When Chris and Andrea Hansen renovated their home a few years ago, they found it frustrating to be presented with so many options but lacking the resources to be educated on which choices would be the best for their project. So, when the Hansens bought a franchise of Floor Coverings International, they entered the business with a very customer-oriented attitude.
“We did a very large renovation of our home, and I was really flabbergasted at how poor the experience was for someone like me,” shared Andrea. “I was not looking for the cheapest solution and I’m not a do-it-yourselfer. I was hiring contractors to do the work but not using an interior designer or an architect. I still have flashbacks of walking into the big box store looking for samples and education but not getting it.”
Now, they use their own consumer experience combined with a love of problem solving and the desire to provide excellent customer service to walk clients through choices while giving them the information and education to decide what best fits their lifestyle and needs.
Floor Coverings International offers flooring services that range from floor repair to floor design and installation. Whether the project is a renovation, new build, or in preparation of selling a home, Chris and Andrea help homeowners find the best solutions for their flooring needs by bringing the showroom to the client.
“The entire business model is based on in-home consultations. We have a few Ford Transit Connects that have been retrofitted inside with multiple racks and each carries 3,000 samples of carpet, hardwood, luxury vinyl, tile, rubber, cork, bamboo…. you name it,” explained Andrea. “We bring the samples right into the home, so they actually get to see the materials in the rooms where they are meant to be installed, which is completely different than looking at something under fluorescent lighting in aisle six of a box store.”
Bringing the product to clients and having one-on-one conversations enables clients to ask questions and explore options with a knowledgeable resource in real time. It also allows Chris and Andrea to see the space, get to know the client and their lifestyle preferences, and make suggestions on which materials are the best fit for the space and budget.
According to Andrea, there are often two reasons why people replace flooring in their home. One is to prepare the home for sale and the other is renovating to enhance the current owner’s quality of life.
“When you're in the home to stay, the best investment is the type of flooring that is going to give you the most joy, the best usability of the space, and will last the longest for your lifestyle. By that, I mean, do you have pets or kids, are there mobility issues, or do you entertain a lot,” she said. “The best investment when you're selling is determined by what people are looking to buy in our market and what buyers will value most. For example, there is generally a rule of thumb that if a home has hardwood floors, it can add up to 2.5% equity value on the sale.”
To stay current with market trends, Andrea meets with local real estate agents and continually educates herself concerning new materials and technologies in the flooring industry. “Flooring is really the foundation of everything. So, we are seeing the use of more water resistant and waterproof materials such as water-resistant wood laminates and even engineered hardwoods that are very durable against water damage,” Andrea said. “We're also looking at a growing interest in eco-friendly products that are certified green, including carpet made from recycled materials.” Aesthetically, flooring is also trending towards bringing the outdoors into the home with the use of warm-toned wood and natural stone colors.
Although Chris and Andrea enjoyed their previous careers, they truly relish this new phase of life where they are cultivating deeper roots in the community by developing relationships with clients and other small business owners. “I love that sometimes I drive by a neighborhood, look at a home, and remember when I helped that family,” shared Andrea. “It brings a smile to my face every day when I remember all those projects and the people that I met doing them.”
Floor Coverings International is a licensed general contracting company with expertise in flooring repair, design, and installation. To find out more and schedule a free consultation, visit fcifloors.com, call 425-229-8529, or email: andrea.hansen@floorcoveringsinternational.com. Also follow @FCISeattle.eastside on Instagram.
“When you're in the home to stay, the best investment is the type of flooring that is going to give you the most joy, the best usability of the space, and will last the longest for your lifestyle." ~ Andrea Hansen