us. We are so tired. All we can do now is warn as many people as we can ...... DON'T TRUST EMPIRE WITH YOUR $$$.

It's not worth the risk! They will leave you disappointed and frustrated if anything goes wrong with your job. It is not worth it.

It's Lowes and the depot from here on out. I will save money and have a better chance of recovery if something goes wrong.

My husband and I requested a consultation, because in our last home Empire was an amazing experience, so we decided to purchase flooring from Empire for our new home. The sales person told us installation would be scheduled for 10/10/20, we asked for another date, but we were informed this was the best, so we canceled our anniversary plans, the day came and no one came to install the floors, and no one called.

My husband called, and we were informed that we were not on the scheduled for 10/10/20 but were scheduled for 10/17/20. We then spoke with the actual salesman who stated it was his error, so we decided to wait until the newly scheduled date. Well, 10/17/20 comes and the installers get here, but they do not have the correct amount of flooring and tells us it was measure incorrectly, and they can then install the floors on the following Wednesday when the truck comes in with more flooring, that indeed did not happen it was placed on calendar for 10/24/20 at this point I just want them to leave, but my husband called the office, and they assure him they will complete the installation, and we will be the first scheduled of the day on 10/24/20. Unfortunately, on 10/24/20 no one showed up by days end my husband called and asked did anyone intend to inform us that no one was coming out again?

Some woman called us back and stated that her boyfriend was still coming but was running late and was never informed that we were to have been scheduled as the first appointment of the day. When my husband asked if this is how they operate their business, she hung up. At that point we called back and told them to forget it. We have placed many calls to the customer service, and we are given the run around, We are being told they are still investigating what and how all these mishaps occurred.

However, we have been billed for badly contracted work, non-existent communication and a broken contract on Empire's end. We are still attempting to resolve this matter .

We were repeat customers, but never again. Very Unhappy Never Again Customer in Lebanon Tennessee.

The company installed defective materials on my floor on October 7, 2020. I have sent many emails and spoke to the manager Melissa, customer service many times and so has my husband and to date the problem has not been resolved.

The floor started to pucker the same week installed. Frankly speaking, I would not recommend this company to anyone for fear that they may handle the situation sloppy similar to how my situation and experience as been. I have asked them to remove the flooring and refund my money as the Sales Representative mislead me. Later to find out that she sold me cheap materials.

The sales representative informed me that after she took the order and installed she was no longer involved. What kind of customer service is that from a company that say's it prides itself in providing excellent customer service. A inspector came to my home 2 weeks ago and noted the imperfections and sloppy work of the installers.

I have requested a copy of the report from the inspector and have not received to date. My husband and I have decided to take other measures because of the company's lack of concern for their quality of work, workmanship and lack of customer service provided./

I usually like to give good reviews, but this is one instance where I find it impossible to give even a neutral review. When the salesman came by initially, I pointed out a corner of the floor by the bathtub that showed signs of water damage.

He assured me that it would be taken care of. The contract clearly states that they check for moisture problems before they proceed. A year later, we've had to have the flooring torn up all the way to the subfloor. The screws in the subfloor were completely rusted through and the subfloor, underlayment and sheet vinyl underside were saturated with water.

The mold was at category three - the worst possible. Insurance won't cover any of it, because Empire overlooked the issue, installed the floor, took their money and ran. I went through empire's customer service, and they assured me that they would have brought it to my attention if there had been any moisture issues at that time. I explained that the same area of the bathroom floor I had initially pointed out to the salesman was suffering the same fate as before.

The bottom line is that the customer service rep talked with her management, and called me back to tell me plumbing issues were up to the homeowner. Well, duh... I would have taken care of it at that time, if they would have told me. Insurance would have covered it then.

Now I am stuck with the entire bill. Learn from my bad experience and get your flooring needs taken care of by a company that actually cares.

moved all the furniture out of my 5 bedroom the night before to find out the day of installation they only had enough carpet for two. called costumer service they don't care.

they told me it would take 3 days.if i have to sleep on the floor with my 4 kids i can wait to have another company installed the carpet in my house. i will cancel on Monday F this company

I reached out to Customer Service at Empire Today regarding cancelling order but was told I did not need to send the notice of cancellation as I was assigned a job number requesting cancellation of contract which I signed today, November 17, 2020, and was told someone would contact me in 24 hours. The contract states Empire Today must receive notice of cancellation by midnight of November 20, 2020.

Nowhere in the contract is there an email address for sending notice of cancellation though they emailed contract to me. I will send notice of cancellation by express mail/request signature.

After I prepared my house for install, was called the night before and have cancellation. So I want to cancel and told there is a fee..yet I took off work and worked and packed and I am not getting paid.

Tne whole experience was horrible I wanted a Saturday call so I could see the samples and instead they came at 9pm

Very unhappy,,no product and want cancelled. Thanks Clara Tornow

I spent quite a bit of money with Empire today to install a rug in my large living room and hallway and laminate floors in my bar, dining room and entry way. The salesperson assured me i was getting a high quality product that had a 30 year warranty.

After specifically addressing matting and buckling, because this was a concern after seeing bad rugs. He assured me that would not happen and I was purchasing a quality product that the company stood behind. After 8 months the rug began buckling and matting down. It was brand new and it looked like it was a 30 year old rug.

I'm utterly embarrassed to have company over. I'm immaculate with my home and there is very little traffic in the area. I'm still paying payments on something that I'm ashamed of. After many unanswered calls and reporting to BBB, I was told that I would need to have the rug professionally cleaned and as a courtesy they would restretch it.

This is utterly ridiculous and will not solve the problem. The rug needs to be replaced! Not to mention I have large furniture that would need to be moved TWICE in order to do this. I run a busy medical practice and have children and this is a huge inconvenience for something that most definitely will not solve the problem.

I've had several flooring companies come out to get opinions and every one agrees this is disgraceful! I will never recommend them to friends, family, colleagues or patients.

And I will continue to write reviews online to warn everyone to run from this company! Their products are HORRIBLE and their customer service is even worse!