35 Years of Flooring Expertise. Zero Bias. Just the Facts.
Advanced Flooring Diagnostics LLC was built on a simple premise: manufacturers, distributors, consumers and legal professionals deserve an independent expert who has seen every side of the flooring industry — and answers only to the evidence.
Robert Hughston
Certified Master Carpet & Hard Surface Inspector
Service Area: SW Florida (Tampa to Naples)
Robert Hughston
With over 35 years of hands-on experience spanning installation, retail, manufacturing, and claims management, Robert Hughston brings an unmatched depth of knowledge to every flooring investigation.
A second-generation tile installer and former retail flooring store owner, Robert has worked at every level of the industry — from laying floors to managing national claims programs for major manufacturers including Mohawk Industries, where he spent 10 years as a top producer handling carpet, vinyl, wood, and ceramic tile claims.
As U.S. National Sales Manager for LICO, he introduced a European rigid core flooring manufacturer to the American market, launched a U.S.-based manufacturing line in Wisconsin, established national distribution, trained distributor teams, and authored the company's claims policies and installation guidelines.
That insider knowledge of how manufacturers investigate, document, and — sometimes — deny claims is exactly what clients need on their side.
Built From the Ground Up
Mohawk Industries — 10 Years
Top producer handling manufacturing and installation claims across carpet, vinyl, wood, and ceramic tile. Acted as field liaison to the claims department, relaying real-world data that shaped claim outcomes.
LICO — U.S. National Sales Manager
Introduced a European rigid core flooring manufacturer to the U.S. market. Launched a domestic manufacturing line in Wisconsin, established national distribution, trained distributor teams, and authored the company's claims policies and installation guidelines.
Retail Flooring Store Owner
Owned and operated a retail flooring business overseeing sales, installation, and customer service — providing direct insight into the consumer experience from purchase through installation.
Bruce Wood Flooring Training
Completed an intensive week-long training program covering manufacturing, glue-down and nailed installation, sanding, and finishing. Hundreds of wood floor installations completed.
Manufacturing Facility Visits
Three-day technical visit to Azrock's vinyl composition tile manufacturing facility, plus numerous visits to other manufacturers — providing direct knowledge of how products are made and where defects originate.
Credentials That Matter in a Dispute
Certified Master Carpet & Hard Surface Inspector
FCITSCertified Carpet Inspector
FCITSCertified Hard Surface Inspector
FCITSCertified Advanced LVT & Rigid Core Inspector
FCITSCertified Moisture Testing – Concrete
FCITSCRI Seal of Approval — Commercial & Residential Carpet
CRI (since 1997)Bruce Wood Flooring Certified — Installation & Manufacturing
Bruce (1995)FCITS
Floor Covering Installation Technicians Society
ICRI
International Concrete Repair Institute
NWFA
National Wood Flooring Association
IICRC
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification
SW Florida — Tampa to Naples
On-site inspections throughout Southwest Florida, from Tampa to Naples. Remote consultation and report review services available nationwide.
Ready to Get an Independent Assessment?
Available for homeowners, legal teams, and insurance professionals throughout SW Florida and nationwide.