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Tap into your resources...leverage your contractors for advice

By
Home Builder with The Flooring Girl

I'm blessed to have so many great customers, and I love the ones that follow up with me over the years, regardless of whether it for additional work or just recommendations for other contractors.  I'm always here to help.

 

hillary and forrest sheperdOne of my customers from a year ago called me a couple of weeks ago, after she had a flood in her basement.  (this was caused by the water heater).  She had been away and already the carpet smelled, so it was probably the early onset of mold.  I gave her the number for my friends at Servpro (Hillary and Forrest Sheperd) and they were there right away to help.  I came the following day so that we could figure out solutions for her - both to replace the flooring, but also to have an insurance plan for later, in case they have water damage again.

 

She raved about the great service and work from Servpro, so I was so happy to hear it.  I had told her what to tell her insurance company and all of this as well as replacement value for the carpet will be covered by her plan.

 

luxury vinyl that looks like hardwood - flooring trends 2013As it turns out, she was planning to do some remodeling in the area - not quite yet, but it was in the plans.  She loved the luxury vinyl product I showed her a year ago, and remembered it. 

 

When I got there, I realized that she had asbestos tile there.  Of course, the insurance adjuster did not bother to tell her.  It was now coming up in portions and it was her one chance to get this abated and covered by insurance.  Also, if she wanted to do the luxury vinyl, the only way she could do it would be to have the Vinyl Asbestos tile removed.  Thankfully, the insurance company agree and they are covering this.  It now gives her flexibility to do the flooring that she would prefer as well as a remodel in another section (which she will probably do in 1-2 years).

 

I will be reviewing the paper work from her insurance company to insure she gets full reimbursement value for the carpet.  And, then from there, she plans upgrade to her desired flooring - flooring that she was planning to do in a year or two, but now, most likely, 75-80% of will be paid for by her fairy godmother.  I'm happy for my customer because she is so nice, and while initially this was not fun and was inconvenient, now it has become a blessing in disguise.

Comments(8)

Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign
DEBBIE even THE FLOORING GIRL knows when to turn to the experts and that's what makes you do valuable!
Jun 27, 2013 04:35 AM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Kathy - Thx so much. 

Jun 27, 2013 04:37 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Debbie that is excellent.  If they had not talked to you they would not have know of the possibility that the insurance company might pay for the removal of the asbestos tiles.  Just that alone is reason enough for them to do business with you.  You have already proved your value.

Jun 27, 2013 05:50 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Debbie,

That is what makes you so AWESOME.  You know how to go the extra mile!  Your name will be on your client's lips if anyone ask about flooring. A

Jun 27, 2013 06:37 AM
Barbara Hensley
RE/MAX Properties - Rockwall, TX
Homes for Sale in Rockwall County, Texas

Debbie, the Flooring Girl!  You are professional and offer the best possible advise to your clients which meet their needs and price range. 

Jun 27, 2013 07:44 AM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

George - Thanks.  And, she got a really good deal on her carpet (I just learned) since I told her the square yds for the adjuster.

Ron & Alexandra - Thanks so much. This is a wonderful customer, so I'm more than happy to help out.

Barbara - Thank you so much.  Yes, I alsways try to help.

Jun 27, 2013 08:17 AM
Elva Branson-Lee
Solid Source Realty GA - Atlanta, GA
CDPE - Atlanta Real Estate & Short Sale Agent

This is a good example of how to use your network and generate goodwill and good business, Debbie.

Jul 22, 2013 09:06 AM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Elva - Thanks so much.  Yes, my customer lucked out here, too. She was compensated well for her floor, and soon we hope to do the replacement floor.

Jul 22, 2013 11:27 AM