In Part 2 of this special live broadcast, Ray Terry continues the conversation with Tegan Statham of Floor Coverings International Southeast Charlotte, diving deeper into flooring realities homeowners don’t always think about — until there’s a problem.

This episode goes beyond style and design and into what truly impacts your floors: moisture, crawl spaces, concrete slabs, ventilation, and proper installation. Ray shares real-world stories about cupping hardwood, water intrusion, mold concerns, and why your flooring issue may actually be a foundation or moisture problem underneath your home.

Tegan explains:

• The difference between installing flooring on slabs vs. crawl spaces • Why engineered hardwood is often required on concrete • How moisture affects hardwood performance • When carpet makes sense (yes — it’s making a comeback) • Stair treads, custom rugs, refinishing, and commercial projects • Why project management prevents costly installation mistakes

The conversation also expands into skilled trades, problem-solving, and why hands-on knowledge still matters in an AI-driven world. From bathroom ventilation tips to real-life crawl space horror stories, this episode is packed with practical insight homeowners can actually use.

If you own a home in the Charlotte area — or plan to renovate — Part 2 delivers honest advice about flooring, moisture control, and making smart long-term decisions.

In Part 1 of this live February 17th broadcast, Ray Terry of About Your House Radio welcomes Tegan Statham of Floor Coverings International Southeast Charlotte for a wide-ranging and energetic conversation about flooring, skilled trades, and the future of workforce development.

Broadcasting from the Toolbox Podcast Studio, Ray opens the show with updates on Put Tools in Schools — a growing initiative focused on connecting middle school and young adult students to opportunities in the skilled trades. Ray shares powerful stories from recent workdays, where students removed carpet, learned tool safety, discovered how to operate equipment like side grinders, and experienced hands-on teamwork in action. From reading a tape measure to understanding basic tool function, the mission is simple: connect students early, spark curiosity, and build real-world confidence.

Tegan reflects on her background — from upstate New York to corporate America with Verizon and Discovery Channel — before returning to the construction and flooring industry. With over eight years in flooring and now leading her franchise, she shares how her journey came full circle and why she loves what she does.

The conversation dives deep into today’s flooring market, including:

• The growing labor shortage in the trades
• Why carpet installers are becoming harder to find
• How laminate flooring has made a major comeback
• Why some multi-million-dollar homes are choosing modern laminate over LVP
• The truth about “waterproof” flooring
• The impact of COVID on pricing and renovation expectations
• Why hardwood continues to dominate the Charlotte market

Tegan explains what makes Floor Coverings International unique: mobile showrooms with 3,000+ samples brought directly into the client’s home, free consultations, and a customer-first approach focused on lifestyle, durability, and long-term value — not just aesthetics.

The episode also touches on trade careers versus traditional college paths, the realities of education today, and why skilled trades may offer stronger long-term earning potential than many degree-based careers.

This is more than a flooring conversation — it’s a discussion about craftsmanship, opportunity, and building the next generation of skilled professionals.

Stay tuned for Part 2 as the conversation continues.

In this episode of About Your House Radio, host Ray Terry sits down with 18-year-old construction day laborer Landon Fiel for a powerful conversation about career paths, education, and life in the skilled trades. Landon shares what it’s really like entering the workforce straight out of school, working in residential construction, and using modern tools — including smartphones — to solve real jobsite challenges like building codes, inspections, and ADA remodeling. The discussion dives into big topics many families are thinking about today: Are college degrees always the best path? Why hands-on learning builds real confidence The value of communication on the jobsite The truth about certifications vs. experience How trade skills create independence and opportunity Why young people need exposure to career pathways beyond the classroom Ray and Landon also talk about family life, mentorship, work ethic, and how programs like Put Tools in Schools are helping students discover purpose through skilled trades, construction careers, and practical life skills. This episode is an eye-opening look at education, work, and the future — straight from the perspective of the next generation entering the trades. #SkilledTrades #ConstructionCareers #BlueCollarLife #TradesNotCollege #WorkWithYourHands #CareerPathways #YouthInTrades #HomeImprovement #JobsiteLife #AboutYourHouse