You're looking for this kit: O'BERRY ENTERPRISES 3233"SQUEEEEEK NO MORE" FLOOR REPAIR KIT https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006IK8YE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CHd8Bb17FJMWG
I've used it on stairs and it's worked great but haven't had the courage to use it on the floors yet as I'm afraid to miss a joist and have an unnecessary hole in the floor. They have videos of people using it and it works well.
The powder method doesn't work and pediatricians nowadays don't want powder getting anywhere near an infant.
As long as they used these (https://www.amazon.com/OBerry-Enterprises-3233-Squeek-More/dp/B0006IK8YE ), you should be ok. The screws have a spot along the shaft that is, for lack of a better term, perforated. They are screwed into the carpet until that spot is just below the plywood subfloor and then the screws are snapped off at the “perforation”. That is how they did it in our new house about 9 years ago and I used them a few years later in another part if the house. It definitely helps to reduce the squeaking. If they used regular screws, which it looks like they did, that would be an issue as the head of the screw has likely damage the carpet. If they used regular screws I would start to raise a little hell. I imagine your significant other is unhappy and should be unleashed on the builder.
This worked wonders for me. You drill into the hardwood and secure it into the subfloor and then break off the screw. Cover it up with some matching wood putty and you can never tell the difference.
They make screws designed with break off heads meant to go though the carpet, floorboards, and into the floor joists beneath. So.e just go through the carpet leaving the head on.
Is one type.
I have never had to use them so I can't vouch for them myself.
Have you tried the squeak no more kits? Can’t vouch for them personally, but some people here have had luck. I would very rarely want to replace hardwood with engineered wood. And my bet would be that you go to all the trouble, and they still squeak.
I am about to take on a similar project. Im still working on my walls and will then move onto the floor which seems to squeak wherever I walk. From my research I found that the best method of repair is to just screw the plywood to the joist wherever it is squeaking. I purchased this product which had good reviews but I cant really speak to it yet since I havent done my floor. The only reason I got this rather then just using regular screws is because this helps to locate the joist and they can also be used in carpeted areas since the screw head comes off once its in the floor.
https://www.amazon.com/OBERRY-ENTERPRISES-3233-SQUEEEEEK-REPAIR/dp/B0006IK8YE
Oh and if you are thinking of using a closet (fortunately I have one which is 5x5x8) I can't recommend this enough before you start:
That definitely helped. :)
I used this and it worked great. You shoot the screws in from the top and the little tripod thing breaks them off under the floor level.
I've found this kit is you have carpet. Never used it but I am planning to try. Similar breakaway head.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006IK8YE/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_i_jOl.FbSJMH236
I watched the product video and dude, I am so buying this kit. Already found it on Amazon and put it in my cart
O'BERRY ENTERPRISES 3233 "SQUEEEEEK NO MORE" FLOOR REPAIR KIT https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006IK8YE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Q.H0Ab6ZFFDHY
Buy this "Squeek no More", $20 on amazon
I hired someone initially since I had no clue how to handled it at the beginning. But that guy did a very bad job although he knew how to do it. He cut the carpet and removed the carpet padding (there's another layer of padding under the carpet). When he put back the padding, it's not flat. So after he finished the job, I did it myself again to fixed a few other spots and fixed the padding issue. I also purchased carpet seam tape to seal the carpet.
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If you hire someone, find someone experienced and reputable. If the issue is small and you have the tools (impact driver, stud finder, etc), you can definitely DIY. You can check this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC-sUmqgn6I
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I also found some kit without pulling the carpet. But the reviews are mixed. https://www.amazon.com/OBerry-Enterprises-3233-Squeek-More/dp/B0006IK8YE/ref=sr\_1\_5?crid=3L64N05MNFWWJ&keywords=squeaky%2Bfloor&qid=1650247985&sprefix=squeaky%2Bfloo%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-5&th=1
Something like this on Amazon is what I was thinking, there are many diff brands I believe:
O'BERRY ENTERPRISES 3233 "SQUEEEEEK NO MORE" FLOOR REPAIR KIT https://www.amazon.com/OBERRY-ENTERPRISES-3233-SQUEEEEEK-REPAIR/dp/B0006IK8YE
You might look into Squeeeek No More.
I swear by THIS.
Try this
O'Berry Enterprises 3233 Squeek No More Kit, 3 inch X 1/8 inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006IK8YE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TXrbEbCGR0T6H