Finding Quiet After the Storm

After two major storms halted their renovation, a Sarasota-area family found relief in Floor Coverings International's ability to rebuild their home—and their peace of mind.

Natural disasters bring chaos to a community, causing devastation to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Life as usual comes to a sudden halt as families face urgent repairs, disrupted routines, and the emotional toll of rebuilding.

While Florida’s Gulf Coast is no stranger to tropical storms, Longboat Key and the Sarasota area had been spared direct hits for nearly a century—until that streak came to an end.

“It was like a war zone,” recalls Steve Tadd, owner of Floor Coverings International of Sarasota (FCI). “Two storms, just weeks apart, swamped the entire coast. Homes were flooded, belongings piled up on the streets, and bulldozers were moving debris before the next storm rolled in. It was chaos.”

A Project Left in Limbo

Even homeowners whose properties avoided direct damage felt the ripple effects. For one family in Longboat Key, the dream of renovating their 2,240 sq ft condo came to a grinding halt. Their general contractor was pulled into emergency repairs elsewhere, leaving them with unfinished floors, two incomplete custom walk-in showers, and mounting frustration.

“They were left hanging,” Steve explains. “After the storms, their general contractor was pulled into other projects, and they needed someone who could come in, prioritize them, and manage everything.”

Goals & Motivation: Restoring Momentum After Delays

The primary goal was urgent: get the renovation back on track after months of frustrating delays. But this was more than a construction project—it was about restoring peace of mind and turning a space in limbo into the coastal retreat the homeowners had imagined.

“They didn’t want to manage five or ten different vendors,” says Steve. “If we could take that off their plate, coordinate everything, and make it feel seamless, that was a win for them.”

Custom Installation & Scope Expansion

The homeowners’ trust in FCI allowed the project to expand beyond its original scope. FCI took full ownership of managing the details, coordinating trade partners, and delivering high-quality craftsmanship across every phase. Key project elements included:

  • Demolition across the entire condo
  • Installation of custom closets and pocket doors
  • Interior painting coordination
  • Building of two custom walk-in showers
  • Installation of new baseboards throughout
  • Large-format concrete-look tile in main living areas
  • Warm, traditional hardwood flooring in bedrooms and closets to add coziness and contrast

Initially, the flooring design had been 80% hardwood and 20% tile. But after witnessing the water damage storms could bring, the homeowners re-evaluated their choices. They shifted to a 75% tile installation for better resilience without compromising on style.

“They wanted something updated and on-trend, but durability became just as important as style after the storms,” Steve explains. 

The FCI Difference: End-to-End Partnership

FCI’s approach wasn’t limited to just a personalized flooring experience; it was about making the renovation process as stress-free as possible. Behind the scenes, Steve didn’t just coordinate vendors; he tapped into a trusted network of skilled professionals in the industry. From custom closet builders to licensed tradespeople, each partner was carefully chosen for their reliability and craftsmanship.

“When customers just want to press the easy button, we welcome it,” says Steve. “We had the team, we had the network, and we made sure this project stayed on track.”

It wasn’t just about connecting the dots; it was about making sure each piece fit seamlessly, with minimal stress for the homeowners.

Future-Ready Solutions for Coastal Living

For homeowners in high-risk coastal regions, Steve offers sound advice: “Don’t just put back what you’ve always had. Think long-term. We guide clients toward materials and solutions like waterproof wainscoting and cabinetry that minimize disruption if storms strike again.”

At Floor Coverings International, it’s about more than just installing floors. It’s about creating spaces where families can feel safe, reassured, and truly at home— even when life throws the unexpected their way.