Decks are a great addition to any home. They add value, provide extra living space, and are a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. But with so many options, it can be difficult to decide which material to use, who to hire, and what added features are worth the investment.
If you’re ready to build a deck to enjoy this summer, here are a few things we recommend considering before you begin your project.
Choosing a contractor who is experienced in building decks with no shortcuts is important.
When we start working on a new deck project, we always pull the right permits and complete proper inspections. It’s surprising how often we are called out to look at new or old poorly built decks that do not follow basic building codes and are not permitted. We understand the importance of doing things the right way and ensure that all of our work meets or exceeds building code standards.
Because we are a Timbertech Platinum Contractor that uses their composite decking components, you will be provided a 5 year labor warranty from Timbertech directly. This warranty coincides with our 5-year labor warranty, providing homeowners with peace of mind knowing their investment is protected. We take great pride in the quality of our work and stand behind our craftsmanship.
Over the years, the amount of composite decks we have built has dramatically increased compared to wood decks. This is partly due to the large fluctuation in wood prices, specifically over the past few years. This price fluctuation has made the difference between wood vs. composite much closer together, making composite a more cost-effective option in some scenarios.
Treated lumber does not last as long as composite, requires a lot of maintenance (such as stain/paint) to prolong its life, and is prone to warping, twisting, and shrinking. If you’re looking for a material that prioritizes longevity, composite decks are a great alternative to treated lumber.
They require very little maintenance and no staining/painting. Additionally, composite decks have a Limited Lifetime warranty with a minimum 25-year fade and stain warranty, providing homeowners with long-term protection for their investment.
Whether your style is rustic or practical, our team of deck contractors will work with you to build the perfect deck for your mid-Missouri home.
When you think about your deck being functional for years to come, the railing you choose is an important detail. It seems like an afterthought, but we would argue that small details like this help make your deck your own. We use an all-aluminum railing system custom-made for every deck we build.
Aluminum is strong and will not rust. In addition, the powder-coated paint finish ensures that your railing will look great for years to come. We believe in using only the best materials to ensure that your investment has longevity.
Our lead times for deck installations have decreased over the past few years. If you’re ready to enjoy a safe and functional deck in the coming months, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you build the deck of your dreams.
In 2017, LaVar Ball - Founder and CEO of the sports apparel company Big Baller Brand - told Fox Sports host, Kristine Leahy, to “Stay in your lane”. This was on a Colin Cowherd appearance. I’m not sure if that’s the first time the phrase was used, but it’s the first time I can remember it being used. The metaphor elegantly demands someone to stick to what they know or don’t talk about something you don’t know much about. I have found several opportunities to utilize the phrase myself and have even used the phrase to guide my own decision-making process – “I’ll just stay in my lane.” So what does this have to do with remodeling?
Our economy is showing signs of change. And while I am not an economist (see, I can stay in my lane), we are seeing a noticeable decline in new construction permits. That’s just facts. Unfortunately, we have seen this before. New construction is not as viable as we watch interest rates gradually climb. More and more homeowners are shifting their attention to remodeling. History tells us when new construction starts to dry up, we will see those high-volume new build construction companies start flooding the remodeling market. Maybe you are thinking this could be a good thing if you are remodeling a home. I will tell you why it should concern you and why new construction builders should just stay in their lane.
New Build Construction Companies and the Remodeling Companies have some very obvious commonalities on the surface. We build stuff. Take a deeper look and we are not all that similar in how we approach business. That is not to say that remodeling companies are better than new build construction companies or vice versa, but we operate with different philosophies.
High volume new build construction companies generally work exclusively with sub-contractors. Drywallers, framers, flooring crews and all of the other various trades are subbed out and those contractors are providing a service at the lowest possible price because of the volume they do. Lumber, drywall mud, paint, grout even down to the last screw is accounted for. The goal is to get every trade to work as fast as possible so you can churn out new builds as quickly as possible. There isn’t as strong an emphasis on repeat customers. It is an ‘on to the next one’ mantra. There is marginal room for error in material, and the labor is lightning fast because time is money. One gigantic factor that should not be ignored is that new build construction can work fast because a homeowner doesn’t occupy the space during a build. They don’t have to account for dust or mud getting everywhere. This automatically makes the new build process different than the remodel process.
