The Business of Building Decks and Fences

Pergola Design 101, part 2;

2008-07-18T08:32:00.004-04:00

GardenStructure.com Pergola Design Rules:

More than 12'' spans are expensive, use sparingly.
Pergolas should have more than 4 posts whenever possible, 4 post pergolas always have that "Amateur Look".

If I get another amateur designer/homeowner ask if we have plans for a 16' x 18’ pergola perched on 4 posts I am going to scream.

Not only is it a design faux pas, but it is just plain dangerous to run that close to the edge. First strong wind—first sign of rot—first tremor and your dream pergola with only 4 posts is likely to hit the ground. (If not designed properly)

What are they thinking?

A post stuck in the ground will never move?

A post perched upon a sonotube has infinite lateral strength?

Maybe that the footings are the difficult part of the job so they only want to do 4?

Or is it that they wouldn’t want anything to obstruct their wide open view. Why bother building a pergola if you don’t want to look at it. Does a pergola not frame the view?

Then again when you look at the pergolas typically built by deck contractors, with their 4 posts and their 2 stacks of sticks designs, I would prefer not to look at it either.

Go ahead—ask if we can give you plans for a 16 x18 pergola with only 4 support posts and try to cut me off before I explain why that is a really—really bad idea.

We can design a pergola that size with only 4 posts… the posts will be massive (and come at a premium), the footings are likely to be 2-3’ in width, (also at a premium), and the beam is likely to be more than 16” high, (heavy premium-and will obstruct some of your precious view).

If you are willing to shorten up the spans and use 8 or 12 posts rather than 4 it will be about ½ the price—and just my opinion, but I think it will add architectural intrigue to your home and frame the view rather nicely.

Here’s another article about the same subject: large span pergolas

Mr. Deck’s Critiques

2008-06-29T11:45:00.005-04:00

We finally have a feature on Mr. Deck’s Critique pages! Lesser builders would shudder at the thought but not this one!

It is always a thought, what do other builders think of our stuff.

What would Robert Hauck Jr. think of our work? “Probably not much”, since we do a lot of work for normal folks. We can make 2 choices in this business. We can make a very good living building things that appeal to the masses or we can sell a few pieces of art to a few people over the years.

I’ve been doing this dance between art and what people accept en masse for many years. Sure, we’ve done some art, but it is always a harder sell to make those happen. I've got a whole drawer full of designs that didn't sell but should have. Angel Wing Gates, Grand Fences, Big Pergolas, hundred thousand dollar decks. When it comes down to it I have likely spent about a year doing design work "On Spec", for upscale projects that didn't happen. The portfolio is deep enough that I don't have to do any more "Free" design work--and neither should any of our builders.

There was only 1 Silicon Valley, and I don’t imagine those magical budgets even exist there anymore. All we humble artisans can do is the best we can with an indicated budget from clients until we stumble upon a Shangri la project--that magical place where budgets are unlimited! It is kind of like winning a lottery, and many people are still waiting for the opportunity.

If you have never seen his critiques, poetry and insights you need to go there right now! Robert Hauck’s Critique Pages It would be loosely described as the first “Deck Business Blog”, though large scale Art Pergolas would better describe what he does. His insights and commentary are priceless, hilarious and honest.

Being 67 now he has certainly been an inspiration to this builder. I wish I had clientele in Silicon Valley in the 80’s with budgets like those to play with. $700,000 was the biggest outdoor budget I have ever had, and we had to do 300’ of gothic fencing and a curved pergola within it.

Robert was known for building outdoor art-sculpture in wood.

He would use brackets and bolts and create beautiful sculpted things. Take a ride around his website to see some.

So, yes, we got our critique. And it has to do with stairs—and the drag is that he assumed it was the southern states where they put steps on a concrete footing for stability. He didn’t understand or expect that we would have to place footings 4’ deep to support staircases that have handrails that may be damaged by the movement of frost.

The principal has to do with water freezing. As it freezes it expands… kind of like clay soaking up water in Texas and swelling…very similar thing, but the ice within the ground is solid and powerful. It will move anything within the expansion zone, which means if you run skirting down to ground level it could well, raise the deck out of the ground.

Factor 2… when I photographed it (a few years ago), the homeowner that was doing many things like stain, moving gravel and all the footings (under my direction), had not yet moved in the soil or grass seed to heal up the void between ground and the footing supported step.

All in all, if that is the major criticism from Robert Hauck Jr. I am doing ok! It is a grand thing to be noticed by one of your mentors.

Thanks Robert Cheers!

Our Deck Builder in Oshawa Whitby - Terry G

2008-06-27T10:00:00.008-04:00

Terry has been part of our builder group for nearly 3 years now-- He took a hiatus for nearly a year however we are pleased to announce his return!

