Useful Deck Information

There’s always been a huge misconception about why building permits are required.  Today, there are a quickly growing number of deck builders who choose not to bother with properly passing deck permits.  Most likely to either avoid the time and cost involved or simply a negligent understanding of their importance.  Some deck builders will give creative and elaborate excuses why you shouldn’t pull or pass a permit.

Most decks REQUIRE permits by law.  If your deck builder doesn’t want to pull permits, get another builder.  If the builder is caught mid-construction working on an unpermitted deck, YOU may be required to tear it down and start over.  If you are building your own deck and are caught mid-construction, you may be required to tear it down.   More importantly, if someone is injured on a deck that you knowingly built or had built without permits, your insurance may not cover it.  Worse yet, you can certainly be found legally liable.

Make sure your deck builder passes all inspections that are required.  Many jurisdictions mandate pier and structural inspections in order to satisfy the final inspection.   A trend being noticed throughout the Johnson County, KS is that many builders are only pulling permits on decks, screened porches and pergolas in order to perform the work without interruption.  They have no intention of ever completing the permit. 

Pulling a deck permit is the easy part and simply allows the work to begin.  Passing a permit is more important because it oversees that a structure(s) is built correctly, safely, and to updated national building codes.

Any permit is worthless without completion of an approved final inspection and/or a Certificate of Occupancy.  Most permits are null and void after 180 days of inactivity or failure to close properly.  A satisfactorily completed permit is the only way to ensure your deck is built safely and to current building codes.  It’s also required to release a homeowner liable for personal injury or death.

If you have any questions about the legitimacy or status of your building permit, simply call your local Community Development Department.  That would be the city if within limit boundaries and your county if residing on unincorporated land.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

To those very few who are still bored enough to keep on ingesting my amateur and bland writing style, “Sorry it’s been so long since my last post!”

For us Kansas City deck builders, March through May is by far the busiest time of our building year.  I know, that’s a poor excuse for not posting more often.  However, I’ve also recently expended a significant amount of time and energy battling some erroneous and unfair reports on our Angie’s List profile.

Any professional deck builder or other business owner in the United States has most likely heard of Angie’ List.  In fact, if you watch network TV long enough, you’re bound to see one of their national commercials.  Their popularity, and therefore size, has grown tremendously over the last few years.

When Angie’s list first originated, it had a very unique niche.  It was a forum for which consumers could join into an organization and gain UNBIASED information on companies.  Whether the testimonials were good or bad, authentic reports on real experiences were placed any business put into the list.  And the only way a business could get onto Angie’s List was by a member’s submission.  Only Angie’s List members were allowed to report and review the information on the businesses within the list.  This was checked very closely by administrative follow up calls and a direct line of questioning.  This also held true of some other referral based services.  However, the main difference Angie’s List had going for it was that it NEVER allowed for businesses to buy their way onto the list and enhance their position by financial contribution.  That philosophy is what ORIGINALLY set Angie’s List apart and made them such a reliable source for consumers to research a business, organization, or professional.  Those moral and ethical principles are what grew the organization so quickly.  But that was then, this is now.

Today, I see more and more business easily adding flawless reports to their Angie’s List profiles.  It’s amazing how some of these notoriously inferior deck builders and contactors who I always hear horror stories about have perfect A grades on Angie’s List.  Oh, and by the way, they are also the same ones investing a ton of advertising within the list.  The other gripe I have is the lack of oversight and evenhandedness given to the reports written about a company.  For instance, I believe our company has ten or eleven reports attached to our Angie’s List profile.  If you look at the reports, we have something like six or seven from people we’ve worked for and three or four who we’ve never even done business with. 

The ones we’ve worked for have all given us A grades and even straight A’s across each category, except for one customer who gave us a B on price.  I can’t argue with him.  Frankly, I’m surprised we don’t have more because we’re not cheap.  However, that same customer still gave us an A on everything else and said he’d definitely hire us again.

Then we have three or four from people who have never even walked through neither our door, nor us through theirs.  We received very poor grades, mostly F’s, from these people who never received our services or gave us one red cent!  One said that the price we quoted over the phone was too high.  Another didn’t like the fact that we said her project was not within our scope of expertise.  One lady even went as far as to accuse our salesman of being sexist because he showed the proposal to her husband before herself. 