On the home remodeling contractor side of things, we have a different philosophy. It starts with a customer-first approach. 99% of the customers we work with live in the space we are remodeling. We are committed to protecting your belongings and keeping the space clean and healthy while we are remodeling a house. We understand the inconvenience of having workers in your home. We understand how messy a job site can get so we go to extra lengths to contain our mess and we clean each day before we leave the job site. Most importantly, we take our time to make sure we do your remodel the right way so there’s no call-backs. The only call-back we want is when you’re ready to book your next project with TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors.
New build construction companies are not equipped for remodeling. I know that reads like a bold statement, but it is generally true. Those companies aren’t customer focused enough to provide the type of service a remodeling company like TrueSon can provide. Unlike most new construction companies that utilize a project manager who schedules sub-contractors, we have an employee on site almost daily who monitors quality as the project is being done. This eliminates major issues on the final punch list walk-through. Another major difference is TrueSon backs the work we do with a 5-year labor warranty where most new build are only covered for a year. So, if you’re looking to do something smart with your money and you want to invest it back into your home, think about who you want working in your space. Remodeling price and speed often come at a cost. TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors has been a staple in our community – voted best Home Remodeling Company 2 years in a row for a reason.
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It's always exciting to see a big project come together. While the crews are out there pushing through the hotter part of summer, we've been plugging away at one of our favorite projects - the TrueSon Quarterly Newsletter. We're discussing our deck building process, what we mean by "the TrueSon way", and there's plenty of advice for those looking to start a new home project!
Let’s talk about windows, and why it might be beneficial to avoid the pressure tactics we’ve been seeing in our market lately. By pressure tactics, I mean the window companies that are spamming your mail with various coupons, fliers and mailers jockeying for your attention. Their hope is that you will see that advertisement and you’ll schedule an appointment for them to come to your space. Once they enter your home, the goal is to stay until you sign a contract. They might occupy your space for a few hours as they slowly “sweeten the deal” and offer you a buy-one-get-one deal, or a sizeable percentage off your purchase. This can obviously be effective especially if you don’t have time to educate yourself on this subject. We are here to help! Remember these words… COMPARE YOUR WINDOW BID!
This has happened before. Every few years, we see a trend of manufacturers sending sales reps to certain regions for a period of time. Their goal is to sell as many windows in the area as they can. They don’t always stick around. It could be that these manufacturers believe our area is worth setting up a permanent shop. It could be that they’ll leave once they feel like they have sold everything they can sell. The truth is, we just don’t know. I won’t disparage the product they are selling; however, I want to discourage you from jumping into a deal without looking at your options.
We’ve received a lot of phone calls lately on this specific subject matter. We’ve even had a customer tell us they just signed a contract to get a sales rep out of their home. Luckily, we were fortunate enough to have a few solid customers share their experiences and window quotes with us. What we found was astonishing and that’s why I am urging you to COMPARE YOUR WINDOW BID! We found that even with a “Heavily discounted deal” from a window manufacturer, TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors is still coming in close or even under those quotes. You read that correctly! We are very competitive and sometimes even under the least expensive bid from window manufacturers after all of their discounts. So, what are you paying for?
Our craftsmanship/labor warranty is what sets TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors apart from most of our competition. It means we stand behind the work we do. This warranty is on top of an already fantastic manufacturer’s warranty! That means if you have us install your new windows and there is a factory defect with the product, we’ll help you get your product replaced or fixed AND we will cover the labor to do so for up to 5 years from your installation date as long as there wasn’t negligence on your side and it truly is a manufacturer’s defect. Some window manufacturers will only cover the product warranty so if something goes wrong, you could still be on the hook for the cost of labor to fix the issue, and that can add up fast.
