This is the third part of a five part series that will be presented in shorter segments of about 10-15 minutes. This series looks at the home builder sector of the floor covering industry with three flooring contractors andFloorExpo members: Tom Boschwitz, Home Valu Interiors, Minneapolis, Steve Hoppe, Arlun Interiors, Colorado Springs and Denver, Blake Lewis, Atlanta West Carpets, Atlanta and Jay Smith, president of FloorExpo. In thissegment, the panelists discuss the variety of non-floor covering products each offers, talk more about controlling upgrades in the various types of design center models, home buyer and builder attitudes concerning home customization, and upgrades. The panelists also discuss their attitudes toward the growing trend that sees some of the industry's major suppliers finalizing deals with major home builders, the pressure this is placing on contractors and how flooring contractors differ from other contractors in this situation.

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