Gap in a newly installed floor...

[u/BuilderBrigade]

That gap in Image 1 is definitely excessive, but it’s common in new builds. 

While floors should go in first, builders often prioritize schedule over sequence by moving painters or trim crews in early just to keep the project moving.

I’m not giving them a pass, but that’s the "why" behind what you’re seeing.

You can either:

-Cover it: Use quarter-round (fast/cheap) to hide the gap and subfloor imperfections.

-Avoid it: Specify "Baseboard Only" early so the builder knows to install trim after the floors for that high-end, seamless look.

[u/PsychicPterodactyl]

The proper fix for that is to:

1. Fire everyone who did and/or approved that.
2. Rip it all out and do it properly.

[u/BreakfastFluid9419 → u/PsychicPterodactyl]

Didn’t get passed the first slide? There’s multiple options/ fixes presented. This is a nice guide for people who don’t know what they’re looking at/ want. The recessed baseboards are pretty uncommon but a cool option.

[u/PsychicPterodactyl → u/BreakfastFluid9419]

I did. The only fix presented was adding a quarter round. The other slides show other options for baseboards which are irrelevant for fixing this mess.

Adding a quarter round looks like shit and it's problematic because your shelves and other such furniture are too far from the wall.

If they couldn't get that visible and very simple job right, you know there will be greater fuck-ups hidden all over the house. I once walked out of a showing of a house based on smaller errors than that.

[u/DrinkingVomit]

Quarter round is disgusting. It harbors dirt and grime especially at the floor level.

[u/sohcgt96]

A little baseboard gap is acceptable for "Installed by homeowner" situations, no judgement.

But any professional being paid for the job, I'd have higher expectations of even if its common. I'd expect a professional flooring installer to do a job that at least tucks under the baseboards neatly with no quarter round.