If you are like me, you might have the impression that a window manufacturer probably has the very best installation crews to put your windows or doors in. The comparison I would like to point out is that many of our competitors sub out their work while TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors utilize in-house production teams. This helps us control our quality with your install. In fact, we utilize a bonus structure with our production teams that place value on not having any call-backs. In other words, our guys are trained to do it right the first time. I would also like to point out that we are a Pella Certified Platinum Elite contractor. This means we are in the top 1% of sales worldwide and we have years of window and door installation experience to show for it!
One thing that sets us apart from our window and door competition is that we can do everything. We are a whole-home remodeling company. If your project turns into more than just windows and doors, we’ve got you covered! We specialize in roofing, siding, windows, doors, decks, kitchens, bathrooms, additions and remodeling. We have a wealth of experienced project specialists and production team leaders that have your investment in mind. We are more than windows and doors.
The other important piece that should not be overlooked is that we are locally owned and operated. That means, if you do have an issue, you don’t have to search for a contact that might be out of state to come fix your issue. We are a phone call away. Your business also means a lot to us. We actually really care about the communities we serve because we live here too. TrueSon can boast over 12+ years of business with a stellar reputation for being the best, and that’s not by accident. Our communities trust us to conduct business the right way. You can count on TrueSon to bring you the best quality, but in those rare instances where we might make a mistake, you should also rest easy knowing we have a reputation for fixing things and making things right for our customers.
If you want more information on replacing your windows, check out our previous blog: https://truesonexteriors.com/home-window-replacement-top-3-exterior-update/. And of course, we would love your business. We would love the opportunity to bid your project even if you’ve had a bid from someone else. We won’t give you a high-pressure sales pitch because that’s not how we conduct business. We will give you an honest assessment so that you can make educated investments into your home. COMPARE YOUR WINDOW BID!
Punch List – Construction Term or Band Name?
The actual meaning: A list of discrepancies that need to be fixed by the contractor.
Verdict: Tally another band name win for the Punk Rockers! Break out your shredded jean jackets and iron this patch across the back. Who's on your "Punch List?".
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Cheers to to the TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors second ever issue of On the Level! This issue will have a little more content, a little more in-depth analysis, and a whole lot of the same stuff that makes us who we are. I’ve poked the experts enough that they are starting to avoid me in the hallway (mostly joking).
We’ve got everything from a 2022 outlook to a guide on replacing windows in your home. We even grabbed our in-house hunting expert to provide some quick tips for Turkey Hunting this Spring. And if you can’t find what you are looking for here, please know that you can always reach out to me and we’ll
try to fit it in the next issue!
When Fall and Winter weather starts ganging up on the those summer days, a person can learn a lot about their home if they know what they are looking for. Have you ever seen the windows in your home start sweating (condensation)? This may or may not be an issue related to your window's efficiency. A common misconception is that a window that sweats should be replaced, when in actuality you might just have a very humid house. If there is fogging in between window panes, this could indicate a faulty seal. When you walk by your windows do you feel a draft? If yes, you probably need to have someone come out and look at your windows.
Home window replacement can seem like a daunting task, but we are here to help. Josh, resident window and doors expert at TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors, Columbia Missouri says homeowners should answer some questions before they jump into a window replacement project.
In short, there are plenty of reasons to look into having your windows replaced, but if you are considering an upgrade, let us help guide you!
Most window professionals believe a quality window should last 15-20 years. Getting straight to the point, windows haven't aged well in the past. The technology in just a short amount of time has really improved over the last 10-20 years. Even the cheapest windows made today are likely better than that 20-year-old window I your home. Improved energy efficiency and build quality are one thing, but even the best windows simply wear out over time.
Believe it or not, the internet can be a wonderful resource. Take, for example, the various cost vs. value reports like the one Zonda releases yearly that can be found at places like www.remodeling.hw.net. Their data supports that window replacement is No. 3 for greatest return on investment for homeowners for exterior projects (replacing garage door is No. 1 and replacing siding is No. 2).