Another, and this one I still can’t get over, gave us a C grade.  He initially contacted us through a contact form on our website.  Our salesman tried returning his email and calling numerous times to set up a time to come out and give an estimate.  The emails kept coming back “undeliverable” and the phone number he gave us didn’t work.  All of our salesmen are mandated to save records of contact and attempts of contact, just in case.  Sometimes in today’s world, you even have to prove your attempt to service a bid request.  So after never being able to reach this gentleman, and he never attempting to contact us again, he decides to go onto Angie’s List and give us a C grade.  I’ll just copy and paste his exact response verbatim, and you can derive your own opinion:

(Part of the member’s report posted)

Description Of Work: 

This supplier was delayed in responding to my inquiry. A contract for the work had already been let at that time.

Member Comments: 

A problem with my phone line may have been the cause of the delay.

Our company returned four separate emails and returned two phone calls for this gentleman’s bid request.  He is the one who failed to respond to our attempts of contact.  By his admission in his member comments above – “A problem with my phone line may have been the cause of the delay.”   Yet, he finds it necessary to go onto this forum and give us a C!  For what?  Trying to contact him?

Keep in mind, a grade like this not only affects our overall Angie’s List grade, but is also posted before we’ve had any opportunity to rebut, dispute or state our side of the story.  That chance is only given after the report is made public to Angie’s List members.  Even then, it’s only attached to the bottom of the review which stays no matter the validity or reason.  They sure could take some tips from the Better Business Bureau on how to responsibly arbitrate material posted for public viewing.  Angie’s List claims to not be an arbitrator, but they really should take some sort of accountability since they are publishing and promoting a forum which displays this type of unfair and unjust slander.  If not, they’re simply destroying the reverence for business ethics that claim to be the founding principles of their service.

Nowadays, Angie’s List will sell positioning and advertising to any business which is willing to give it to them.  They sell advertising slots such as phone ads, web campaigns, and even gold highlighted profile listings which moves a company’s name to the top of their category no matter what their actual grade may be.  All of which insinuates to its own members the business which is featured and being pushed in front of them is the best company to choose.  Whereas, in fact, it’s actually just the business whose just fronting the most dough.  Truly, an astonishing deceit and betrayal of the very people who make the organization what it is.

You see, Angie’s List used to solely take revenue from its memberships and didn’t allow business to buy in.  Now, they’ve decided to have their cake and eat it too.  They’re double dipping in the cheesy sauce our free enterprise system allows.  Being a business owner myself, I have no problems with what they’re doing to get rich.  That’s the American dream.  However, I truly believe it will be their demise. 

They now lump themselves in with every other referral based service such as Service Magic, Reliable remodeler, and a thousand others.  The only difference in Angie’s list now is that they’re charging both their members and the businesses which join.  Now that’s something that really sets them apart!  For their sake, I sure hope they’re highly profitable right now because the American consumer is much savvier than that, especially in today’s world.  Before too long, this kind of gluttony is liable to catch up with them.

Angie’s List 2010 is a whole different organization.  Like many business and characters before it, it appears as though Angie’s List has succumbed to the greed and money making capability of today’s society.  They seem to have used their righteous principles only as a platform to leap off of instead of a foundation to build from. 

I can tell you that a plethora of Kansas City deck builders, contractors, and other companies echo my sentiments on these issues.  And although I don’t often communicate with many other businesses across the country, I’m sure we’re not the only ones.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

Not all that long ago, “cheap” was the key word used throughout the Kansas City deck industry.  Starting in the fall of 2008 through almost the end of 2009, “cheap” decks, screened porches and pergolas reigned supreme.  Most customers calling deck builders for estimates emphasized one thing.  The primary factor when considering their quote was going to be how much the deck would cost.  Many new and un-established Kansas City deck contractors built their marketing campaign on a single premise.  They boasted the fact they could, and would, build a deck “cheaper” than the next guy.  Thankfully, that trend is now beginning to come full circle.

Yeah, there are still quite a few tire kickers out there.  However, as a Kansas City deck builder, we’re noticing more and more people looking for the best value versus the lowest price.  There is a difference!  Value simply means getting the most for what you are paying.  It could be the most expensive deck or it may be the most affordable.  That all depends on the detail of craftsmanship, quality of materials, level of service and professionalism provided; compared to what one spends for it.  What someone is willing to allot for such a purchase is their decision based on their personal taste, lifestyle, budget, income, etc.  Price is only a single component of value and should only be used as a gauge to calculate the deck’s value.

