THE TO-DO LIST

ASK THE EXPERT FLOORING

ALAN STEWART

OWNER, THE FLOOR SHOPPE

QWHAT’S THE BEST FLOORING FOR HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS IN MY HOME?

One of the most frequent questions our fl ooring sales professionals receive from our customers is, “What’s the best type of fl ooring to handle high traffi c in my home?” The short answer is hard a surface—ceramic tile, porcelain tile, hardwood, or laminate.

When I fi rst started my business over 35 years ago wall-to-wall carpeting made up more than 90 percent of our sales and installations. Ceramic tile was used mainly for shower walls and tub surrounds. You had a choice of either 4X4 or if you were lucky a 6X6 tile size. Sheet vinyl fl ooring was the go-to product for fl ooring areas that had the tendency to get wet or needed to be wiped frequently in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. What a difference three decades make.

Today, you can fi nd ceramic or porcelain tiles in an endless array of sizes, textures and colors. The main difference between a ceramic tile and a porcelain tile is the latter is much harder and chip resistant. Typically, a porcelain tile will cost 10 to 12 percent more on average than ceramic and although harder to cut, cost no more to install. All things being equal, it is a better investment to spend a little more for the porcelain tile up front and have an installation that stays original looking longer.

Choosing the right fl ooring product, however, is really determined by whom and how the area in which it is being installed is used. Our typical customer is an individual who more than likely is retired, very respectful of their home and its furnishings, and has purchased all types of fl ooring over the years. They have a pretty good idea of what they don’t want, but with all the new and improved technology in the fl ooring sector want to make sure they are making a sound educated decision. The product recommendation we make to a residential customer will be totally different than what we might suggest to our commercial clients.

If you’re our typical customer, you may not need the hardest surface such as tile for your installation. However, there is a feeling of warmth only hardwood can add to a room. Still very durable, engineered hardwood fl ooring goes with any type of interior decor and can be refi nished if necessary down the road. It’s less expensive than its look-alike cousin Laminate fl ooring, which has come a long way from its humble beginnings. At a little over half the cost of hardwood, laminate is now being produced to have the texture, color, and graining of all the most popular species of wood.

So what’s the best product for your particular installation? That really depends on your lifestyle, budget, and expectations.

For more information call The Floor Shoppe at 352.748.4811 or visit TheFloorShoppe.com.

PATIO

BILL MOYE

OWNER, THE PERFECT PORCH

QWHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING OUTDOOR FURNITURE?

For the last 10 years Billy Moye, owner of The Perfect Porch in Leesburg, has helped area residents furnish their outdoor spaces. Family owned and operated, the company relies heavily on wordof-mouth and repeat business. Helping clients choose quality pieces at the best prices is The Perfect Porch’s top priority.

When buying outdoor furniture, the company offers this advice: Be prepared. Measure the space and determine if it’s under roof, under screen, or in full sun. Decide how much maintenance you want to do and lastly, how you want to use the space. Sharing this information with a sales associate makes it easy for them to show you different products and offer suggestions. The Perfect Porch takes pride in helping customers fi nd the best choices so their outdoor space complements their lifestyle.

They say you get what you pay for, and it’s true. Living in Florida the sun is brutal, and it’s important to choose furniture that can withstand this climate. When considering furniture, the best choices are longevity are 100 percent aluminum, recycled plastics, and resin wicker. Cushions should be made with a Sunbrella and Vinyl Coated Polyester fabric. Furnishing your area with any of these products, all carried by The Perfect Porch, will ensure many years of enjoyment.

Visit the cheerful showroom and you will quickly feel at home. Comfort levels vary greatly from person to person and the employees encourage you to try different products even if that means putting your feet up and or stretching out on the sofa. Once the collection is selected, the fun begins, at The Perfect Porch you customize your furniture by choosing the fabrics and frame colors you want.

Outdoor living spaces have become an extension to our homes. It’s not uncommon for the area to be used on a daily basis so it’s important to go beyond the furniture and consider outdoor accessories. Fire tables, outdoor lamps and rugs, decorative pillows and umbrellas are just a few of the many items that can complete your space.

The Perfect Porch prides itself on giving you quality pieces and the best price. Home of the big pink chair, visit the showroom at 1212 W N Blvd., Leesburg, for a one-on-one consultation. For more information, call 352.326.3177 or visit the website PerfectPorch.com

ASK THE EXPERT KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, AND MORE

STEPHEN LABELLE

DOC’S RESTORATION

QHOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN REMODELING KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS?

Quality. Professionalism. Customer Satisfaction. Since 2004, these words have described the passion of Doc’s Restorations—exceeding customer’s expectations, not only with the end product, but throughout the entire process, as well. Owner, Stephen LaBelle, says, “Our goal is to have clients who believe we are the best company to meet their needs, career-oriented employees who want to be part of our family and communities that consider us a fi ne example of what a business should be.”

Moving from Ocala, Stephen saw a need in the area due to the growth in Lake County of retirees and others moving to the area from northern states. With the economy not doing so well at that time, people were looking at ways to remodel a previously owned home instead of buying new. “Customers were more interested in something that looked brand new, functioned at the same high level of expectation, but was more cost effective,” says Stephen. He also started the company due to his aggravation after he began to remodel his own home. “The lack of standard that I experienced was very frustrating, so I decided to meet the need.”

According to Stephen, his employees are what sets Doc’s Restorations apart from others. A dedicated team ensures satisfi ed clients. “Investing in skilled employees, making sure they are background-checked and tested, are reviewed regularly and are supplied with positive reinforcement and empowerment, furthers the confi dence and trust from our customers,” says Stephen. Doc’s Restorations has grown from one employee, Stephen, to 42 employees, indicating his commitment to his employees, as well as his clients.

Customers who visit the company’s 2000-square-foot showroom experience a warm, no-pressure setting with a wide selection of quality products. Stephen says, “We have all types of counter tops, cabinets, fl ooring, paint colors and more —whatever our client wants.” Doc’s Restorations also has 5,000 square feet of warehouse space which allows them to offer clients custom cabinetry and faster delivery of some products.

Clients Jim and Diane Sikora of The Villages say, “We love your new showroom! It made it easy to choose exactly what we were looking for, rather than ordering from catalogs as some companies require. In fact, your Design Consultant helped us save money and you did everything you said you would, on time and on budget!” Check out many more testimonials of happy customers on the company’s website www. DocsRestorations.com.

Once the client contacts Doc’s Restorations, the process begins. A Design Consultant reviews the scope of the project and helps the customer with suggestions regarding functionality to selections and choices in design including colors, textures, cost and availability. The customer then visits the showroom and works with two internal designers who make any additional

suggestions, ultimately resulting in the quality project that the homeowner envisions. Contracts are then signed and a preconstruction meeting is set up. The project manager reviews the scope of the job and the material selections. Materials are then ordered and the team provides the client with a written schedule of progression and planned completion of the project.

Doc’s Restorations recently earned the service industry-coveted 2015 Angie’s List Super Service Award, refl ecting another exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer review site. Only about 5 percent of companies earn the Super Service Award. The company also enjoys an A rating on Angie’s List and an A+ with the BBB.

“We are extremely grateful and humbled to have received this award again,” said Doc’s Restorations’ owner Stephen LaBelle. “Without the hard work and commitment to excellence from our team every single day, we wouldn’t be able to provide the high level of service and craftsmanship our customers deserve.”

The company is located at 15580 S US Highway 441, UNIT 5, in Summerfi eld. For more information, call 352.753.0056 in The Villages or 352.624.9900 in Ocala or visit www.DocsRestorations.com.