He was building decks part time for the last 20 years during a "Project Management" career. He is one of those builders that builds decks and outdoor woodwork mostly because he loves building.

Terry Grosjean services the Oshawa - Whitby and surrounding areas like Pickering, Brooklin and anything south of Peterborough.

This was a deck Terry built for a customer in Whitby that contacted GardenStructure.com for a deck design. Terry did a masterful job making the design come to life.

His speciality? Terry has built quite a few decks, fences and pergolas that you will find in our A-List Portfolios. He leaves a trail of happy customers behind him and if you ask him for references he will likely just hand you a list.

Terry is a genuine and respectable builder and is turning into quite a designer in his own right.

He is booked about 4-5 weeks presently, so summer jobs are still possible.

You can reach Terry at 905 767 4015

Why can’t I get my contractor to call me back?

2008-06-26T08:04:00.005-04:00

Contractors tend to be creative types so part of the artistic personality just doesn’t jive with a rigid schedule. Combined with the majority of clients making changes and adding to the job before it is finished and you find a few days of unscheduled work on a typical project.

Good contractors will call you back eventually if you have had past dealings with them. This being mid June—this is the busiest time of the year for outdoor specialists. Everyone wants their job done this summer, and if you were prudent in your planning you would have been shopping the job in December and January.

I heard another panicked announcement by a government think-tank the other day. They say we are heading for a trades shortage. I don’t know whether that is just hot air or whether that is actually a factor. I don’t see a shortage presently… our builders are booked about 2 months on average.

When it comes to small jobs like 3 sections of fence, or a 4x8 deck you will certainly have a rough time getting a contractor to commit.

Small jobs like these are the least efficient and least profitable. Think about it. When you build any fence you need to:

Travel to Visit the Site and chat with the potential client and return. (2 hours + Fuel)
Draw up the contract and sketch the job (1 Hour)
Do the Material Take off (15 mins)
Order materials (15 mins)
Organize your tools and go to the site (1 hour)
Mark the post locations (1 hour)
Have the posts dug and set (15 mins + Charge for post installation)
Drive to the site ( 30 mins)
Set up your tools (15 mins)
“Build” (3 hours)
Clean up your tools (15 mins)
Dispose of the garbage (1 hour+ Tip Fee)
Return to the shop (15 mins)

If the job is only 3 hours on site… that leaves a half-day inactive—because it is not very often two small jobs are close enough to do 2 in a day. The builder needs to be paid for the whole day to make the job happen. (+4 hours)

Now, if the job only takes 3 hours… what should the job be priced at to make it “Worth Doing”.

To do this 3 hour job the builder has spent 15 hours and likely $100 in fuel + materials

So, if you are wondering why that 3-hour job you are trying to get done has contractors asking for more than $1000 – You now understand why!

Illegal Labour in the Deck and Fence Business

2008-06-23T22:02:00.008-04:00

Our last poll asked the question--what should be done. 55% said mass deportations. 25% said make them citizens. I am noticing a trend.

About 50% of our visitors are professional builders to this site. WE have all had to deal with it for many years now. Obviously in the US it has been a migration from the south. In Canada it has been from Eastern Europe. One of our largest competitors was here on a student's visa when he started his company.

Contractors are frustrated on both sides of the border.

If they are going to have to compete the competition should be on a level playing field. When people use indentured servants to get work done and charge less due to that advantage the legitimate builders get cheated.

In a Toronto Star article they stated that there was some 38,000 illegal workers in the construction trades in the Toronto Area in 2005 -- 125,000 illegal workers in total that year.

It is NOT their Fault.

They came here from a hostile economic circumstance. They will do anything to provide for their families.

Our governments and their communal inactivity are to blame--entirely.

I joined this trade in 1987 because there was a shortage in the trade. The government helped train folks to be carpenters--then threw them under the bus by not keeping the playing field level.

I guess that is why my game is so strong. I had to compete with all the new businesses--all the illegal labour and all the designers borrowing my details in the Toronto area.

Well, we now have about 8 builders in the Toronto Area that don't have to compete with illegals--(they aren't skilled enough to compete with us).

And there are also builders in Boston, Charleston, Virginia Beach, Tampa, Dallas and Los Angeles that are also setting themselves apart from the masses of builders just trying to make a living.

(get in touch with me for more info).

Just try to remember--in every economic season there are always people making money--the trick is to make sure they are your customers.

Toronto Help Wanted

2008-05-26T11:08:00.004-04:00

Help Wanted in Toronto East End. If you are looking to join a top woodworking crew in the east part of Toronto - Scarborough, Beaches, Markham please get in touch with Ross Ungaro at 416 410 1360 or send your resume to plans@gardenstructure.com

Carpenters, Labourers and Carpenter's helpers are required. If you want to learn how to do beautiful decks of cedar and hardwood (the right way), get in touch. This amounts to very valuable training.