While the initial sticker shock of buying all new windows might be difficult to get past, replacing windows brings a 69% of cost recovered on resale which is really good. And you are likely to see real savings on your utility bills with new windows. Do you plan to stay in your home for a while? I mean no disrespect to the next owner of your home, but I'm not sure you'll get your return if you plan to move within a year or two of replacing windows.
My wife drives a Prius. And one time she caught air jumping some damned railroad tracks - somewhere rural Missouri (true story). That was intense! It felt so wrong, yet so right at the same time. I'm not sure where I'm going with this, but maybe just to say "I get it". And as much as I didn't want her to buy a Prius initially, I have grown really fond of being able to drive anywhere in America on a full tank of gas. Windows are a great way to improve the energy efficiency of your home therefore extending the mileage of your paycheck.
Did you know if you live within the city limits of Columbia, Missouri you are eligible for a free residential energy assessment? Someone will come to your house for an onsite visit. They will look at your habits, equipment and structural issues so you can figure out just how good (or bad) your windows and doors are performing. They do this really cool air-tight test that checks for drafts in your home. You can find more information by calling them at (573) 441-5528.
We generally see windows being covered out of pocket by homeowners. Barring any natural accident of the weather-related variety, windows aren't typically covered under home insurance if they are just "old". Normal "Wear & Tear" isn't a category insurance generally covers. Insurance won't take into account the efficiency of your window, or the quality of the window in most cases.
This is a great question! The simple answer is, all home warranties vary. It would be best to check with your realtor or facilitator of your Home Warranty.
There are generally 3 types of windows: vinyl, fiberglass and wood. Here are some things to consider for each:
There are several factors here that one should consider. We highly recommend being diligent in your research if you are considering replacing windows. You will want to find a window brand that has been in the business for a while. A quality window will have a solid warranty but a warranty is no good if a company doesn't stay in business. You should find a company that puts their windows through rigorous testing, especially if you experience all the seasons in your area. What happens when it's 75 degrees one day an 30 the next? There are several manufacturers that fit this mold, but let me tell you why TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors likes to use Pella Windows and Doors.
The fact that TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors is an Elite Platinum Certified Contractor puts us in the top 1% of Pella's sales, nationwide. This means Pella values the work we do and they want to help maintain that relationship with us. Since 1925(you read that right), Pella has been one of the leading residential and commercial window and door leaders in the industry. Pella has been awarded more than 150 product and design patents which tells us they are always on the cutting edge. Pella is backed by one of the best warranties in the window and door business with a limited lifetime warranty which pairs well with the TrueSon Installation/Labor warranty.
The bottom line is that Pella is a brand that will always be there for your biggest investment. Whether that means finding a part for a window, new technology to keep up with the demand of energy efficient products, or trying to find that stylish look that Pella is also known for. It means that if you do your window or door business with TrueSon, you're going to have a quality product with a phenomenal warranty also backed by a labor warranty in a local company you can trust! Contact us today through our easy-to-use contact form!
The actual meaning: Metal straps that secure the roof rafters and trusses to the top horizontal wall plate.
Verdict: I can't get the image of my wife jumping things in her Prius out of my head. "Hurricane Clip" is the perfect rap name for someone that has reached a certain level of street credit in the Prius game. "Hurricane Clip" spitting bars and jumping cars.
We are always looking for skilled workers with a strong work ethic that are self-motivated and can
thrive in a family environment.
Must be hard working and reliable and have your own vehicle to drive to and from job sites.
Preferred but not required:
NOTE: We will provide on the site job training for the right fit!
At TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors we offer all of our employees the following:
Call 573-442-7292 or come by our office M-F 9am – 4:30pm.
Closest Guess Wins!
Flash back 10 hours. Everything started fine. I ran over to the hardware store with our Production Supervisor, Chad. I was there to buy gloves. The day before, one of our production team members, Jeff M., came to my office to ask me what I was doing the following day. I didn’t have an immediate answer because someone else stepped into my office and I had to check my schedule. When I circled back, he insisted he was joking. They were pulling up a brand-new wood floor that had been glued down by the contractor before us. Interior Home Remodeling is full of surprises! The task was going to be a doozie, I could tell in his voice. At the same time, I could hear Gary, our General Manager’s voice in my head telling me to jump out there and get dirty every now and then. This seemed like a good chance to get dirty and help one of my teammates.
