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

In this episode of About Your House Radio, host Ray Terry continues the conversation with 18-year-old construction worker Landon Fowler to break down a question most students never get answered in school: What ARE the trades — and how do you actually get started? This episode is a practical, eye-opening guide for students, parents, and educators about career pathways in construction and skilled trades. Landon shares his experience growing up homeschooled, dual-enrolling in construction management courses, and working hands-on in residential remodeling. Ray and Landon explain: What “the trades” really include (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting, concrete, welding, HVAC, heavy equipment, and more) Why most middle and high school students are never exposed to these careers What an apprenticeship actually is How hands-on work builds confidence, independence, and critical thinking The difference between corporate career paths and trade careers Why communication is the most important job skill How job security works in the construction industry How to walk into a company and get hired — even with no experience How trade careers can lead to entrepreneurship and business ownership The episode also highlights the nonprofit initiative Put Tools in Schools, which works to introduce students to trade careers through interactive, hands-on learning and industry partnerships. This conversation is for anyone questioning the traditional college path and looking for purpose, stability, and real-world skills that can last a lifetime. #SkilledTrades #ConstructionCareers #WhatAreTheTrades #BlueCollarLife #TradesNotCollege #CareerPathways #Apprenticeship #WorkWithYourHands #JobSecurity #AboutYourHouse

In Part 2 of this episode of About Your House, host Ray Terry continues the conversation with Bruce Zaidman of American Wood Reface, diving deeper into the realities of kitchen remodeling and today’s home improvement market.

Bruce shares expert insight on cabinet refacing, custom cabinetry, and why quartz countertops remain the top choice for durability, hygiene, and low maintenance. The discussion highlights how modern kitchen updates can dramatically improve function and appearance — often without the time and expense of a full gut remodel.

The episode also addresses an important homeowner topic: high-pressure sales tactics and misleading promotions in the remodeling industry. From “buy one get one free” deals to “same as cash” financing, Ray and Bruce explain how inflated pricing structures work and how homeowners can protect themselves.

Listeners will gain practical advice on:

• Choosing the right countertop material • When refacing vs. replacing makes sense • Budgeting realistically for kitchen upgrades • Remodeling for enjoyment vs. resale • How to vet contractors and avoid costly mistakes • The importance of communication during projects

This episode is a must-listen for homeowners considering renovations and anyone who wants to make smarter decisions in today’s remodeling market.

What if the path to success didn’t start with experience — but with opportunity?

In this episode of About Your House Radio, host Ray Terry and guest Bruce Zaidman of American Wood Reface share the inspiring real-world journey of Rob, a young man who began with no skills, no trade background, and no experience — and grew into a respected lead carpenter, homeowner, and thriving professional in the construction industry.

Over 6–7 years, Rob developed his craft through hands-on learning, mentorship, and a strong work ethic. Today, he enjoys financial stability, job security, and something even more valuable — purpose and pride in his work.

This episode explores:

• How mentorship changes lives
• Why the skilled trades offer real career security
• The connection between loving your work and personal happiness
• The freedom and empowerment that come from working with your hands and mind
• Why success doesn’t always come from a traditional college path

Bruce also speaks to homeowners about the realities of remodeling, the complexity of the work, and why skilled professionals matter.

Whether you’re a student, parent, career changer, or employer, Rob’s story proves that skilled trades create opportunity, stability, and meaningful futures.

Listen as Ray Terry, host of About Your House Radio, sits down with Brian Morehead of S&N Infrastructure to talk about what today’s education system is missing — and how skilled trades offer a powerful solution.

This episode highlights the growing disconnect between traditional academic pathways and the real-world opportunities available in construction and infrastructure careers. Brian shares firsthand insight into workforce needs, the value of hands-on skills, and how purpose-driven work in the trades can provide stability, fulfillment, and financial security — without the burden of college debt.

The conversation also spotlights the mission of Put Tools in Schools, a nonprofit initiative raising awareness of construction career pathways and apprenticeship opportunities for students. Through Trades Career Days and industry engagement, the program connects young people with creative, practical skills that can shape meaningful futures.

If you're a student, parent, educator, or industry professional, this episode sheds light on career options many students never hear about — but should.

What’s missing in today’s education system — and how can we fix it?

In this episode of About Your House Radio, host Ray Terry is joined by Brian Morehouse and Chessa Tremble from S&N Infrastructure for an important conversation about career pathways that many students never hear about.

Through the Put Tools in Schools initiative, Ray and industry leaders are working to raise awareness about opportunities in the construction trades — careers that offer purpose, strong income potential, and real-world skills without the burden of college debt.

Many students graduate without knowing what an apprenticeship is or realizing that fulfilling, hands-on careers in fields like construction, infrastructure, and skilled trades are available right after high school. This episode explores how Trades Career Days, mentorship, and industry involvement can change lives by connecting students with their talents, creativity, and sense of purpose.

With a goal of reaching one high school every week, Put Tools in Schools is bringing companies, professionals, and interactive learning directly to students — showing them that success doesn’t come from just one path.

This conversation is about empowerment, options, and building futures — one student at a time.