We still have space for 1 more builder in the north part of Toronto--Get in touch with Lawrence if you are interested in getting licensed.

Most of our builders need help in the GTA, so don't be shy about sending a resume.

Fence Inspections (Part 1)

2008-05-25T09:45:00.006-04:00

"This post illustrates major errors in fence building that many contractors and DIY builders make when erecting fences."

Hiring a contractor to build a wood fence anywhere in North America between April and June is fraught with financial risk.

Every single year in an area like Toronto, or LA, or Houston there are 500 new fence companies. Some work out of small cars or station wagons, some have big professional looking trucks. Nice business cards, sometimes company shirts and baseball caps, an eager and optimistic attitude, lots of energy---and most importantly, little or no experience, business training, marketing know how or even the slightest clue how to build a wood fence. They are all eager to do a few jobs and build a reputation.

Where do you learn to build great fences? There are very few books that teach anything worthwhile when it comes to fences. We sell plans on our website that contains plenty of good instructions, however most of the books in stores and in the library are either old, flawed or geared to the southern climates.

Every year I get calls this time of year, “Can I get you to come out and tell me if this fence is built properly”—I ask them if this was a low bid contractor—they typically tell me of course it was. I give them a price and I go out to have a look. "This is often the case--people assume that all fences are equal and that all fence builders know how to build well".

It is always interesting when I arrive with the contractor still on site and begin taking photos of their sins against the fence gods.

Inspections and the following report is firstly a negotiation tool for the client to decrease the contractor due to his shoddy workmanship. Secondly this is due diligence for a future court case. You see when I prepare a report it contains photos and plain English language explanations of the errors being showcased. It is what a judge needs in order to make a reasonable assessment if it does come to court.

Take Snoop Dog Square Pants here—(yes, that is a "Sponge Bob", Tee shirt on this young contractor), the poor guy couldn't’t build a fence straight or level, cheated on the footings, used ardox nails in ACQ materials, built gates backwards-even put the hardware on backwards.

When confronted by the client by asking how long the posts that he installed were—( because they were sticking out of the ground 8’)—this rookie builder told him 11’. Everyone knows you can’t buy 11’ posts. It added insult to injury in this case.

These guys didn't know how to remove the old corner posts--so they just added a piece to the existing fence beyond.

A fence with no corner posts will not last.

You can also see the fence boards touching the ground. Frost causes the ground to expand. It will lift up to 2" in this area. Without 2" of space between the ground and the fence... it will lift the posts out of the ground or damage the fence.

Both of these gates were built by the same contractor. Strange how the frames are different sizes. Gate braces work under compression, so one of these gates is backwards.

They missed with their gun exposing a tragic flaw. Non-ACQ Rated nails in ACQ materials.

Within 3 years there will not likely be a board left on this fence. Black streaks of corrosion will be the only evidence of nails ever existing.

Worse still--he used nails the wrong size--then clipped them off. Straight shank nails tend to pull straight out or work themselves loose due to expansion and contraction of the wood.

Always use spiral galvanized ACQ rated nails in ACQ Materials. If this rookie deck builder had bothered to use actual ACQ rated fasteners and clipped them off--they would rot in 3 years just like ardox.

When it comes to sturdying up fence posts there really is only one way. Replace the post with one that is installed in a proper footing.

Adding concrete will only make the post lift a little higher out of the ground every year.

I don't have anything against someone starting a new fence company--however--learn your craft before competing with real fence companies.

In this case I explained to this make believe fence builder that he should be ashamed of himself for wasting all these materials and then expecting the client to pay for it even though it would only last 3 years.

If he wasn't going to bother learning how to build fences properly, that he should go and do something that doesn't require any learning--like digging ditches, or sweeping floors.

The kindest thing I could do for this contractor is to give him a nudge to help him get out of business and help him towards doing something productive with his life.

I told the homeowner that he should offer the builder $500 to take the whole fence away... then he should have a proper fence built by a legitimate contractor. This fence will be an eyesore within months.

By The Way-- If you want to learn how to build a fence properly click the link. The step by step plans are fool proof.

Landscape Design- Builders of Decks and pergolas in Hamilton - Burlington Ontario

2008-04-26T08:14:00.004-04:00

Welcome Denis Nadeau. Click links below to see more of Denis' Work.

15 years in the landscaping, landscape design and outdoor woodwork business. Hundreds of happy clients before even joining our builder Group! He’s looks at woodwork through the highly trained eye of a designer and is well known in the Burlington, Ancaster and Hamilton Ontario area for his outdoor kitchens and pergolas.