As a Kansas City deck builder, this is something we’ve always preached.  We don’t pretend to be the cheapest deck builder in Kansas City.  We proclaim to provide the best value.  “The highest quality deck for the fairest price” – “The most bang for your buck”…you get the picture.

Some of those “cheap” deck builders are not only now realizing the true cost to run a business.  They’re also realizing that the “cheapest” deck is usually the one built exactly right the first time and in an efficient manner.  Whereas, the most expensive deck is the one their unqualified subcontractor took three times as long to build or the one they have to go back and fix time and time again.  Fortunately for the reputable, qualified deck builders in Kansas City, many consumers are also now gravitating toward that same conclusion.

As I humbly predicted, more and more horror stories about unscrupulous contractors and shady handymen are emerging from the dark, murky depths of this historic recession.  Although immensely distasteful, these unfortunate business practices do produce something positive.  A much more conscientious and savvy consumer is now being born in all markets throughout the United States.  Kansas City decks are no exception. 

Many homeowners are now realizing what has been preached since the beginning of mankind.  “You get what you pay for!”  If you don’t believe it, just try walking into your local Cadillac dealership and ask them if they can match the price of a Kia model that’s relative in size.  They’d laugh and probably so would you.  That’s because you both know the two cars aren’t built the same.  The craftsmanship is miles apart and there are many more high-end components and features on a Cadillac than on a Kia.  Well, decks are no different.

There’s a vast difference in Kansas City decks, and therefore, deck builders.  The construction methods they utilize, their attention to detail, skill level of their carpenters and quality of materials they work with.  So do your diligent research.  Check their credentials, call their references and be sure to visit their work first hand.  Because “cheap” is not always an accolade!

Here’s my favorite quote from one from one of the greatest social thinkers Great Britain and the world has ever known.  One I try and repeat it every chance I get:

“There is hardly anything in the world that some men cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper; and the people who consider price only, are such men’s lawful prey.”  – John Ruskin

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

As a professional Kansas City deck builder, we’ve always built an array of deck designs and sizes.  We construct decks that range from postage stamp size martini lookouts to expansive outdoor environments including fireplaces, kitchens, and Jacuzzis.  We’ve always had a fairly regular distribution of small and simple decks sprinkled in with larger and more intricate ones.  That was, until the recession thumped us in 2008.

With the sudden collapse of our housing market came a major trend shift in consumer spending on home improvements.  Decks are no exception.  Since the fall of 2008, we’ve seen a sharp increase in the demand for screened porches, sunrooms, and outdoor kitchens and fireplaces.  We still build some smaller, plain old decks.  However, most of our schedule gets devoured by bigger decks, porches and three season rooms. 

People are now investing more in their current houses than ever.  Rather than upgrading to a new homes, consumers are improving the ones they’re in.  The reason deck renovations, replacements, and expansions have become so popular is simple.  A deck can add significant living space to a home for a lot less money than say a room addition, and you can generally use a deck in Kansas City year round unless it’s snowing or bitterly cold.  This winter may be the exception for most of the country!

I don’t believe the deck industry transformation is bounded to the Kansas City area.   It seems that homeowners everywhere are also now trading some of their vacation budget to buy more deck space in order to enhance their home life.

Adding a deck or other living space outside is “another flavor of the ‘staycation,’” said Jim Curtis, the owner of building firm SpaceCrafters. “Instead of putting that $10,000 into going to Rome for a week or two, you’re putting it in the backyard to enjoy it for years.”  (charlotteobserver.com – Decked out: homeowners adding decks and outdoor rooms to enhance living spaces)

This really is a historic recession.  The impact is so powerful that it’s not only changing the way Americans spend money but even how they recreate.  Decks in Kansas City aren’t just keeping pace with economic recovery expectations, they’re exceeding them.  This is great news and a great time for Kansas City deck builders and contractors alike.  Hopefully it continues, expands and helps bring the entire United States back to prosperity.  I’m sure it will! 

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder) 

I know it sounds awfully repetitive because it seems like I post something like this at least once a month.  However, I think it’s one of the more important points I can relay to homeowners and deck builders alike.  Decks have always been and still are one of the more secure investments when it comes to residential home improvement projects.

