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Hi, been lurking here for a while now.....am thinking of relocating to your area, as we now live in West Michigan, and between the economy (many parts of the country have a cold, we have cancer!) and REALLY being over the winter thing (anyone heard of "Lake Effect"?) We're ready to pack it in! Have looked at the country, and weather wise this area appeals to us the most as both the summers and winters seem within our tolerances. Have no kids left at home and can be somewhat footloose.
So, for my ???, I am an expert floorcovering Installer with over 30 yrs. experience with Vinyls, Laminates, Hardwood and Carpet.......this being said, I am aware that New Construction has taken a heavy hit, however I not only enjoy but am thrilled with "remodel" work....need to know who are the Quality stores to inquire at, any contacts would also be appreciated as to whom to talk to.
We intend to come down for a week or so, check things out, and perhaps do some "sample" work, as everyone SAYS they're great, but the proof is in the pudding (or on the floor!)
Also, we will need a place to stay in the area (up to 30 mi. radius), some type of "residence inn" or somesuch with weekly rates, in a safe area.
Thank you in advance for your help! Feel free to post, or PM me.
-Tim
Can't help you with the work angle but you need to be prepared for the summers. The humidity can be so bad it can take your breath away. I'm from Flint so I know that the differences between here and there are extreme. Just use the same mind set to summers as you do with winners and you'll be fine.
Thanks for the replies........I believe there's a large difference between Flint and the Lake Michigan coastline, just saying that we're no stranger to 85-98% humidity levels here....... As far as Home Depot or Lowes, unless things are very different in the triangle than they are here, I'll just say that I'm really looking for a more professional setting.
EDIT.......OOOps.....Didn't realize I hadn't put my location in my profile.......my bad......West MI has plenty of humidity due to Lake MI, and also plenty of snow for the same reason......
You might try the hotels on Wake Forest Road, in Raleigh, such as Amerisuites. I personally wouldn't want to stay in RTP; it's a big office park. Grass. Trees. Cement. Cars. Office buildings. Hotels might be less expensive in Raleigh, I dunno. You can also try hotwire and see what comes up.
I think there is less need for floor installers than there used to be because a lot of people do it themselves. (I used to work for a major laminated floor company, and that was the general consensus.) As far as carpet laying, you may be competing against foreign workers. (We had a whole house carpeted, and they were the least expensive by far. Did a great job.)
Home Depot is also laying off a lot of people nationally; I don't know how that will affect local stores.
I would guess that people are probably putting off home remodeling or doing it themselves.
And yes, many of us here are quite familiar with "lake effect." You should visit here in July and see if you can stand the humidity. It's wicked.
There are a number of professional flooring installers here - Brentwood Carpets and Floors, Virginia Flooring, and many others. Check the Home Builders Association website Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County, North Carolina to get some more names. There are many others who aren't members, but these are USUALLY more reputable.
Can't help you with the work angle but you need to be prepared for the summers. The humidity can be so bad it can take your breath away. I'm from Flint so I know that the differences between here and there are extreme. Just use the same mind set to summers as you do with winners and you'll be fine.
My boss at USPS was from Flint and adapted well to the heat.
I came here from New Orleans in 1989 and it felt like Alaska.
Immigrants both legal and other have dominated construction for some time. If there's no job lined up and you are stable in MI, consider waiting until the economy rebounds.
Thanks saturnfan, don't really think the summer weather will be a bother...no job lined up.....that is why we're headed down for a week or so......to check possibilities.....there's usually opportunities if one posesses better than average skills.....if not, oh well, maybe later and we'll still escape winter for a bit! And BTW, NOTHING is stable in MI right now, except the snow.
Thanks saturnfan, don't really think the summer weather will be a bother...no job lined up.....that is why we're headed down for a week or so......to check possibilities.....there's usually opportunities if one posesses better than average skills.....if not, oh well, maybe later and we'll still escape winter for a bit! And BTW, NOTHING is stable in MI right now, except the snow.
Good luck.
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and REALLY being over the winter thing (anyone heard of "Lake Effect"?) 
We're ready to pack it in! Have looked at the country, and weather wise this area appeals to us the most as both the summers and winters seem within our tolerances. Have no kids left at home and can be somewhat footloose.
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Ummmmmmm
