July Newsletter – Decks and more

This month’s newsletter highlights the essence of summer with its backyard barbecues, fireworks, deck lounging and even a summer video thrown in to enjoy.  Be sure to read the deck ideas and how to throw the best outside party.  We also want to insure that you find a reputable company to work on your projects this summer so check out the video story about contractor scammers.   Finally enjoy our new EASY video series to help you learn about remodeling.

We appreciate any comments and suggestions for future newsletters.

Transforming Your Deck

Isn’t it time to dramatically change your outdoor living space?

Nearly everyone has one, but rarely anyone uses it. The deck. What about turning your deck into usable living space? Even with Michigan’s weather, you can expand your home and make an oasis like setting by taking that deck that rarely gets used and giving it a transformation.

The first thing to evaluate is the actual deck boards that are installed. Most decks have a treated lumber that splits, cracks, warps and looks unattractive. Who wants your floor to look like you are out in a barn? Eikenhout offers two solutions based on your unique needs.

Mangaris Deck Boards
Mangaris is a natural option that offers gorgeous wood that doesn’t need to be treated or stained and comes with a 20 year warranty. The good thing is that it costs the same or less than most composite decks. Check out the pictures. It’s like fine furniture.
http://www.tataenterprises.net/gallery.html

Sensbuilt PVC Boards
Sensibuilt allows for tremendous options. It will not fade as it has the industry’s only fade and chalking warranty for 10 years. It also does not stain, so if your using your outdoor space as the grilling and party room, you might want to consider this amazing deck which comes in 4 colors.

After getting the “bones” of your deck beautiful you could go to HGTV and see some of their decorating tips for your deck. http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/deck-orating-your-deck/index.html

Once you expand your home by turning your deck into usable space you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Enjoy the summer get togethers in your new outdoor room.

Isn’t life EASY?

We are trying to make life EASY by offering our homeowners the Eikenhout Educational Video Series – EASY. This is a video instructional series that will give you insights into the remodeling field and provide you with the help you need from professional remodelers.

Topics will include roofing, siding, windows, decks and door installation questions as well as product updates. Not only will we tell you how it works, we will demonstrate it on an actual job with a professional contractor.

Check out our first EASY video which covers the how to’s of wrapping your window casings in aluminum. We welcome your questions, suggestions and comments for future videos.

Deck Party

It is a beautiful Saturday afternoon in July and you are enjoying your new Mangaris or Sensibuilt deck. Friends and family are on their way shortly and you want to make sure you have everything ready. Your checklist looks complete; propane tank is full, you have lots of hotdogs and hamburgers, chips and watermelon; beverages are chilling in the cooler along with your best potato salad. Here are a few more tips to make sure your deck party is a hit.

1) Make sure you have plenty of covered seating. Using umbrella covered tables, or installing a retractable deck cover are ways to keep your guests out of the sun.

2) Check your yard and gardens over. Backyard deck parties typically spill into the back yard, and good kept grounds are important to keeping your guests impressed.

3) Games like horseshoes or bag toss are fun party activities that will keep your guests entertained.

4) Background music is always welcome. Have outdoor speakers installed to entertain guests; they even come in handy when you are doing yard work. A hidden stereo or MP3 speakers can also do the trick.

5) If you are expecting your party to go into the night make sure you have proper lighting. Lights from the house can attract bugs and ruin the mood. Try using bug repellent candles and torches to add a fun and mosquito free environment. Empty wine bottles work well as candle holders for a fun centerpiece. Also, have plenty of bug repellent ready.

6) Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits will add to the night of fun. These work great for sitting around telling tall tales and reminiscing about the past. They will also provide amusement for children to cook s’mores or roast hot dogs. (if they haven’t had enough already)

These tips should make your deck party one to remember and your friends and family asking for more! Be on the lookout for more tips from your friends at Eikenhout.

Good luck with your party!

Aren’t all composite decks the same?

Composite decking, where they combine wood fibers and plastic, burst onto the scene in the last 15 years. Everyone was excited to have a product that was like wood but didn’t require maintenance. No one expected what happened next.

These same decks were failing. Most manufacturers have had recalls, different formulations, class action lawsuits and some unintentional deceptive advertising to the homeowners.

Tim Carter of Ask the Builder wrote an excellent response to one of the biggest problems with composite decks. They take on water, eventually mold, rot and become unsafe. Read his entire article to help your research efforts when looking at what decking material you should buy for your home. He contacted 14 manufacturers with some direct questions and received only one response. That is revealing in itself.

Eikenhout offers two solutions that eliminate all of these problems as they are not composite decks. They offer the best options for a deck, and they are beautiful, strong and tested. Read the article on dramatically changing your outdoor space to find out more about their unique characteristics.

So when shopping for cheap or expensive composite decks, be warned that all deck materials are not the same.

Greg’s idea on how to hire the best contractor

Let me suggest a fool proof way of hiring a good contractor.
We all know that bad contractors make the news. Everyone is intrigued to watch the news stories of scam artists who rip off the elderly or unsuspecting in doing shoddy unacceptable work. Here is a real news story of a conniving contractor in the Baltimore area.

Watch This Video.

Here is what I’d do to hire a contractor and to protect yourself. Go to a local distributor of building materials and ask them four questions. These questions will help assure you to get the best possible remodeler for your home.

1. Is the contractor licensed and insured?
2. Would you have this contractor work on your house? The distributor knows most of the contractors in town and this will be a very revealing question.
3. Would you throw them the keys to your house and go to Florida for a month while they are working on your project? This demonstrates the ultimate in trust.
4. Is this contractor current in paying their material supply bills? This question will allow you to know their responsibility level and if they can be trusted with your money. One who is in debt will cut corners and could be tempted to leave with your money.

If you find a common name coming up when you ask these questions then hire them and have them put you in their schedule. It will be worth the wait.