More proof comes from a U.S. News & World Report which lists the “The 5 Best—and 5 Worst—Home Improvement Projects for Your Money.”  The article explains that a wood deck is the third best home project to spend your money on.  It does a better job articulating the reasons than I do, so the link you just passed will take you there.  The report doesn’t rate PVC or composite decks.  Nor does it mention treated or tropical hardwood decks.  However, I guarantee that just about any type of deck, if properly constructed and of quality craftsmanship, will meet, if not exceed, this type of performance.  Especially if the deck is  made from a reputable composite brand such as Evergrain or a top notch material like Azek or a gorgeous, durable product similar to an Ipe tropical hardwood.

Just remember to do your research.  Find a decking that flows with your home and is ideal for your regional environment.  And as always, hire a reputable, professional deck builder.  One who’s built with that exact material more than once.  Trust me, not all deck products are installed the same.  Incorrect installation is not only wearisome and extremely costly; it may even void your warranty.  And what’s the point in that?

For more proof why decks are a sound investment, I’ve attached some of my previous posts:

• Looming Inflation Guarantees a Deck Investment
• Purchase a Deck in a Down Economy?
• A Kansas City Deck is a Wise Investment

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

Today’s world is much more difficult than it was two or three years ago.  Jobs are harder to find and work is harder to get.  The competition in the Kansas City deck industry is the fiercest I’ve ever seen.  There are scrupulous businesses in almost any industry, especially in tough economic times.  Some deck builders in Johnson County, Kansas will do just about anything to win a bid.  Many have no problems slandering their fellow deck contractors while others will tell a customer whatever they want to hear.  This historic recession is a breeding ground for opportunistic and shady deck builders and contractors.  Therefore, potential deck buyers should research them diligently!

Also see a previous post: “Not all deck builders are the same.”

Do a thorough background check on all deck builders you’re considering.  Visit your local Better Business Bureau’s website.  It will usually post any filed complaints for the last three years and how the company handled their issues.  The BBB also generally reports any federal or state tax liens, bankruptcies, and legal judgments against the business.

“Better Business Bureau of Greater Kansas City”

Ask the deck builder for a list of references along with phone numbers you can call.  Don’t just trust the list, call the references!  Ask them if they’re a friend or relative of the deck builder.  Ask them what type of work they performed.  Ask how long the project took.  Was it done professionally and efficiently?  How was the craftsmanship and quality of materials?  Did the crew thoroughly clean up the site when finished?  Most importantly, ask the value of the deck, screened porch, pergola or other project.  Was the company worth what they charged and would you hire them again?  Granted, most deck builders and contractors won’t put negative relations on their list.  However, explicit inquisition may drudge up traits of the contractor that could help you choose the most qualified deck builder.

If you do nothing else, please make sure that potential deck contractor is insured and licensed.  Failure to do so could be catastrophic.  Any deck builder in Kansas is required to carry liability insurance.  This protects the homeowner from negligent carelessness.  For instance, I’ve heard of a deck builder in Kansas City that hit a wire inside a house wall while fastening the deck ledger board.  The wire became shorted and caused a spark.  The spark ignited insulation inside the wall.  A fire erupted and burned down over fifty percent of a million dollar home.  The deck contractor was just a framing carpenter moonlighting for extra cash.  He had no insurance.  I believe the homeowner’s insurance ended up covering the damage.  However, I’m sure the payout went on the homeowner’s record and drastically affected their rates.

Workman’s comp insurance is required for all deck builders in Kansas and Missouri which use employees.  Without work comp, the homeowner is responsible for any and all injuries that occur on their property.  From a broken finger to a fatality, if work comp coverage isn’t valid, the homeowner is legally liable.  I’ve heard many horror stories about homeowners getting sued for job site accidents because the deck contractor had no work comp coverage.

Johnson County, Kansas deck builders are also required to carry a contractor’s license.  The deck contractor’s license ensures the deck builder has passed the mandatory requirements for continuing education and code knowledge.  Classes pertaining to specific trades are taken on an annual basis.  The Johnson County contractor licensing also ensures the deck builder retains and renews their liability and work comp insurance (if required).  Johnson County Contractor Licensing has really taken off since it was first started seven or eight years ago.  Many local jurisdictions allow Johnson County contractor’s licenses as validation for a deck builder’s qualifications.

