Tag Archives: Archadeck of Kansas City

Should you believe everything you hear?

Steve Folsom of Archadeck of Kansas City

You’ve probably heard the old saying ” believe half of what you see and none of what you hear”. These words may ring true today more than ever. With the internet, smart phones and all the advanced technology of today we are all receiving information on the “best this” and “worst that”. In this world of information overload, how do you know what information you find online is trustworthy and what information is not?

Whether you’re looking for a contractor or a consumer product, one rule of thumb is a company whose brand name means something in the offline world will most certainly have the same standards in their online world or their online presence. Two referral sources do stand out a little when looking for integrity and reliability when choosing a contractor or even a maid to clean your home. These two forces are the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and Angie’s List.

Beautiful quality and craftsmanship in every inch of this porch ceiling by Archadeck of Kansas City

Both the BBB and Angie’s list strive to provide reliable information from a recognized brand that represents integrity. Both sites give us the ability to research in earnest and unbiased terms the quality of work and service of a prospective company. These two companies work in much the same manner by using information provided by the consumer to allow prospective clients to make informed decisions through the feedback and grading systems of each to find the best company or business to suit their needs.

Ipe deck in Lenexa, KS

Let’s say for example you are looking for a painter to paint your home. Angie’s list is set up to be consumer friendly. For a nominal yearly fee, you as a consumer would have access to all the painters in your area that are on Angie’s list. A business cannot pay to be on Angie’s list. Businesses register on the list for free and consumer’s submit reports and reviews of their experiences with each business. This method gives the consumer a “hands-on” experience summary of other consumers which have dealt with that business. This information can help you decide based on what you learn about the business you are considering on Angie’s list. The list reports the honest truth based on what consumers have to say.

Unique Fan-Shaped Pergola by Archadeck of Kansas City

The BBB also uses positive and negative feedback from consumers to grade each company. Currently businesses are graded using an A+ through an F letter grade, which replaces their previous satisfactory or unsatisfactory ratings system. BBB accreditation is an honor earned by businesses and charities. They use a formula of 8 principles that summarize elements to create and maintain trust in business. They are build trust, advertise honestly, tell the truth, be transparent, honor promises, be responsive, safeguard privacy and embody integrity. If a business or charity has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau then it has met their strict accreditation standards.

Both entities are a helpful and trustworthy resource when consumers are looking for help in choosing a company to do business with. These two resources have a wide following and a wonderful reputation in upholding good business practices and helping consumers. The BBB was established in 1912. Angie’s list was founded in 1995, and yes their is a real Angie, she founded the list in 95′ with 1,000 members in Columbus, OH and the list has grown from there.

Archadeck of Kansas City is a proud member of both the Better Business Bureau and are on Angie’s list. With the Better Business Bureau, we enjoy an A+ rating. With Angie’s List, we have been awarded the recognition of being in the top 5% of their contractors for the last 3 years.

as a superior service award company. Our experience with both companies has been wonderful. We highly recommend our prospective clients to use these sites as useful tools to help make an informed decision. Contact us today to learn more about us and how we may build an outdoor structure to transform your backyard. Kansas – (913) 851-3325 (DECK)
Missouri – (816) 228-3325 (DECK)
kansascity@archadeck.net

Value-able

Sunroom in Lenexa Kansas

There’s no question that consumers’ perception of value has changed in the wake of the difficult economic conditions over the past few years. But from what I’m seeing, the new “value” doesn’t at all mean the lowest price. The old meaning of value was the best or most product for the lowest price. The new meaning of value is so much more complex. Previous to the recession, consumers seemed to take a lot more at face value. On the products or services side, a widget was a widget. On the price side, the best price was the best price.

The tough economic times have taught us that a widget is not just a widget. There are very few products and services that are exactly identical from company to company or brand to brand. When economic times were better, we could afford to overlook these differences that, although often small, could also sometimes be very substantial. The times also have also taught us that the lesser expensive product is not always the best product. For many people, the tough times meant living with a previously more impulsively purchased item for a couple of years longer than originally thought. When this happens, the nuances and subtleties and detailed characteristics of the product both come to light and take on a lot more meaning. Also, our hard-earned dollars have a lot more value to us and we are demanding more value with our purchases.

Kansas City cedar deck by Archadeck

Here’s an example in my line of work. Let’s say you want to build an outdoor living space and you have two quotes – one for $5,000 and another for $6,000. That’s a 20% difference in price. That’s huge. Let’s just say that you really like both contractors. Further, both contractors have great design ideas and both contractors have inspired confidence. Let’s say that in this scenario, you go with the less expensive contractor and you get everything you were hoping and more. You’ve saved $1,000. Then let’s look at the flip side – If the job turns out poorly. You spent $5,000 on an addition to your home and it turns out that you purchased poor quality workmanship that fails the code inspection and you’re left hanging with a punch list that never gets completed, then you have not saved $1,000; you have lost $5,000.

Ipe deck in Lees Summit MO

Is the more expensive contractor always the best? Sometimes, often, but not always. Is the lesser expensive contractor just as good? Sometimes, but there’s a reason for the old adage – you get what you pay for. So how do you know when looking at quotes from contractors that you are comparing apples to apples? Here are a couple ways to research your contractors and evaluate their proposals to be able to compare apples to apples.

