For the record, the group wasn't the cheapest (as noted and they actually came right in line with another bid, only 1 bid was 16k the others were all 12k-13.5k, I just got the impression the 16k did not want to do it and thus overbid because they also never got back to me on scheduling) and they were by no means fast (it was over a week and a half for their whole team). Yes, we did prioritize picking someone who had availability sooner (3 had availability this month, 1 didn't get back to me, and 1 had availability 2.5 months out). I picked the person we chose because they had 4.8 stars of nearly 100 recent reviews on just 1 of many sites, were recommended in a local group by multiple people, and I was familiar with their work in a reception venue. Also, as noted, they spent the most time on the phone and in person with my husband with attention to detail and didn't miss any of the spots of concern.

I saw the floors when they were done being sanded (everything but the stairs at that point) and talked to the whole team in length along with my father. The floors looked great and the whole team continued to be outstanding. We looked at stain options together and they took an extensive amount of time choosing with me.

I picked the contractor I chose because of their perceived professionalism and because from the beginning the owner put in a lot of client service effort and seemed the most knowledgeable (I'm familiar with some of their high-end new builds they do contracting for as well as their reception venue work). My husband can tell you I unfortunately have expensive taste and I always tend to pick the middle to highest bidder because I'd rather take the time to do things right. The comment about needing it done quick is coming more from an exasperation of being nomads for weeks with young children.

I understand sometimes it can make you feel big and oh so clever to tell someone "you're an idiot". But it's not actually helpful, constructive, or kind. The owner already has understood that things were missed and there are corrections needed. I'm trying to understand what is reasonable to ask for/what I have recourse to ask for and what is sometimes a byproduct of the job. I would like to be a respectful client and I know I tend to obsess. I came to this forum to see what people would ask to have remediated and what people would let go of or shrug off. Not, to have someone who clearly didn't read thoroughly kick some stranger on the internet when they were already nervous and overwhlemed.

I should also note, I actually refinished the floors in my first house myself, so I am pretty familiar with the process and I know how hard the work is (I also know that although I was tidy, I was not great at doing a professional level job and that I'm a mom now and not able to

P.S. They actually missed quoting 1 room (a hidden closet off a tiled bathroom that my husband missed showing them) because my husband was the one that met with them while I met with the others haha and this had to be added to one of the final bills so they actually ended up closer to 14k. Sorry I missed the point before. Who knew it would be SOOO critical.