If you’re unsure about who to call or where to check up on the deck builders in your area, simply call your local building codes department.  Call city hall if you’re within city limits or the county if you reside in unincorporated land.  The Better Business Bureau is a very reliable source for looking into a company.  Angie’s List can also be helpful although you have to pay for their membership if don’t already belong.  Bottom line; just dig up as much info as possible.  The more you find out, the better the odds of hiring a quality deck builder. 

In the mid 1800’s, John Ruskin, a great British social thinker, quoted something that has long stood the test of time.  It can remarkably be conveyed today in our current setting.

“There is hardly anything in the world that some men cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper; and the people who consider price only, are such men’s lawful prey.”

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

Professional deck builders see a wide variety of potential customers.  Some desire an intricate design combined with ornate accessories and features which coincide with the architecture of their home.  Yet others just need a basic layout constructed with simple, durable and low maintenance materials.  And there is an infinite range of desires within this spectrum.  No matter what the deck purchaser requests, there’s always a common thread.  Everyone wishes to achieve functionality while obtaining the most deck for their money.  Therefore, here are a few tips to utilize that valued deck space to its fullest.

Know your numbers.  Lumber, composite, PVC, and just about all building materials are sold in even increments.  A deck builder can usually obtain even numbered dimensional lumber from eight to twenty foot lengths without special ordering.  Composite and PVC deck products are more explicitly produced.  Synthetic decking is usually manufactured in twelve, sixteen, and twenty foot sections while railing components are generally offered in twelve and sixteen foot increments.  What this means for the deck builder and buyer alike is paying for the shortest possible lengths to fit their deck dimensions.  Planning your deck design around the material availability can save both deck builders and homeowners a substantial amount of money.  It can also help create a more practical deck space.

Visualize the deck’s footprint and how it will be utilized.  Decide where to place tables, chairs, a BBQ grill, planters, etc.  This helps ensure you don’t have any major regrets about the deck’s size or configuration. 

Keep stairs towards the corners of the deck.  Stairs in the middle of a side withhold usable room in order to preserve trouble-free entries and exits.  They also break up guard rails and add extra railing posts.  Don’t just consider the cost of materials.  Experienced deck builders are sensible enough to figure in their labor for such additional work.  Also, keep staircases close and adjacent to the deck frame.  Longer staircases may require descents to turn a corner or switch back with a split level landing.  This concept not only saves valuable yard realty, it’s much safer in case of an inescapable fall.

These are just a handful of suggestions to assist deck builders and homeowners with deck conception.  No matter what the objective for a deck, screened porch, pergola or other construction project, thorough planning is sure to enhance the outcome and the tweak the aim.  Similar to much of life, diligent preparation is the key to success in quality deck building.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

One of the most important aspects of building a quality deck is proper land grading.  The earth below and around a deck must provide proper water runoff and drainage.  I’ve seen first hand how many Kansas City deck builders fail to do this part of their job.  All one has to do is drive by a newly completed deck and see the piles of dirt mounded up into little hills around each deck pier.  The neglected landscape not only looks bad, but it can be disastrous for the homeowner.

If rainwater fails to divert away from a house’s foundation, the possibility of a flooding basement is probable, if not imminent.  Therefore, a ground swale should always be higher near the footing or foundation of a building and descend gradually away from and toward on open area.  The same reason gutters are installed around the perimeter of a roof.  To get water away from a structure before it comes inside.  It’s especially crucial for this excavation to be performed on low decks before they are built.  Afterwards, such work may not be feasible.  Remember, the deck is not going to divert all the rain by itself.  Much of it will pass to the ground below.

Another area many Kansas City deck builders ignore is around the deck support posts and stairs.  Some deck builders and contractors simply leave dirt from the hole right where they dropped it.  I’m not sure if they just think will dissipate naturally into the ground, believe it’s the homeowner’s responsibility, are just too lazy or don’t even care.  Nonetheless, this practice totally contradicts quality deck building.

Cedar, and even some treated, posts should not come in contact with dirt or masonry.  Doing so will shorten the life of the wood.  Most treated woods are resistant to rot and decay from moisture.  However, abstinence from such exposure will help almost any material last much longer.  Therefore, dirt from piers should be spread out thinly so it does not to come in contact with posts, stairs, or any deck component.

To recap, simply slope all dirt and landscaping away from foundations, footings, piers, and deck components.  Yes, it’s really that simple.  Just a little knowledge and a bit more effort can help some of you Kansas City deck builders become a little better.  Take another step towards higher quality deck building.  After all, that’s really what matters, isn’t it?