First, review their web site. Have the built jobs that are similar to what you are looking for? From looking at their website, have they built many jobs that are similar to what you are looking for?
How long have they been in business?
How many jobs have they built?
Check references. As for a couple client references but also check Angie’s List and the BBB
Do you know exactly what you’re going to get? A list is nice but in the building industry a list of features can be interpreted in many different ways. Ask the contractor for a design rendering of your new project

The new value equation is much different. Are your dollars able to produce a return that exceeds your expectations? Look for a value-able contractor by doing the research specified above.

Bonnie and Dan Hall, Archadeck of Kansas City Owners

I’d love to talk to you about your new project. Take a look at our website for Archadeck of Kansas City. Or, give us a ring or email us: (913) 851 – 3325
kansascity@archadeck.net. Our consultation is always free — something else you should demand.

The Skinny On Today’s Railings

When selecting railings for your next outdoor project, you might be surprised that there are a lot more options than you think. The railing industry has exploded in the last few years. There are many choices in colors, materials, width, and required maintenance. But, overall the trend is very quickly turning toward thin metal railings for their aesthetic appeal and because thin railings allow more visibility beyond your deck. Here’s the “skinny” on railings.

Ipe deck with Deckorator tube railing

A few years ago, the next big thing in railing was vinyl railings. Vinyl is used most exclusively in white. Vinyl is inexpensive but the trade-off is it is not very structurally sound. Vinyl is sensitive to scratching, it fades and it usually has to be reinforced on the inside with wood or metal. The bottom line is it’s inexpensive for a reason.

Beautiful Hardwood deck by Archadeck Kansas City

Composite railings are a low-maintenance option but there are also some drawbacks to composite railings. The cost of composite railings can be quite prohibitive. Also, railings made of composite woods are thicker and are square. While the drawbacks of a square rail are not readily apparent, there are more sides to paint on a square rail. There are more sides to clean. You can multiply your efforts in staining, sealing and cleaning by four.

For this and other reasons, metal railing has really hit its stride. As for adding metal railings to your project, most consumers no longer want everything to match. Railings today are increasingly seen in contrasting colors instead of matching colors. Customers now want a railing with character and they want a railing they can see through. Metal railings are more slender than wood or vinyl railings ( typically 50% of the thickness or less). Metal railings combine view, strength, rigidity, durability, beauty and low maintenance all in one.

The most popular railing color over the last few years is black. Regardless of the deck color, with it’s upscale look and low maintenance, black metal railing is a tremendously popular choice.

The two most common types of metal railings are steel and aluminum. These railings are often powder coated. Fortress steel railing is made of steel and is powder coated. Deckorator also makes metal railings and that’s a product we build with quite a bit.

Timbertech also offers a wonderful rail of reinforced composite, it comes in black and white, and it is more scratch resistant, durable and doesn’t need reinforcement to maintain rigidity. Radiance Rail has been a big seller with Archadeck Kansas City in black, with many happy customers.

Whether you are considering the ever popular metal railings, or a wonderful composite give Archadeck of Kansas City a call today and we can discuss all the possibilities to custom design and build your next deck or outdoor structure.

Bonnie and Dan Hall, Archadeck of Kansas City Owners

With composite woods, if you’ve seen one, you haven’t seen them all

Kansas City TimberTech Deck with White Low-Maintenance Composite Railing

Are you considering building a new deck, patio or other outdoor living area in your back yard? If you’ve talked to friends or done some research, you’re likely very familiar with composite woods or you’ve heard a good deal about them. Likely you’ve formed some sort of opinion and likely feel that composite would be ideal for your new project. Like everything that lasts longer, composite is more expensive. And, for the most part, you get what you pay for.

The composite wood industry is almost 20 years old. Some of the composite companies are actually on their 4^th or 5^th generation of product cycle. They’ve added new colors, new materials, new styles and new features.

Kansas City Evergrain Composite Spa Deck with Storage Bench

Here are the the primary benefits of using composite woods:

Termite warranty
Rot warranty
Boards will not split
Lower maintenance

Previously, the composites were not warrantied against stain and fade. Composites are now just coming on to the market with stain and fade warranties – and long ones too. TimberTech is coming out with a new product called TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions which has a 25-year fade and stain warranty. AZEK and Fiberon are also addressing the fade and stain problems with composites.

Warranty is one big difference you will find among composites. But, the other big differences are price and the composite characteristics. Price will vary for market to market based on a variety of factors. But even composites that look somewhat similar can have very different characteristics. One company’s cedar shade may be very different from another. Another company’s grain pattern or texture may be different than another company’s product.

Kansas City WeatherBest Composite Deck with Painted Treated Wood Pergola with Custom Gate and Lattice

So, how do you decide? Everything is a balance. Weight what is important to you as it relates to warranties, required maintenance, price and the aesthetic appeal of the composites you are considering. Then, during the specification and design phase, find an experienced contractor with strong familiarity across many of the composite lines to discuss the pros and cons of the top composites you are considering. A qualified, experienced professional outdoor contractor will be glad to take the time with you to review the choices and considerations when selecting the composite that’s right for you.

I’ve been an outdoor builder in the Kansas City market for over 10 years now and used many of the top composites including EverGrain, TimberTech, AZEK, and Fiberon.