Denis is booking weeks in advance already for both landscape design and installed decks, fences, pergolas and patios.

You will find Denis at the Brantford Home and Garden Show all weekend. Few candidates as good a fit as Denis Nadeau. He builds well, he has great people and his designs are creative and inspired.

L

Help Wanted - Deck Builders - Carpenters

2008-04-24T08:06:00.001-04:00

We still need Deck Builders and Carpenters and Landscapers

Help Wanted— Hourly or Sub-Contract

Denis Nadeau is Booking July in Hamilton / Burlington—He needs carpenters and interlock-stone installers and a little general labour--(strong like bull he says)

Tony Fredericks Is also Booking work in Mid July in Mississauga / Etobicoke—Most of what Tony does would be deemed “Architectural Woodwork”, so he needs talent or smart helpers that are eager to learn.

Lance Hans in Tampa / Naples, Florida is also looking for more talented carpenters. He is booking this summer quickly.

Jamie Elliot in Barrie is also looking for help, however his wife is having a baby in the coming week—so don’t be too disappointed if he doesn’t call you back as soon as you send in a resume. "We hope it goes well Jamie!"

Muskoka, Kitchener Waterloo, North York, Orangeville Caledon and Guelph are all available for future Builder Group Locations and the phones are ringing in all those areas right now!
If you are looking for work send your resume to plans@gardenstructure.com and if you are interested in the Deck and Pergola Builders Group please call Lawrence at 888 293 8938 or 416 951 9998.

Collapsed Decks

2008-04-09T22:44:00.006-04:00

Sometimes decks collapse because of creativity.

This looks to most people like a good idea--few things are as strong as Polycarbonate.

Polycarbonate is a very strong plastic. The trouble is that every product will eventually meet their maximum level of usability. Most plastics do react with UV exposure and get brittle.

In this case they were overloaded to the point of failure. I found 3 broken clips...not sure how many there were.

These brackets were designed to hold the snow on steel or aluminum roofs rather than folks slamming the door and it landing on their heads.

Trouble is that they work very well. It keeps the snow on the roof... long enough to turn it to ice during protracted cold spells.

The ice builds up over the months and eventually the weight is too great--for the plastic snojacks in this case. If they were made of metal--it is not likely that they all would have failed simultaneously as in this case.

This was a deck that was sturdy enough for the owners to have a party on last weekend--and a week ago 2 or 3 tons of snow and ice slid off the roof and impacted the deck, punching the support posts up through the platform.

When a deck is just under built or a ledger fails the entire platform typically collapses.

Now, lets not rush to hasty judgement that the polycarbonate brackets caused the failure.

4 snowfalls with very little melt, protracted cold weather and a not so well insulated home causing the snow to condense into ice and a metal roof and a not so new deck all had a part in this deck failure.

This was in fact a fortunate accident.

Because this is the main entrance to the house.

No one was home at the time of the collapse.

L

Gazebos - New Designs

2008-04-07T18:09:00.004-04:00

The first of Our new Gazebo Designs -- (just kidding, there will be more new gazebos this summer)

This floating gazebo showed up in my in-box this morning... Thought I'd share it.

Help Wanted - Deck Builders in GTA and Toronto

2008-04-06T09:00:00.008-04:00

Deck Builders Wanted in Toronto and GTA

We need capable deck builders in the GTA and Toronto. When we say Capable builders that means that you can look at a job, learn our methods, and build to our quality with very few pointers from our Senior Deck Builders .

It means you have mastered reading the English language.

You are an actual carpenter that can frame a house, or trim a house and actually do it well enough to get paid for the job.

We need helpers too, Tony in the West End has space for 2 or 3 carpenters and helpers.

Dave in Aurora Richmond Hill needs 2 complete crews.

Jamie in Barrie-Newmarket needs 3 builders.

Terry Grosjean in Oshawa Whitby needs helpers and also a post hole augur operator.

Denis in Burlington-Hamilton is likely to need up to 5 crews this year for both patios and decks.

There are still GTA locations available within our Deck Builders Group--Get in touch. Kitchener Waterloo and North York and Oakville still available.

All of us will entertain the possibility of sub-contractors, however we aren't interested in calling a helper a sub. We won't send you to your insurance agent to get liability and disability insurance and educate you on how to file for workman's comp so that we have proof that you are an actual contractor just in case the government comes calling.

We want intelligent, polite and thoughtful people that will get the job done to our typical stellar level-while representing us well as efficiently as possible. (We have to keep a schedule too).

For the right people you will get steady work, we will teach you some new tricks and you will earn top wages in the field. (not to mention bragging rights of working with the Best Deck Builders in Canada ).

