Page 52 - Life in Naples November 2018

ITCHENS
BY CLAY
PICK YOUR CONTRACTOR 101 We Make Every Referral Proud

by Clay Cox be met? Our advice is to be as up front
Owner/President • Kitchens by Clay as possible and spend time to get to know
your contractor. Be prepared to have a
ver heard “Knowledge is power”? As a contractor I know two-sided conversation that covers the
that being an expert in our trade is very powerful and helps project from start to finish. Tell them if
E to ensure successful results. In other words, we must be you’ve been through the remodel process
knowledgeable. In everything that we do we want to be sure our before or is it all new to you? Let the
clients are comfortable and secure with our processes, decisions contractor know how knowledgeable you
and expertise. We are fully aware that our clients are constantly in a are or aren’t for that matter. This will help
decision-making mode. The options and choices are endless. We are them to “fill in the blanks” and better
prepared to partner with them and offer our professional knowledge, communicate with you. On the flip side
so they can rest assured that we are the contractor they want to ask them about their experiences in the industry. Especially when
work with. We are strong believers of this. So strong, in fact, that it comes to remodels. Since no one has a crystal ball, experience
we ask our clients about our knowledge on the surveys that we send means everything. After all, “what’s behind those walls?” is a very
out at the end of each job. We want to know if they retained their real question. A knowledgeable contractor will have the experience
confidence in us and did they feel that they were in good hands and that should make it easy for you to pick him or her for your project.
received the proper guidance until the very end of the project? So, ask yourself as you are shopping around if the person you are
talking to is educating you throughout the discovery process. Is the
level of experience and knowledge crystal clear? Are they willing
to outline their company policies as to the how and tell you when
they will finish your work before you sign a contract? In our world
of cabinets, we know that our experience and knowledge of design
combined with the implementation of that design is one sure fire
way to have a successful outcome.
If none of that seems to be working, then hire the person that your
dog likes the best. I’ve heard that they can be a great judge of character.

Please E-mail Clay with your questions or comments at sales@
kitchensbyclay.com.
But how do you recognize that “knowledgeable” contractor? Enjoy your remodel,
What are the right questions to ask? How will your expectations Clay Cox ADVERTORIAL

by Erick Carter WASH RINSE REPEAT, WAIT!

ven though we have discussed this one soaping is enough. We did that mostly for those who wash
before, one of the most common their hair once a week in the salon. If applying conditioner
E questions I am asked is, “What is the — which I recommend to 95% of my clients — rinse well. If
correct way to shampoo my hair?” At the risk you have coarse wavy/curly hair don’t be afraid to leave a little
of being repetitive, let’s review: conditioner in. Most shampoos have a higher pH than your hair.
A conditioner brings the pH back to its normal level.
1. Most people jump into the shower, wet their 4. You don’t have to wash your hair every day. The natural oils
hair and then shampoo. It’s best to let the water from your scalp are great for your hair. In between shampoos, you
run 3-4 minutes on your hair before beginning to shampoo. It’s also can use dry shampoo if you have fine hair. Rinse your hair with
important that when shampooing do not pile your hair on the top of conditioner if you have thick hair.
your head to scrub. Furthermore, scrub your scalp only (not your hair) 5. A great clarifying shampoo once a week or every other week can
and do so using only your fingertips. This will help prevent tangles. help prevent product build-up.
2. When rinsing the shampoo out, rinse for 3-4 minutes at a
minimum depending on hair length. This will allow the shampoo I am always open to questions so please feel free to email me
to clean the ends while insuring removal of all the soap. Don’t yours. Who knows? It may end as a feature in Life in Naples.
forget behind the ears, the last thing you want to do is leave
shampoo, which can dry and look like flakes. I would like to invite all readers to write in your questions. You can
3. Also you don’t have to rinse, lather and repeat. In most cases, do so by email at Erickcre8U@gmail.com or call me at 239.777.2380.

52 Life in Naples | November 2018