“I had not changed the vinyl flooring in my kitchen since our house was built 28 years ago. About 4 years ago, I made a half-hearted attempt to start looking for something new, but I just couldn’t find what I thought would look good. I knew I needed something bright that would liven up a kitchen that faced north and received very little natural light, but I just didn’t know what that would be. And to be perfectly honest, I’m not good with change.

Enter Erica. After a short conversation with her, I could tell she knew a lot about flooring. More importantly, she knew how to make someone who doesn’t like change feel comfortable about the big change to come.

It took her just one visit to our home and she knew right away what was needed to make our kitchen pop. The day the flooring was to be laid, I was still apprehensive, but as the tiles went down one by one, my dark kitchen took on a completely new look. The transformation was striking! Friends and family were amazed at the change.

I can honestly say I would still have my old, dark flooring if it weren’t for Erica. Now I’m looking forward to changing the carpet in the family room. Of course, I won’t make a move without listening to Erica’s ideas first.”

This letter made my heart completely melt. I love what I do, and I take every design consultation and home transformation personally. I want my customers to love their floors as much as Ilene does and I want them to love the experience. For me, this isn’t just a job; this is my family’s business and it is my life. ~ Erica Clements

Before:

After:

Here are some great links to check out with un-biased opinions and recommendations on purchasing carpeting. These are experts in the industry, or organizations that regulate the flooring industry. Take a gander and let me know what you think!

WFCA

FLOOR COVERING NEWS

ABC Carpets

CRI

As always, you can contact me at erica@justaskalscarpet.com or visit our FACEBOOK Page!

First impressions are formed within 7 to 17 seconds of meeting someone and 55% of a person’s opinion is visually. What kind of First Impression does your business make? What kind of First Impression do you want it to make?

Here are some things you can do to make a great first impression with your business space. Whether you are a service only business or you are selling tangible goods you must have a design scheme. Yes I know, that is a scary phrase, but it really is quite simple.

A DESIGN SCHEME is:

Functional

Fashionable

Create a desired mood

Industry fitting

And remember: Design is an opportunity to continue telling the story, not just to sum everything up. — Tate Linden

CONSISTANCY! 

COLOR, COLOR, COLOR!

Make sure your Design Scheme has a Color Scheme, even if it is black and white ~ that is still a Color Scheme! And please don’t use the word beige! Step outside your comfort zone, even if it is a color that is only used as an accent. Color ads a lot to a room (I could write an entire book on how awesome color is, but I won’t bore you with my obsession with color)

 Color creates a mood and atmosphere

 You can have a Modern Scheme

 Create a Timeless Feel

 Have a Calming Mood

 Create a Nostalgic Feel

 Statement of Personal Style

FLOORS The foundation of any good design is the floor! Flooring is your largest Color, Pattern, and Texture in any space. It can be a statement piece, or it can be a compliment in the background. Your flooring selection should be well thought out when it comes to function and fashion; as well as installed properly and maintained regularly.

You can choose from Commercial grade (everything from low traffic patterns to Grand Central Station traffic patterns!)

 Hardwood

 Ceramic Tile

 Vinyl Tiles

 Laminate

 Carpet

OFFICE FURNITURE You wouldn’t necessarily think about this when it comes to a design scheme, but it is very important. Whether you have cubicles, desks, displays for merchandise, or a waiting room of chars; all office furniture needs to be CONSISTANT! A hodge-podge of furniture reminiscent of your dorm room days is very unprofessional and will turn off a customer.

PERKS! Have perks for your customers, clients and guests. Always make sure your business space smells good; light a candle! Have a beverage to offer. Invest in an instant one up coffee machine or get a water cooler. Have fun with it, get a popcorn machine, have fresh baked cookies. Whatever you do, do it! Making a customer feel special says you will go the extra mile for them in your business.

CLEANLINESS Clean up your space!

We are all busy, we all have piles of paperwork, but make sure they are organized and get cleaned up. Vacuum, dust, make sure the glass doors are spot-free. Dirty offices are GROSS and a HUGE turn off.