Now, if you built a deck from your dad a couple of years ago, and think cleats are a creative way to build deck stairs (like many of the local builders seem to think--I just think it's neglectful and dangerous), you need something.

You need to look at exactly why you want to be a deck builder. You need to ask yourself why you feel it is OK to BS your way through life. Likely why you dropped out of school... why you never did your homework.

Why you believe that knowing how to build the best decks is something you garnered through breeding--like you are smarter than 100% of all the other builders out there.

You need to go away and learn something.

Anything.

Study, Learn, Do.

Become confident in your skin and trade then call me.

Some of our competitors are advertising for work and help on sites like Craigslist. People look on sites like Craigslist for handy people. Not professionals. Handy guys advertise there so they don't have to go back to the check cashing center for another advance.

It's like free classified ads that anyone can get no questions asked. Like a big free box of chocolate but half are rotten.

Bottom of the barrel work for scant wages.

Here's what the other deck companies ads look like (they have been truncated and contacts removed). I just can't believe that is where they advertise for skilled help! It certainly explains some quality issues I have seen within their portfolios.

Craigslist Deck Company #1

Deck Intallers needed (GTA)
Date: 2008-04-04, 2:53PM EDTWe are currently looking for Deck installers for the upcoming season. Requirements: - truck - tools - carpentry experience - clean record - general liability insurance - WSIB independent contractor registration Please call 1-888-676-3325 We do work all over the GTA from Burlington to Oshawa, Downtown Toronto to Keswick.

Craigslist Deck Company #2

Carpenters/Deck Installers in the GTA
Date: 2008-04-04, 12:11PM EDTDelta Decks, is seeking full time carpenters/deck installers... experience is needed for those unforeseen situations. Here is what we are looking for in a successful candidate: - Must have some carpentry experience (typically minimum 3 years) - Able to work quickly - Good common sense ...Able to supervise at least one helper - Be willing to travel anywhere in the GTA (milage paid for outside of GTA)...Please apply by e-mail only.

Final Word on Free Deck Designs

2008-03-25T20:50:00.011-04:00

Our poll shows that nearly 50% of our visitors are homeowners looking for ideas. That means that the majority of contractors think that offering free designs is short sighted.

Who's idea was that?

When you are good at something you should get rewarded well for your efforts. When you are practicing your craft--sure, you are willing to do for the experience of doing.

In my case having my work showcased in numerous magazines, being emulated by Landscape Architects and Builders worldwide, (and shipping historical plans worldwide), being on TV, in Newspapers and having tens of thousands of websites pointing to us as the world's best means that we don't have to do design work for free.

Free deck plans?

The trouble is, if we offered free deck plans--that's all we'd have time to do.

The fact is, there are stores and companies that offer free deck designs and plans, however they normally turn out to be worth precisely what you pay.

Most of the time these "Free Deck Plans" are loaded into the cost of the materials (in the case of big box stores), and into the cost of the Deck that many companies offering free deck designs will high pressure sell you in your living room.

A Call to your local GardenStructure.com Deck Builder for a quote and for our input into how to improve your deck design ideas or to find out what options we can add to bring the deck design up to our level of detail will get you on the right track. Our Builders may have a token fee however I am confident you will find them knowledgeable and creative.

Our Deck Builders will always supply free quotations on decks or pergolas if you have deck designs already.

If you don't have plans and need design assistance and don't trust lesser builders to design your dream deck--you can contact Paul Corsetti at 416 455-5515 for complete landscape plans as well as structure and deck designs,

Or Lawrence Winterburn (Principal Designer for GardenStructure.com ) at 416 951 9998. Paul and I do charge for consultations and design work--but keep in mind we do it professionally. L

Starting A Deck, Fence or Pergola Company in 08

2008-03-08T13:57:00.007-05:00

Best Places to Start a Deck or Fence Company in 2008

There are always locational factors to starting a deck, fence or pergola company. Economics have to be examined when deciding where to locate your company. Certain areas are on trend for a healthy economy going forward, Calgary Alberta, Waterloo Ontario, New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, DC, Connecticut, Washington State, Coastal Florida, San Diego, and most of California in the older cities still have strong markets for Deck and Fence Builders. There are about a thousand cities with healthy economies in the US that I have missed.

…Others may go through some economic pain yet, however we have proven that even in a slow economy we can help you sell more. Just talk to Lance Hans in Tampa. 35% real estate price depreciation—and he’s booked up.

Every year there are hundreds of deck and fence companies starting businesses--they will usually sell on price because typically—that’s all they have to offer. When you are looking to compete you can either work for free (like them), or position yourself with us ( Deck Builder Group click for details )

There is another option - buy a franchise from a deck franchise company. Please don’t treat this as me telling you that you should buy a deck franchise, because some of the Deck Franchise Companies in business today may not make it through this recession. $50-100,000 is a lot to pay to have a boss.

