Walkways can go anywhere

 This walkway goes to another look-out. Built over solid rock, but the end result is great. That's Pikes Peak in the back ground.Let me know what you think.

 This is what I call "Stairway to heaven" This stairway leads to a 16ft. x 24ft. look-out deck  facing West toward Pikes Peak . What do you think?

finally. I got a picture to up load.

This is a very large deck. 14ft. x 72ft. With trex decking and green, metal pickets.This took 6 weeks to build.

time for a new deck

Seems like this is the time of year that I get the influx of calls for building decks. so, some helpful hints before you get started. First, if you want to replace your old deck, ask yourself why? Is the old one rotted? Why? maybe it's because the guy who built it didn't use "pressure treated wood in the first place". Don't make the same mistake again. All of your structural wood NEEDS to be pressure treated!!! That means, Posts, Stringers (joists), ledger etc. The decking can be anything you want as long as it's redwood, composite, cedar etc. In most areas of the country, a deck under 30 inches doesn't require a permit. (though this may vary, so check with the building dept.). If you're building a deck that's larger than the one you have now, or adding a deck that isn't there now, you will certainly need a permit. For a permit, you will need a "drawing done to scale". If you do a drawing, make your jousts at "16" inch centers. If you put your decking on the "diagonal", make your joists at "12"inch centers. Use screws to put down any decking material, (not nails). Don't forget about the cost of joist hangers, hurricane clips, base saddles for posts, post caps to connect post to beams, teco nails etc. All of these things add up. There's lots more to think about before you get going. E-mail me and I'll help you with your list. Good luck

talking to contractors

Here's a checklist to help you remember what to ask when interviewing a contractor.  #1. ask friends and neighbors for referrals to someone they might have used. #2.  call the bbb #3.  ask me on my blog by way of e-mail. now ask the referrals. #1. how close was the original estimate to the final cost? why the difference?#2 was the job completed on time? #3.  Was the job cleaned each night and at the end of the job? #4. Did the contractor stay with the job until the end? #5. What was your overall experience like? #6. Would you hire this person again? Now ask the contractor. #1. are you bonded, lic. insured, etc? #2.  Do you belong to any associations? ie; bbb. or hba.  What's your specialty? I don't want a tile guy doing my roofing.

Lets find a contractor

Remember that you don't always need a contractor. You may be able to do the work yourself with a little instruction. For instance, if you're just painting and putting in some tile and a new sink and faucet, no need to hire someone unless you're just not able to do the work. Some contractors don't mind if you do some of the work, though not many. The best and safest way to fine a contractor is by referrals. if you know someone who has had similar work done, or a different type of job, but more extensive, ask them how he or she did. ie: were they on time, was there work done well, in a timely manor, how was the overall experience? Next, would be to log onto the "bbb" web site. (better business beareau) . Get some estimates and some job referrals from each. Note: Make sure that you give each contractor the same scope of work so that they are each bidding on the same work. Also, remember that NO contractor is going to give you a referral to someone who hates them. You're only going to get glowing reports. In addition, don't ask the contractor to give you a "materials list". They usually don't like to do all of the work, and then hand over there lists and costs so you can possible give it to someone else. At least, this is what they're thinking. Make sure that who ever you hire stays with your job until  it's finished, and not leaving to start another job or work on three other jobs at one time. this is a question you can ask the referrals you call. Finally, you can tell a lot about someone just by how he or she acts while they're in your home to do the estimate. how are they dressed, were they on time, how did they treat your kids, or pets? Did this guy assume that he could just sit on your furniture , in dirty cloths, without asking? If he did, get rid of him, now. How they treat your home, how they talk to you is a clear indication of what's to come. If you have questions, just e-mail me anytime. I'm here to help. now, let the games begin. good luck

Think Before You Spend

A few of the mistakes that people make when they make the decision to remodel something. This could be to replace a deck, remodel a kitchen or a bathroom etc. or finish a basement. The first thing that happens, and this is unavoidable, is that they get exited. However, this  leads to the first common mistake, "they go shopping". Usually this happens BEFORE they have any idea how much they can afford to spend or want to spend. Shopping is fine as long as you don't get your heart set on things that might bust the budget. Remember, you haven't even talked to a contractor yet. What are the material and labor costs going to be? Do you need a permit? What"s that going to cost. Get some estimates first. Have the contractor take your ideas and see if these are going to work. You may like that 6 foot whirlpool tub, but your room is only 5 feet wide, and the cost of moving a wall, and/or plumbing and electrical may be a stretch on the budget. The biggest mistake people make, and these are rare, is they actually purchase things like tile, tubs, vanities etc. before they know what's possible. Especially discontinued items because it was such a good deal. Get your estimates first, see if you need a permit, and then you can fit product into your budget. Also, remember that special order items take time to be shipped to the store you've chosen. Tell the contractor about these. Some items MUST be on site for the contractor to begin his work. Most importantly, don't pay a contractor up front for work he hasn't done. Next posting, we'll talk about what to look for in a contractor. It's April, time to get started. Go get 'em.