PLANTS & FLOWERS

 Always have something living, breathing, and green!

 Plant

 Fresh Cut Flowers

 NEVER EVER EVER EVER FAKE!!!

WAITING AREA Here is a place you can really make a statement, we don’t want to feel like we are in a Dr’s Office; even if we really are!

 Visually Appealing

 Stimulating

 Play soft Music

 Magazines or Photos

BATHROOM

 Make a STATEMENT

 Use Natural Stone

 Use Glass

 Use a Luxury Countertop

 Have nice scented soap and lotion pump

 Give it that extra touch

MERCHANDISING

 Regardless of the type of business you are you have some sort of Marketable Information

 Make sure it is well-organized

 Retail stores need to be shopper friendly, like wide enough aisles

 Decorate Seasonally

 Change things around Monthly

 The more consistent the change the more your consumers will think there is something new

DESIGN & EMOTIONS

 Men and Women shop differently

 Women are you main consumers

 Regardless of what is said, men are still subconsciously effected by their environment

BE YOUR OWN DESIGNER!

Every designers’ dirty little secret is that they copy other designers’ work. They see work they like, and they imitate it. Rather cheekily, they call this inspiration.— Aaron Russell

Go out, shop, and see why you like shopping where you shop. What does it feel like to shop there, and then get inspirited to create your own office space!

Always remember regardless of what we do for a living, we are all in the people business!

The only important thing about design is how it relates to people.— Victor Papanek

As always, you can contact me at erica@justaskalscarpet.com or call 815-633-4101 for your first time FREE Design Consultation!

1987 – Schluter invents the uncoupling membrane
One of the most influential advancements in the tile industry was the introduction of the uncoupling membrane, Schluter-DITRA. For thousands of years, tile was successfully installed using the sand strata method. This method incorporated a layer of sand to uncouple the tile surface from the substrate, allowing the two surfaces to move independently. Thin-set mortar was developed in the 1960′s, and tile-setting techniques took a new direction. Force-conductive bonding, or bonding the tile directly to the substrate, became the standard. Since the substrate and the tile react to changes in moisture and temperature at different rates, stresses in the force-conductive assembly can produce cracks in the tiled surface. Werner Schlüter developed Schluter-DITRA, which replicates the function of the sand strata method, effectively uncoupling the tile from the substrate. This improved version of the sand strata method also incorporates waterproofing and vapor management functions.

1987 – Bonded waterproofing membrane introduced
Schluter-KERDI, a pliable sheet-applied bonded waterproof membrane is introduced. Unlike traditional waterproofing, KERDI is bonded to the substrate and allows for the direct application of tile using the thin-set method. This prevents moisture from infiltrating the mortar setting bed, thus reducing the risk of leakage, efflorescence, and mold growth in wet areas (e.g., showers, commercial kitchens, etc.)

In our store we strictly use the Schluter System for ALL of our tile jobs in any area. This allows us to give a lifetime labor warranty. The Schluter System is a premium product and does come at a premium price, but your tile and showers should last forever. These products are just the added insurance to guarantee a lasting job. Al & Jared have both been trained by Schluter, and in the training they had to line a cardboard box with KERDI, fill it with water, and leave it overnight. The next day, the box was completely dry!

What about do-it-yourselfers?? We welcome you all! If you want to tackle your bathroom project yourself, we will provide you with the tools and products to do so. We have instructional videos and the entire line of Schluter. If you can install your own tile, you can install the Schluter Systems!
If you have more questions, or would like to request a video or information about the Schluter System please call us @ 815-633-4101 or email Erica@justaskalscarpet.com or stop in our store @ 8016 N. 2nd Street in Machesney Park!

Exhausted, hungry and very excited we entered the house. Unfortunately, we found one disappointment after another. The owners of the home had purchased laminate from a box store and paid their ‘handyman’ to install through the entire house. Sad to say everything they could have done wrong with the floor they did. We immediately called the Agency whom they rented through to lodge a complaint.

