Manatee Flooring, Inc.

As a rule, we do have standard rates for the services we offer. However, each job we undertake has it's own set of unique requirements wherein we will assess those requirements so as to offer our clients the best and most affordable price we can while satisfying their project requirements.

Typically we will make an appointment with a new customer at their location to see first hand the work they desire. During the initial visit we will take measurements, evaluate what work is required, what work is desired, what sort of budget they have set, and put together a game plan with the client based upon their individual requirements. On conclusion of the initial consultation, we will set a time to meet to start the selection process for materials. Once the materials have been selected, we will typically put an accurate bid together outlining the full scope of the remodel.

I have attended numerous installation seminars and training classes sponsored locally by various flooring distributors, as well as attending national trade shows to supplement both product knowledge as well as staying abreast of the latest in installation methods.

My prior background was in sales, where I quickly worked my way up to a management position leading a sales staff in Houston, Texas. The opportunity to relocate to Florida presented itself, and my family and I moved to the St. Pete area. After a brief time in St. Pete, the opportunity arose to settle in Naples in the latter part of the 80's. While the work was relatively satisfying, I found myself wanting to pursue a new direction. Similarly, a local flooring company approached me about a sales position they had open and I decided to take the plunge. After a period of time, I decided to learn the installation end when a friend approached me about working with him, that was in 1989. In short time I was performing installations on my own, and in 1990 went to work on my own with a local flooring company. in 1992 I took my competency test, passed it, and went out on my own.

I have performed installations for virtually every type of customer - retail, residential, new construction, commercial, etc... My early background involved residential remodel renovating flooring, performing bath and shower remodels,as well as kitchen remodels. Later I found myself engaged with several builders who kept me and my staff busy doing mainly new construction builds. From there I branched into higher end multi-family and custom homes working in Naples and Estero. When the fall of the economy took place in '97, we re-grouped our efforts, and returned to the remodel sector. While we still perform new construction and commercial projects, the focus of our efforts are in the retail/remodel sector.

We recently helped an elderly couple complete a shower remodel. The home was in north Naples, and the clients husband had limited mobility and was in the constant care of a nursing aid. The shower was located in the bath that was set up for his use. Unfortunately, the client hired a "handyman" to remodel a leaking shower. After numerous promises of completing the project, the individual was overwhelmed. The owner then contacted a local plumber that I work with for advice and we were referred to the job. After meeting with the client, we were able to go in, undo the mess that the previous individual had made, and put the shower back into working condition in 3 days time. Normally, a shower remodel would have taken more time, but with the help of our plumber, our crew was able to complete the project to allow the husband access to his shower.

Be thorough in assessing your desires, determine what you absolutely need versus what you would like, put together a realistic budget, and don't be afraid to ask plenty of questions.

I feel a customer should ask any and every question that comes to them in order to feel confident that they are making the best decision for their remodel. Discuss with your professional the details for the project, their background for performing those details, the time expected to complete them, as well as the budget required to complete them. I have seen many instances where a customer accepts a bid thinking it is the most affordable only to be disappointed that the work either was not the quality they desired or deserved, or that the ultimate cost of the project became much more than they thought because the proposed contractor had omitted many of the items the desired.