North Side of Chicago Reviews

1

2026-04-26T05:34:09.529Z • Yelp

I am writing this to warn other homeowners about the "standard procedures" of FCI Chicago North Side. We paid over $14,000 for a professional installation, but we have been left with a failing floor and an owner who uses "warranty offers" to avoid fixing his own team's gross negligence. 1- The "Standard Procedure" Trap The owner, Brian, will claim he is "ready to resolve" the issue, but don't be fooled. His "remediation plan" is a cheap "spot repair" that ignores the systemic subfloor failure documented by an independent inspector. The inspection report--which the owner himself initiated--confirmed the subfloor is outside of manufacturer flatness tolerances and should have been leveled before a single plank was laid. Instead of honoring the contract, Brian is trying to force a "patch job" that is technically impossible for a click-lock floating floor without compromising the locking mechanisms of the surrounding area. 2-The "Extra-Cushiony" Gaslighting When the floor first began moving and crackling, the owner and his Project Manager, Chuck, didn't even bring a straight-edge to measure the floor. Instead, Brian actually wrote us a letter claiming the structural instability was a "feature," calling it an "extra-cushiony step." It was only after we refused to accept this gaslighting and an independent inspector proved the failure that he finally admitted the floor was out of tolerance. 3- Why "Access" is the New Excuse The owner claims he is being denied access. This is a blatant attempt to flip the narrative. We have welcomed a wall-to-wall assessment to ensure the floor finally meets the 1/8-inch manufacturer requirement we paid for. The owner has refused this. He only wants access to perform "localized" patches that would leave our $14,000 investment non-compliant and likely void our long-term warranty. 4- Unprofessional Negligence: * Technical Failure: The crew installed the planks tight against all four walls with zero expansion space. * Zero Preparation: Subcontractors arrived with no knowledge of the scope of work and didn't even know a vapor barrier was required (even though we paid for it). * Scheduling Over Quality: They attempted to install over a wet slab only 24 hours after abatement. ***Final Verdict:*** FCI Chicago North Side skips the most important steps (leveling and moisture protection), tries to talk you out of noticed defects, and then offers "minimal repairs" once they are caught by an inspector. They prioritize their profit margins over industry standards and contractual honesty. If you want a floor that actually lasts, do not trust this company.

Kazumi M.

5

2026-04-26T05:34:09.529Z • Google

Great experience with Brian and Chuck at FCI. High quality work at a great price. Highly recommended!!!

Fotis Asimakopoulos

5

2026-04-23T05:34:09.21Z • Yelp

FCI and Brian were amazing from start to finish. We had a big flooring project on a tight budget and Brian & his team were always quick to respond, good at communicating throughout the whole process including details like what to expect, etc. Fair pricing too and always on time during installation. Very happy and highly recommend!! KCH

Il M.

1

2026-04-22T05:34:10.652Z • Google

BEWARE: DECEPTIVE PRACTICES & TOTAL INSTALLATION FAILURE – FCI CHICAGO NORTH SIDE I would give 0 stars if I could. I have never posted an online review in my life, but as a senior citizen, I feel a moral responsibility to warn other homeowners. We paid over $14,000 ( 847 sf )for what was promised to be a “white-glove” professional installation. Instead, my wife and I have endured a nightmare of poor workmanship, technical gaslighting, and a blatant breach of contract. 1. The Most Important Step Was Skipped We hired FCI Chicago North Side specifically because they promised professional subfloor leveling as a core part of the installation. We worked with owner Brian, project manager Chuck, and sales associate Jessie. Despite subfloor leveling being a paid line item in our contract that we verified multiple times, it was skipped entirely. We paid a premium for expertise, yet the company bypassed the most fundamental requirement of a flooring project: a flat surface. 2. The "Extra-Cushiony" Gaslighting Immediately after installation, the floor began moving, flexing, and making crackling noises. When the owner, Brian, and Project Manager, Chuck, inspected the failure, neither brought a straight-edge or any measuring tools. Instead of admitting the error, Brian sent a letter attempting to redefine a structural defect as a "feature," claiming the floor's instability was actually just a "cushiony feeling" inherent to the product. 3. Independent Inspection Proved the Failure The owner attempted to dodge liability by filing a manufacturer product claim. This backfired. The independent inspector confirmed our fears: the subfloor flatness was outside of tolerance and should have been corrected before the floor was ever installed. This was not a product defect; it was a total installation failure due to professional negligence. 4. Serious Technical Red Flags: • Gross Mismanagement: Subcontractors arrived with no knowledge of the scope of work and without the required vapor barrier (which we paid for). • Structural Negligence: Planks were installed tight against all four walls with zero expansion space, a basic error that causes buckling. • Lack of Care: They attempted to install over a wet slab only one day after abatement, prioritizing their schedule over the integrity of our home. 5. Why We Refused the "Spot Repair" Trap Even after an inspector proved the failure was systemic, the owner refused a proper, wall-to-wall correction. He offered only "localized" repairs. As this is a click-lock floating floor, you cannot "patch" it without compromising the locking integrity of the entire system. We refuse to accept a "band-aid" fix for a $14,000 failure. Final Thoughts: This experience has been mentally and emotionally exhausting. FCI Chicago North Side took our money, ignored industry standards, and then tried to blame their own subcontractors for a project their own management supervised. Do not trust this company with your home. They are more interested in protecting their profit margins than delivering the professional results they contract for. I have attached the relevant pages of the Independent Inspection Report (with personal info redacted) which confirms the systemic installation failure and subfloor non-compliance.

Yigal Schwartzberg

5

2026-04-22T05:34:10.651Z • Google

Amazing! They were prompt, professional and did lovely work. Such a please to work with!

Cassie Rose

5

2026-04-22T05:34:10.651Z • Google

FCI and Brian were amazing from start to finish. We had a big flooring project on a tight budget and Brian & his team were always quick to respond, good at communicating throughout the whole process including details like what to expect, etc. Fair pricing too and always on time during installation. Very happy and highly recommend!! KCH

K.C. Hoos

5

2026-04-04T05:34:09.879Z • Google

Owner Brian went above and beyond — he came to our home twice to show samples, making the entire process easy and stress-free. No hauling yourself to a showroom; he brings everything right to your door! We were absolutely thrilled with the installation of our stair runner and bedroom carpets — they look stunning and the quality is outstanding. Production manager Chuck was equally impressive, communicating promptly and keeping us informed every step of the way. It’s clear this team genuinely cares about their customers, not just the sale. A small business with big-time professionalism and heart. We couldn’t be happier and will absolutely be calling Brian again for future projects. Highly recommend!

Anirudh Thakker

5

2026-04-03T05:34:10.12Z • Yelp

They were not the cheapest option, but the had the most options and were super detail oriented. The designer made sure the stairs that use to be carpet matched the floors in the rest of the house. They have a partner bank that offered 0% financing for 1 year which was a plus.

Chase J.

5

2026-04-03T05:34:10.117Z • Google

We had engineered hardwood installed and sand and finish to match in our condo. FLC worked with out HoA regulations and our property management throughout the process to ensure rules were followed. We're very happy with the final product!

Danny

5

2026-03-27T05:34:10.663Z • Google

I hired FCI to repair my kitchen floors and subflooring which had substantial water damage from a prior leak. While we were at it, we also did the living and dining room. Excellent experience! From the design consultant Jessie, to the guys who showed up to replace the floor, everyone was very kind, communicative and clearly knew what they were doing. Priced competitively. Would absolutely hire again!

Patty Irizarry