Fortunately, being in the flooring business my whole life, and understanding proper laminate installation techniques I could explain why the entire floor was ruined and un-repairable. First, they did not tear out all of the floors underneath to make every surface level. There were different levels as you walked down each hall and entered into each room. Although laminate is floating and you can put it over any surface; you want to make sure all of those surfaces are level with each other. If they cannot be leveled, you want to make sure you have the proper manufactured transitions; which they did not. Second, they did not control the temperature or humidity in the home. Laminate is fairly stable, but extreme temperatures and high humidity will cause it to swell and buckle. The Agency did not want to pay to cool the home in the extreme heat, so they left it completely closed up. Third, the entire installation was improper. There was no gab left around the perimeter of the room allowing for movement or slight expansion and contraction. Lastly, all laminate floors need a foam barrier installed under them, they did not use one at all.

The Agency sent out workers the next day to fix it. He was very rude and kept mumbling that this wasn’t his problem. He did not properly fix the floors, but they were not as bad as they were when we entered the home. The Agency deemed them as livable and has not offered to do anything as far as fixing them or offering compensation to my friends.

This is a perfect example why you should purchase your floors from a reputable company, pay for professional installation and follow all instructions for flooring maintenance. If this floor had been installed by one of our installers, we would have fixed the floor for FREE; even if it meant tearing the entire thing out and replacing it with new. We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We do not do anything half way. Flooring in any application is an expensive investment. It is made to last for many, many years. You should take the extra steps to protect you investment, even if it comes at a slight cost to you {like running a humidifier or dehumidifier and running your air conditioning}. Also remember, that just because you don’t want to pay a lot for your floors doesn’t mean you have to skip out on quality. We ALWAYS have every day values on laminate floors for under $2 a square foot.

For more information on any laminate products please contact Erica @ Al’s Carpet (815) 633-4101 or by email erica@justaskalscarpet.com.

Okay, there is a story behind it… Al spent a lot of his younger days in Hawaii. He had a good friend that lived out there, and he frequently visited (who wouldn’t?!?!). He spent time snorkeling in the crystal clear waters off the coast of Hawaii, and just found the sea turtle to be such a cool creature.

He has always loved Hawaii and sea turtles. He took his beautiful bride there for their honeymoon 31 years ago, and has been back a handful of times taking us (his awesome kids) to experience the awe of Hawaii and its vast sea life. Speaking from experience, the sea turtle is one of the coolest creatures to observe while snorkeling in its natural habitat.
In business, Al just wanted to have the sea turtle as his mascot; so we adopted it.

It really is quite fitting. According to Ancient Symbolism of the turtle; it represents order, endurance, strength, stability, and longevity. In American Indian culture, the Turtle represents the wisdom of the ancient ones and is respected for its strength and individuality. Those who bear the symbol of the Turtle carry the responsibility of caring for, protecting, and nurturing others. {info from: http://www.squidoo.com/turtle_gifts} All characteristics I would use to describe my father and his passion for the business.

So now you know what’s up with the turtle?!

{I am still looking for a photo of young Hawaiian Al….it will be posted as soon as I dig one up!}

SideNote: The sea turtles are truly majestic creatures and a very important part of the balance of sea life. Many species are listed as Threatened or Endangered. Please visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/ or http://www.seaturtles.org/ to learn more about how you can help preserve the turtles and our sea life.

Growing up, dinner time was always family time with a twist. While most families talk about their day and listen to stories {which mine did as well} most of the dinner talk was business. We talked strategies and customers and competition. Whenever my father, who installed on his own for many years, had a large job my brother and I would go with to help him. When there were home improvement projects to do around the house; my dad made sure we were right there learning how to do it with him.

