Ran into something similar when we used bamboo countertops—inspector kept asking if they were "really food safe" even though we had all the paperwork. Sometimes it feels like they're just wary of anything that's not your typical Home Depot laminate, you know? Did your cork flooring actually hold up well over time with moisture and spills? Been thinking about cork for the laundry room but still a bit unsure...
Totally get what you're saying about inspectors being wary of anything that's not standard. We had a similar experience when we installed reclaimed wood shelving in our pantry—inspector kept questioning the finish and whether it was safe for food storage. Had to pull out the paperwork multiple times too, felt like he was just skeptical because it wasn't straight from a big-box store.
As for cork flooring, we've had ours in the kitchen for about three years now. Honestly, it's held up surprisingly well with spills and moisture. We sealed it properly when installing, which I think made a huge difference. It does dent a bit if you drop something heavy (learned that the hard way), but overall it's been comfortable underfoot and pretty forgiving with everyday messes. For a laundry room, I'd say just make sure your washer connections are solid—any major leak might be an issue—but regular splashes or drips haven't caused us any trouble so far. Definitely worth considering if you're looking for something comfy and budget-friendly.
We had a similar run-in with an inspector when we put in butcher block countertops. He kept circling back to the finish, worried about moisture and bacteria. Took some convincing (and paperwork waving) to show him we'd sealed it properly. Funny how anything slightly unconventional raises eyebrows... Speaking of cork flooring though, have you noticed any fading or discoloration from sunlight? I've heard mixed things about that, especially near windows. Curious how yours has held up over time.
We had a similar experience when we restored our historic home and decided to go with reclaimed wood countertops. The inspector was quite skeptical at first, especially since reclaimed materials tend to raise eyebrows due to their "unknown" history. It took some patience and a bit of gentle education on our part—plus documentation about the sealing process—to finally ease his concerns. I think inspectors generally mean well, but they're trained to spot potential issues, so anything slightly unconventional can trigger extra caution.
Regarding cork flooring, we've had ours installed in a sunroom area for about four years now. Initially, I was also concerned about fading and discoloration because the room gets direct sunlight for several hours each day. To mitigate that, we invested in UV-blocking window films, which are subtle enough not to alter the aesthetics of our historic windows significantly. So far, the cork has held up remarkably well—no noticeable fading or uneven coloring yet. I do rotate furniture and rugs occasionally, just as a precaution, but honestly, I'm pleasantly surprised by how resilient cork flooring has proven to be.
If you're considering cork flooring near windows or areas with heavy sunlight exposure, I'd definitely recommend looking into UV protection options. It's a small upfront investment that goes a long way toward preserving your flooring's appearance. Also, choosing cork that's pre-finished with UV-resistant coatings can help immensely.
Overall, don't let the inspector's skepticism discourage you. With proper preparation and documentation, most concerns can be addressed smoothly. Good luck with your inspection tomorrow—I'm sure it'll turn out just fine.
We ran into something similar with an inspector who wasn't thrilled about our concrete countertops—he kept bringing up the risk of cracking. Took some convincing and showing him the reinforcement we'd put in before he backed off. On cork flooring, I've heard mostly good things, but I'm curious: has anyone had issues with moisture or spills causing swelling or warping? Seems like it'd be a concern in kitchens especially...