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

Well, the local Azek rep stopped by our Southern Johnson County, Kansas deck showroom the other day.  He didn’t come empty handed either.  He brought with him a crucial piece Azek needed to make their product even more marketable for us Kansas City deck builders.  A much anticipated color line which includes a wider variety of colors and darker color selections.

I’ve posted about the new Azek colors expected to hit the deck market a couple times over the last year.  Azek has delivered it right on schedule and fulfilled exactly what today’s deck consumer craves, a darker and richer color selection.  There’s no doubt that Azek’s cellular PVC technology has always been a high quality decking product.  It’s proven to be very durable, extremely stain resistant and guaranteed not to rot.  However, one of the decking line’s major weaknesses has been its color selection. 

Before last year, there were only four Azek colors for us deck builders to sell.  The colors were okay, but they were all fairly timid in tone.  None met the high demand for a deep, dark, rich pigmentation most deck Kansas City deck customers demand.  Sometime last early October, the Kansas City deck builders and contractors were presented with the Kona and Fawn colors.  I reported my thoughts about those colors previously. 

See: Azek introduces new colors to Kansas City deck builders.

Now Azek gives us Sedona, Redland Rose, Morado, Acacia, and Tahoe.  My opinion on these five new colors is very strong.  I’m not going to gab on and on in detail about each color and what each one means to me.  Instead, I’m going to give Azek the strongest compliment a deck builder can give a decking manufacturer.  “Thank You!”

Here they are for all you deck builders, contractors and potential deck customers to see.

 Click  here for the Complete Azek Decking Color Line.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite decks – Kansas City deck builder)

I hear it all the time. 

“I can’t build a deck any faster without sacrificing quality!”

Please don’t feed me that.  I’m not a food disposal, dumpster, landfill, or trash receptacle of any kind.  Being a Kansas City deck builder for over fifteen years, I know a little something when it comes to how long deck construction should take.

There’s a plethora of feedback on deck builders in Kansas City.  Amongst the reviews, there’s often complaining about decks taking an inordinate amount of time to complete.  Unfortunately, many Kansas City deck builders have not yet figured out how to solve this problem.   

We’re friends with some, acquaintances with most, of the Kansas City deck builders.  When given the opportunity, I always try and pick some of their brains when I hear stories like this.  The common response I usually get refers to black and white deck building.  That is, you can either put out quality or quantity, but you can’t do both.  I understand what these deck builders and contractors are insinuating.  As a matter of fact, our business slogan is “Never Taking Shortcuts to Save Time.”   With that being said, I don’t think some of my fellow Kansas City deck builders are doing everything necessary to ensure their decks, screened porches, pergolas and other projects are completed proficiently.

Plan out your deck. 

• Pull your permits!  If a local code enforcement officer or inspector catches you building without approval, you’ll most likely be set back a minimum two to three days.  Not to mention paying higher fees and fines.  By the way, how do think homeowner will feel with that Stop Work Order  stuck to their front door?
• Have utilities marked two or three days ahead in case there’s a glitch or mix up on location. Hitting an underground line will cost you time money.  Maybe even your life!
• Order materials to be delivered at least a day in advance.  Make sure every member and component of your deck is listed with the materials needed for each part.  That way you won’t miss anything.  Count the materials when you first arrive on site so you can see if anything is missing and have it brought out before you’ll need it.
• Detail a schematic and scope of work.  List everything you’ll be doing on the job.  If you have a deck crew, go over the drawings and work to be done before you get started.  That way, everyone is on the same page.
• Hold consistent work habits.  Show up on time, the same time, and every day.  The customer will appreciate it since they know when to expect your arrival at their home.  That way they’re never left guessing or scheduling around your appearances.  Also, the human body gets used to a repetitive labor regimen.  This will allow it to perform more efficiently during peak hours.
• Work when you’re on site.  Treat the job site as a professional work place.  Leave the excessive socializing and personal time for after hours.

Trust me, the manner in which you build a deck is just as important to the homeowner as the quality you put into a deck.  And with some discipline and due diligence, a deck builder shouldn’t have to compromise one for the other.  Better yet, stick to this protocol and you’re likely to find substantial time leftover to fine tune your decks.  In turn, the quality of your work and the size your pocketbook should see a significant increase.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)