As a full time Feng Shui Consultant who is all over New York City and Long Island, a homeowner and part time helper to my mom, I lead a busy life. With the move I am making, it has become even busier. Not yet being able to refinish the basement (which has been going on for a year but NOT a sign of any water leaks) I decided to put the money (originally slated for a brand new car) into the upstairs of my home-the part I actually spend 90% of my time in.
After my misadventures last year of calling everyone individually (roofer, gutter person, someone to grade the land, engineer) I thought I could save a great deal of time calling a contractor for the upstairs. Here's something I didn't think of: I have to date called five--not ONE of them knew what I was talking about in paints or carpets-or anything else used in my home when I'm mention low to no VOC's). "You go find what you want and we'll add it into the price." Ok, I thought, I can do that.....
I could have, I believe, if the paint stores knew what I was talking about.....they didn't. I went to large home improvement stores to smaller, "helpful" stores and no one knew what I was speaking of. I used different terminology--low toxins, the green movement, materials and glues that don't outgass or have low to no odor. I figured I had spent enough time and decided to call in just a painting contractor---have to start somewhere. I found ONE in the many calls I made (which leaves me with only one estimate).
For the last three days I have been "carpet hunting." I went to a large, well known carpet store close to home and was almost pushed out the door....not that the salesmen were busy; in fact, they were sitting there doing nothing. When I asked for what I was looking for I was told that "every carpet in the store was now made to meet environmental standards." I already knew this, however I also knew that much of it depends on the material itself, the glue and adhesives that make it more "green friendly." I was told to go home, look it up and return-where I'm sure they then would have been happy to take a commission and install what I'd chosen. Did they really think I would return?
I called carpet stores...and called. And finally found one who said of course he knew what I was speaking of....and went in today to find a wonderful salesperson who spent his time, showed me a variety of "green" carpets and helped me choose from them. They will be sending larger sized samples to me home and will then send an installer. He's not only got a new client but MANY referrals!
I have to wonder with new hotels (see some of Mitchell Halls wonderful New York City posts), restaurants and many other buildings who are going for LEED Certification, when we now have ECO brokers to help us find a friendly environment, where is the knowledge these people should have in their fields of expertise? I wouldn't go back to them because of both their lack of help AND lack of knowledge but why are they so resistant to continue to learn their own field. And what has become of customer service?
They are losing business because they don't know their own jobs...To this day I am still learning Feng Shui-going back to the older methods as well as some of the "newer" thoughts on it. It's my WORK, it's what I do and I want my clients to have the BEST of knowledge and information. Long Island, from a New York Feng Shui consultant's point of view, it's really time to learn about Environmentally Products!
**Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island. Along with Feng Shui Consultant Laura Cerrano, on site Feng Shui Consultations provided for New York City (Manhattan) and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction. Workshops and lectures are also provided for small and large groups and companies.
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