By taking the time and initiative to research deck builders and contractors, you have put the odds in your favor of getting a quality deck that will provide 20+ years of service and appreciate in value along with your home. More than ever, dealing with the right contractor is essential to your peace of mind and financial well-being. I am your alternative to the "usual" contractor. I will give you the "straight talk" that you desire and together we will come up with a solution that works for you.
What Makes the A-Affordable Experience, Different?
•Thoroughness There are many contractors that tend to be vague about what they're going to do and insist that you just "Trust them". Of course after the vague contract is signed, they are going to buy much of the material in the sale bins at Menards. In other words, inferior quality. I do my best to cover everything. This way you know what you are getting and there are no surprises at the end of the job. This shouldn't have to be like taking your car to an auto mechanic!
•Selection. I offer all the options that work. (There's an abudance of junk out there. I'll direct you to the right product. •Nomisunderstandings You're not dealing with a salesman who, has never picked up a hammer in his life. You deal with me. That means 25 years of *quality deck and carpentry experience at your disposal. (I got in the business in 1986) I am usually able to steer my customers (when needed) in the "right" direction as far as what works and what does not. (Designs, dimensions, materials, budget) I am not a salesman. I am a consultant. I am here to help you.
•I have an attention to detail that many contractors lack. I'll admit that, it took a while to get this way.
•My deck crew(s) consist of neat (in appearance), highly skilled, hardworking, considerate Americans that speak English. No illegals no ignoramuses, and no union guys.
•We respect your neighbors If there is a radio on the job site the volume will not be excessive. Profanity is also not allowed on an A-Affordable job site. Unless someone hits their thumb with a hammer. Then, cover your ears!
•On average, 25% more lumber goes into our deck structures. That equates to more strength, stability and less potential problems in the future. It's difficult not mention the fact that a high percentage of carpenters regardless of what they claim, are looking to spend as little money as possible on materials. This is an easy entry, highly competitive business. These guys survive (barely) by selling jobs on price alone. They will cut every corner. Most decks that I see are crappily built. "The Menards special"
•I am based in DuPage County, not in Will or Kane County. I am centrally located to my service area. You should know that when you deal with locally owned service businesses, you may benefit from more attentive service.
•Speed and Efficiency, Your job gets started and completed in a reasonable amount of time. At times labor shortages and weather have been factors in a job running longer than anticipated. They do not run longer because of mismanaged scheduling or having 5-6 starts all at once.
•Reputation, As I enter my nineteenth year in the deck business I value what people say and write about my company. If I didn't handle business properly, it could prove very embarassing to have an irate customer yelling at me while I'm on stage in front of 500 people. What does that mean, you ask? Click here
Two critical facts about local deck contractors (most contractors, come to think of it)
1. Most deck contractors, you will probably not want to deal with! Maybe 60%. They are primarily boozer, loser, know-it-alls, with years of experience building bad decks. You are too intelligent to be fooled by this group of slobs; but thought I'd reinforce the idea anyway.
2. Good luck getting three bids; throwing out the high and the low ones. Once again the odds are that the middle guy is also on the lower rungs of the quality scale. It is necessary to change tactics here. This is a highly competetive business, in fact pricing for deck installations (labor and materials) is very close to what it was back in 1996. It could be that that high price of the three is "right" and the other two prices are too low. (corner cutting and compromised quality) That stated, we are frequently in the middle of the pricing group. So, if it's us, you can be confident the price and quality are correct.
"It is not my objective to be nasty here, this is just how I see it. 19 years of almost exclusive deck contracting experience. Thousands and thousands of in-home estimates and hearing the same stories over and over has lead me to these conclusions" - Frank L
I Want Your Deck Business!
PHONE TODAY (630) 620-4130
Dog House
* I have hired and fired many carpenters with more than 20 years experience. Some of the one's I fired, were not qualified to build a dog house. So why did you hire them, Frank? "Well, I was probably in a jam at the time and they have a tendency to exaggerate their credentials" Attention homeowners, they're still out there and they also, would like to bid on your deck project.