I spent a lot of my focus in high school and college on business, because that is what I knew; it was in my blood. I spent the majority of my youth ‘rebelling’ against the business. I worked various part time jobs that had nothing to do with the flooring industry. I wanted to go to school to be in Public Relations or an Event Planner. I wanted to live in a big city surrounded by all the craziness. But, I couldn’t escape; I would always stop by ‘the store’ as we call it. I always went with my parents to trainings and conventions. I knew the industry even though I didn’t want to. Finally one day I was left without a choice. My father had to have a hip replacement, my grandfather was very ill, and my brother was too young to help out; so I stepped up going to work full time with my mother. I promised her and myself that it was only temporary…that was 7 years ago.

Today I love my job. I get to educate individuals on flooring and help them make the perfect choice for their homes, I get to help decorate and design rooms and office spaces, I get to go out and network and learn from others. I may look young, but when it comes to flooring, I’ve been around the block a time or two! So you can take what I say with a grain of salt, but I promise you, I would never promote or endorse anything that I wouldn’t try or install in my own home. I take pride in my parents’ hard work. They have put their blood, sweat and tears into this business and still get up every morning and work harder than they did yesterday!

Like I mentioned earlier, I use this blog as a tool for education; so you can make the right choice when it comes to your home.  I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, or write on a topic you are interested in!

Please submit all inquiries in the comments, email me at: Erica@justaskalscarpet.com or call (815) 633-4101

So it is time to replace that old rug in your living room, but you don’t have the first clue on what to look for in a quality carpet. Naturally you turn to the Internet and find consumer reviews and random pieces of information, but you are still left confused.  So you start at a box store, you can browse and get an idea of price and not feel bothered by a pushy sales person. The employee doesn’t have the first clue on carpeting so he flips the sample over and starts reading you off warranty information. Next you head to a store that advertises free free free; the sales person uses technical terminology that confuses you even more. How do you figure out the twist per inch? Why is nylon the best? How important is the ounce weight of carpeting?

These are all valid questions, but none of them address the most important thing when choosing carpeting. The fiber! Regardless of where you shop, there are only 3 fibers to choose from. Once you understand the characteristics of each fiber the rest will all fall into place.

Polyester (also can be called Olefin)

vLeast expensive fiber

vMade from recycled plastic bottles

vPet & Child safe

vVery stain resistant

vLowest texture retention

vShows wear patterns over time

Triextra (also can be called Sorona and SmartStrand)

vMiddle of the road pricing

vMade from Ethanol oil from corn that grows in Midwest

vSuperior lifetime stain warranties

vHighest texture retention

vNon-porous fiber ~ requires NO topical solutions

vMost durable fiber on the market

Nylon (most popular)

vHighest priced

vPorous fiber ~ REQUIRES topical solution for stain resistance

vTopical solution need to be reapplied annually

vStain resistant to non-acidic stains

vGood texture retention, Very Durable on wear

vMost style and color choices

Depending on your needs in your home you can decide which fiber is the best fit for you, and then worry about budget, density, style, and color. At Al’s Carpet you are not dealing with ‘salespeople’ you are dealing with consultants. We want to educate you on your purchase so you leave feeling reassured you made the best choice for you; not confused by the million different things that go into carpeting {that really don’t make a difference anyway}.

For more information or in-depth research on fiber please visit www.mohawkcolorcenter.com or contact Al’s Carpet @ www.carpetrockford.com or on FACEBOOK! 

For more great powder room or backsplash ideas visit us on the web @ www.justaskalscarpet.com on Facebook or stop in our store and JUST ASK ERICA for personal design service @ 8016 N. 2nd Street, Machesney Park, IL 61111 {815} 633-4101

 Thanks to our friends at Liberty Mutual Insurance and costvsvalue.com we can help you get a leg up!

When you are talking putting thousands of dollars into your home, make sure you are getting the value for your money.  Always interview and check out the contractor before you sign any contracts.  Seek recommendations, check references, request documentaion, and always ask who will actually do the work in your home.  At Al’s Carpet we work with many quallified and ethical remodlers and would be happy to give you a recommendation!