What Do I Like About the Flooring Business?

Having been in business for a few years, I’m discovering what I really like about the flooring business. Of course, making money is good. This is something I like to do and can make money doing, which is great.

But, money aside, I’ve found that the thing I like most about my business is the opportunity I have of helping my clients save money and still get a great floor. A recent flooring project illustrates what I’m talking about.

A client called me about putting tile in her bathroom, replacing a sheet vinyl product from years and years ago. In fact, when I looked at the vinyl tile, I recognized the style and knew that it had been made about the time that asbestos was a favorite material for vinyl tile construction.

Of course, since that time, asbestos has been found to cause cancer. The entire industry is no more, and there have been tons of lawsuits brought against the former manufacturers.

Worried about the asbestos content, I suggested we have the tile tested. The client’s father was absolutely certain there was no asbestos in the tile, but we sent if off just to be safe.

Well, sure enough, the client was shocked to learn that the tile contained asbestos. Removing asbestos tile is very expensive. There are a lot of precautions. You have to use a certified install crew.

This is where I was able to help the client. She was relieved to learn that she didn’t have to have the tile removed. Undisturbed, it’s safe.  So I advised her to install the new tile over the old.

But the floor, unfortunately, was quite uneven and because of the asbestos issue, it was impossible to repair the subfloor. However, the installers spread a leveling compound over the old tile to correct much of the unevenness issue.

Also to save money, I suggested sheet vinyl. Sheet vinyl has taken a bad rap these days, mainly because 40 or 50 years ago, sheet vinyl was very cheap; it ripped, it broke down, it yellowed sometimes. It got a terrible reputation, probably deserved, honestly.

However, these days, sheet vinyl can be a great product. You just have to know where to look. Fortunately, I do. I recommended a brand called Flexitec. It’s not very well known in the States, but it’s the second most manufactured brand in Europe.

They have some beautiful product, and  it’s very well made.

Installation also provided an opportunity to increase the beauty of the floor. Because the floor still had some unevenness issues, the installers used a sort of “loose-lay” approach to the floor, rather than completely gluing the sheet vinyl to the vinyl underneath. This approach hid the remaining unevenness and resulted in a beautiful floor.

So for this one project, I…

• Used my expertise to identify and neutralize a health hazard
• Suggested a rather obscure but economical and beautiful and durable flooring product
• Maximized the beauty of the floor by a clever install technique.

The client was absolutely delighted with our work, even writing a glowing review about us on Angie’s List.

And I was able to come to the rescue. Very satisfying.

Want Some More Cool Flooring Ideas?

Floor Coverings International is an international flooring franchise with more than 20 years of experience. The Cincinnati East office is locally owned and operated. In Cincinnati, if you are in need of a beautiful new floor, please feel free to contact us at 513-729-7499. Also, visit our Web site at CincinnatiEast.FloorCoveringsInternational.com.

Inspiration at your feet…
…Flooring for your life.