I know of one Deck Franchise that has lost nearly 20 franchisees in the recent past. When they are fleeing in those numbers there are troubles.

Before you buy a deck franchise be aware that most countries mandate that they have to make available a list of past franchisees and their contacts so that you can contact them and get feedback.

Because of the economy more people will be fixing rather than moving. Housing prices will come back up, and everyone knows that they always have. The jobs may be a little smaller than in years of the strong economy but that doesn’t mean less profit—It will likely mean more referrals in fact!

This has been the longest winter in many years in Toronto—there’s 4 feet of snow in places and folks are calling to build fences and decks every day. There are still areas around Toronto Available, North York, Oakville, Orangeville-Caledon and Kitchener Waterloo.

Give me a call to get involved—and if you are looking for sub-contract or hourly work, get us resumes or summaries of experience soon.

Lawrence Winterburn
888 293 8938

Free Deck Designs

2008-02-29T23:08:00.002-05:00

When I initiated the poll “Should deck builders do free designs?”, I fully expected a blowout. I’d love to know what you all think so please—treat this as an invitation to post comments on this subject.

It was a tie for the first week or two but the result was, 58% yes, deck builders should do free designs with over 50 votes.

I guess to interpret these results we need another poll. (See the new poll in left margin)

Some Lawyers do Free Initial Consultations—normally ½ hour maximum.

Many deck builders feel that free estimates are your opportunity to “Sell” the homeowner on your ability and prowess.

Others see it as “You train your clients”. If you acclimate your clientele to expecting you to work for free, (depreciating the worth of your time), then they will expect you to do work for free later.

Some of the Leading though declining Deck Franchises actually force you to do Free Deck Designs for every single potential customer. I’ve been told that it takes roughly 10 hours for the average contractor to do a free deck design to their standards for a “Potential Client”.

Any Business that forces its employees, (worse still—investors), to work for free, (Slavery), is nothing short of “Tyrannical”. Slavery is just plain wrong, but when you have slaves you need to feed them, cloth them and house them. Forcing people to do 50 hours a week for free is worse than slavery.

If you are to do 5 estimates a week, (Often I will do 5 Initial Consultations in a day—not free), and those free designs eat up 10 hours each… ahem…When on earth are you to be making your living?

When things tighten up—as they have in the US presently, deck builders may well need to hustle. Free initial consultations may well be necessary. But Free Designs for Decks, or pergolas, or gates?

Members of our "Builder Group", have a large portfolio and "Design Elements" which is a line art portfolio of designs. Potential clients can pick and choose elements that they like and the builder simply has to use these details as specifications. No need to reinvent the wheel. (Call Lawrence at 888 293 8938 for more about the Builder Group). Our Builders are inspired to do a little marketing so that they get more leads--when you have more leads you can charge for designs and even consultations in many cases.

I just don’t agree with the practice of working for many hours for free.. If you must do free estimates, so be it. When it comes to the deck business I believe that deck companies in general don’t charge enough—before factoring in working for free. This business needs an injection of professionalism.

When you do deck designs for free, you are either just doing it for fun, or really bad at it, or you may be using some automated software that spits out boring and elderly designs in an attempt to take over the world one deck at a time—and in that case it is worth precisely the price charged.

It is truly a shame when you get duped into driving an hour to see someone so that you can be milked of your expertise and then shamed into 10 hours of toil under the pretense of being hired for a job—only to have your hard work taken for free—and a door firmly closed in your face.

The definition of ignorance—doing it twice.

L

Toronto Area Deck and Pergola Builder Opportunities

2008-02-23T10:31:00.016-05:00

Areas Available for Builders of Decks and Pergola Builders-Spring Season 2008 Toronto & GTA Area.

These won't last long. If you are thinking about starting up a deck company in the GTA or Toronto area you should be talking to us. Also, if you have a deck company that you are wanting to grow this year in the area--we should talk as well.

In this day and age the more local you stay--the more money you will make. Some days it takes 2 hours to drive across Toronto from the 404 to 400.

Locations in the GTA Toronto or North Toronto area will be working extensively with Lawrence (Structure Designer) and Paul Corsetti, (our Landscape Designer). Which means hands on sales training-design assistance and likely sales provided as well. Some areas will be discounted because infrastructure is already in place (many of these areas already rank well).

Brampton, Caledon & Orangeville Assigned 07-08-08

WoodBridge Vaughan Richmond Hill-Aurora ASSIGNED 03-20-08

North York

Toronto East Beaches-Scarborough-Markham -ASSIGNED 02-28-08

Oshawa-Whitby ASSIGNED 03-03-08

Mississauga South of 403-Etobicoke - ASSIGNED 03-04-08
Oakville
Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge

These areas boasts a population in excess of 300,000 and is primarily low rise residential which means there is a great many in need of a quality minded builder of decks, fences, trellises and pergolas.

