New Floor Installed the Wrong Way!!

We just had a new birch floor installed in our recently constructed cabin Northern Michigan. A family member went to check on it today and they installed it in the wrong direction. The planks are running the same direction as the joists. Aprox. 900sq of space and it has all been sanded and finished already also. Should we make the contractor rip it all up and start from scratch? Would it be ok if he were to use the same planks? If we were to leave it this way I understand the floor is likely to get wavy, is this true? This has been my parents dream project for many years, it something that they want keep the family for many generations. They are taking that extra step to make sure everything is done right. What do you think it would take to fix this so it would be right?

 

Wings.... Tell us more. Is there a sub floor under your new hardwood and what does it consist of, please.

 

The Subfloor consists of 1/2" OSB which was glued, nailed, and screwed in 4x8 sheets to the joists. The birch is 3/4 inch thick and 3 1/4 inch wide.

 

Northern Michigan... that's where I am at the moment. Anyhow, I have been researching and today started installing 3/4" hardwood over a 1/2" subfloor. From my research, I learned that what I am doing is less than ideal, but only possible if the wood runs perpendicular to the joists. If I were in your shoes, besides tearing my hair out, I'd be after those contractors to do it right. I think the long term consequences of leaving it as it is are something that you and your family should not have to tolerate.

 

In regards to removing and reusing. You may be able to salvage 70% of it, if it's removed carefully. Many hardwood organizations call for a minimum thickness of 3/4" if OSB is used.

 

One more question, how far apart are the floor joists?

 

Thank you very much for your input! Based on your help and the advice of some local builders, and the warehouse through which the wood was ordered it was decided to have the floor pulled up and replaced.