With our help you can become one of the major players in the local deck builder business within weeks.

Ps. For more information about our Builder Group Deck and Fence Company Licensing, call me (Lawrence), at 888 293 8938 or Paul Corsetti at 416 455 5515

One of our Best Deck Builders-Niagara Ontario

2008-02-21T12:41:00.006-05:00

What can I say about Kevin Murrell. When I met him he was thinking about getting out of the deck business. He wanted to do beautiful things and was having a hard time making it happen after a couple of years in the Deck Business. He had yellow page ads, he had marketing, but he didn't have a deep pool of good photography to work with.

How do you get the chance to build the best decks--when all you have been given the opportunity to do is simple jobs. I knew the moment I met Kevin that he was very skilled--and a brilliant craftsman. I think I had to call him 5 times to convince him to work with us.

He is a perfectionist, and he may take a little longer to do the job the first time through... But so did I in the first few years. There is something to be said for being patient enough to develop your own techniques.

This is just one of the jobs I photographed that Kevin built last year. I think it is top 3 for all the decks built by GardenStructure.com contractors last year. I'm going to show off more of Kevin's work in the next month so stay tuned.

Kevin DESIGNED and Built this Deck. It is pre-finished red cedar and I just can't say how impressed I am with his blossoming ability. I sure do love when I turn out to be right about someone! Enough solo back patting, It's Kevin Murrell's work... I really like this deck.

What's more impressive? Last I checked Kevin is converting 50% of his leads. People love Kevin Murrell the first time they meet him... and it's just my theory. He's a bargain at any price. Unassuming nice guys can indeed finish at the top of the heap!

Kevin-- I am so Impressed. Nice Deck!

Funny Searches on Google that land at the decks blog.

2008-02-19T23:50:00.004-05:00

Here's another one from Longmount Colorado

http://www.google.com/search?q=pergola beam sag&hl=en&safe=off&start=20&sa=N

Yeah... if the beam is sagging it was either installed crown down or it was too small for the load or even to hold itself up.

And From Baltimore Maryland

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=why do you have to wait to stain a new deck

It is a myth.

If you are building a new deck--stain the materials before.

Check this article-it teaches you all you need to know about staining a new deck. Exterior Stain

L

Screws VS Nails for Deck Framing.

2008-02-16T09:34:00.007-05:00

While watching one of those TV Hero-Competition Bashing Contractor screwing a deck frame together the other day it illuminated a contentious debate in the Deck Business. Which is stronger… Nails or Screws for decks?

Nails have a much greater sheer strength, while for a short time in a deck application screws may hold tighter. If this surprises you, try this experiment. Put a screw in a nice big block of wood about 1.5” deep…could be firewood, the type doesn’t matter.

Now, hit the screw with a hammer.

It sheers off clean.

Try the same thing with a nail.

You would have to bend the nail back and forth 50 times for it to snap off.

This is why we use Nails for framing.

If it is in the budget to use a joist gasket and stainless screws, we will use them. Or in the case of Pressure Treated, at request of the client, we will use ACQ Screws. However we do let them know that when it comes time to refinish the deck, you may end up changing a number of broken screws even taking these precautions.

When the boards are swelling from moisture it can cause the screws to tear out of the joists leaving a void for moisture to cause premature rot. If the finish was damaged during installation it can corrode. Often the screws will simply not hold beyond a couple of years.

When you refinish a deck typically we set all the nails a quarter inch deep, then sand the deck with a large machine….

If the deck is screwed down, you have to set the screws. This means that roughly half the screws will strip within the joist, or break or the head will strip at the bit. That exposed steel will react with Red Cedar causing black streaks.

Now, In California did you know that it is illegal to assemble your deck with Screws?

Due to earthquakes, screwed frames have collapsed causing injury and damages in several locations. Many things are discovered in California first…

Build Safe gang—Don’t believe what you see on TV when it comes to woodwork.

L

North Kawartha-Peterborough

2008-02-14T14:24:00.008-05:00

Garry Douglas used to be a project manager and generally talented construction expert doing everything and including heavy construction like water treatment facilities in the far north.

About 3 years ago he chose to retire from the long distance work he did through most of his career. Garry chose to do what he always loved doing--Woodwork. He wanted a better quality of life and to spend more time with his wife. We were proud to be able to help him make that happen!

He's been doing great work and has been the consummate professional. He's been building with us from his base in Apsley and going as far as Peterborough as well.

He's set up great workshop right in Apsley and has been interesting work upto an hour away.

He is not just a GardenStructure.com Builder--but also has a dealership for Shade Tree Canopies. I know he designed some pergolas with canopies at 3 or 4 residences in just one complex last summer. He's been getting busier and busier over the years.

Garry found himself in the hospital a couple of weeks ago and is hoping to heal by spring.

GardenStructure.com would like to let Garry Douglas, our deck builder in the Kawarthas, know that we are thinking of him during this time. Garry has been a valuable member of our team and trusted advisor for the last 3 years and we've just plain enjoyed working with him.

We sincerely wish you a speedy recovery Garry, Get Better Soon.

You can send Garry a get well soon note at kawartha@gardenstructure.com

Help Wanted-Carpenters, Designers, Deck Builders

2008-02-10T11:03:00.003-05:00

Once again—We need Deck Builders; Deck Designers-Commission Sales help-and many locations require carpentry sub-contractors and carpenter’s helpers.

The phones are already ringing even with the recent snowfall in the Toronto area. Traffic is up 20% from last year on the website and we are featured in 3 magazines far—so we expect a banner year! We are adding 2 phone lines at the office for the spring traffic.

There are licensed builder opportunities available all through main land USA and notably, the west coast and New Jersey – New York, Washington and Connecticut.

In The Southern Ontario area-- Though Windsor’s economy is on the ropes we’d be happy to set up a deck builder for half price in this trying time. It will qualify under our new Rural Builder program, which is new for 2008. That’s for builders setting up with less than 150,000 populations within an hour’s drive.

The Kitchener Waterloo is available. This is Silicon Valley North--tech savvy intelligent clientele that want it creative and bigger than the folks down the street. Our builder that was there was typically booked a year in advance with strong pricing. This area will go quickly.

Markham, Ajax, North York, Mississauga, Oakville, Caledon and Muskoka are available in the Toronto area. Those areas that aren’t assigned by May 1 will be covered by the others close enough to service in the meantime. Past May 1 we won’t likely have capacity to set anyone up anywhere for about 45 days.

Calgary, Edmonton, and all of BC are wide open—

In the past few months we have added a small job specialist in the Toronto area and licensed builders in Tampa, Naples, Charleston, Virginia Beach, Hamilton-Burlington (landscape design as well), and set up a posthole auguring company in Mississauga-Burlington.

Licensed locations coming soon in Greenville SC and Boise Idaho and the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia. and a deck refinishing company in the GTA.

We are seeking experienced deck and fence designer-commission sales staff, in the GTA and Experienced Sub Contract Builders as well.

Sub Contract Carpenters are also needed in the Elmvale, Wasaga Beach and Collingwood areas.

Closer to spring there will be opportunities for office staff—

We are launching new programs for Stain Contractors (deck refinishers), posthole auguring companies and landscape designers across North America. Get in touch with Lawrence if you are in these businesses and want to look at some high value marketing.

If you are applying for sub work or commission sales positions please send your resume to designs@gardenstructure.com or fax to 705 322 9199

For more information about the Builder Group Click here or call Lawrence at 888 293 8938

Lance Hans - Tampa Florida 's best pergola builder

2008-02-01T20:37:00.002-05:00

Lance started with us early last summer building pergolas and garden woodwork in the Tampa area and he has been working hard all year. If you have ever seen a Florida summer you know they have been sweating. He is creative and I just can't tell you all how impressed I am with his work. Tampa has been hard hit by this housing correction so it means he's had to hustle to keep booked up.

When I talked to him around Christmas he had about 10 quotes on the table and he has said that he gets the majority of his leads through GardenStructure.com. We know Lance will be a success because of his altruism towards the clients, polite demeanor and the class that shows through everything he does.
Lance has family in the Naples - Fort Myers area so as an insurance policy we have granted him Naples as an additional area to make sure he can pick and choose his work. We want great Contractors like Lance Hans to thrive with us for many years to come.

Keep up the great work Lance! L

Ps. For more information about our Builder Group Deck and Fence Company Licensing, call me (Lawrence), at 888 293 8938

GardenStructure.com featured in Magazines Spring 08

2008-01-16T15:14:00.000-05:00

GardenStructure.com Fences, Decks and Pergolas are being featured in the Spring Magazines

Of course we have the best designs in the world—and the magazines are taking notice.

We have been supplying magazines like House and Home, Canadian Living, Home Workshop, Canadian Gardening, Newspapers like the Hartford Courant and The Tribune, as well as on line publications like About.com with our unique designs, insights and content for many years.

We were credited with a pergola design in the Florida Magazine "House Trends" recently.

Look for our designs to be featured in Contractors Advantage Magazine and “This Old House” Magazine soon!