“Chad, what type of gloves should I get?”
Chad grabbed the thinnest gloves I had ever seen and said, “These should work.”
Chad gives me far too much credit. I bruise easily. Splinters have a thing for me. I’m old.
I grabbed a more padded version of the ones Chad found and he agreed, these would probably be better for me. Not that I’ll be doing a ton of manual labor for TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors, Columbia MO, but if I’m called on, I want to have some decent gloves! At the checkout register, the friendly guy at the hardware store had a few jokes. Mostly centered around death. I couldn’t help but feel a bit of foreshadowing was trying to insert itself into my day…
I decided not to tell the Interior Remodeling crew I was coming. I just wanted to show up. I didn’t want to disappoint anyone if I couldn’t make it, but I also didn’t want anyone to try to talk me out of going. I made the drive across town, with my new shiny red gloves.
Upon arrival, Jeff M., one of our Interior Remodeling Specialists, just looked at me and started laughing. “You came?!? You must want to hate your life? Seriously, why would you come?”. All the pleasantries you would expect from my buddy, Jeff M. I laughed it off and made up a song on the spot about my new red gloves. I’m not sure he was entertained. They were using some form of a gigantic floor chisel/hammer. This thing was so big, it was on wheels. And when he fired it up, the sound was louder than any metal show I’ve ever played or seen.
“We better get you some earplugs.” Says Jeff M. I agreed.
Greg, also one of the Project Managers was on the job as well. Once I got my earplugs in, he handed me a hammer. “Take this hammer, and pry up the flooring as Jeff M. chisels it up.”
Easy enough? WRONG. Sure, for the first few minutes, things were going smoothly. It wasn’t until I realized I had been hunched over like a defensive lineman for about 10 straight minutes that the fear set in. I stood up straight and that’s when my back not-so-politely asked me, “What in the actual F___ are you doing?”. If you’re above the age of 40, you’ve probably had a body part very clearly telling you things are not okay if you continue to do what you are doing. But I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t tell these guys I appreciate all you do for us, and that’s all I’ve got time for today. Best of luck! I’m not going out like that.
We chiseled away at the floor. Little by little. At one point, Jeff asked me if I wanted to trade. I would run the hammer chisel, and he would pry up the floor. I don’t know if he saw the pain in my eyes or just wanted to give me the opportunity to try the hammer chisel. I wanted to try the hammer chisel! I thought this might be better than keeping my dad-bod at an awkward 60-degree angle for long periods of time. WRONG. HGTV never shows how long these Interior Home Renovations take!
There’s something extremely humbling about not having the weight or muscle strength to run a power tool with efficiency. I don’t deserve my shiny new red gloves. It was pretty clear to Jeff M. that if he wanted to get any work done, he was going to have to run the hammer chisel. We traded back. I don’t know if my body just went into fight or flight mode, but I’m pretty sure the next hour or two I was on auto-pilot. We took a break when the painter met with one of our project leaders, and then another break when I ripped the entire butt out of my work jeans. Looking back, that really was the icing on the cake or the Coup De Grace that put an exclamation point on my day. I was quite literally the butt of the joke.
Right around 11am, Jeff cut off the hammer chisel. Lunchtime. Music to my ears and some minor relief for my back. We decided to drive into town and grab some local BBQ. Not sure I earned it, but I scarfed down my lunch. And if it was going to potentially be my last meal, at least it was delicious.
After lunch, I thought about dropping Jeff M. off at the job site and heading back to the office, but I couldn’t abandon him and Greg; that just didn’t feel right. While I didn’t feel like I was contributing much, they really were making better time with me there. Afterall, this was a huge Complete Home Remodel, so I dug deep and found a tiny bit more of that stuff they call “heart”.
When we met back up with Greg, he handed me the push broom. In an assertive voice I hadn’t heard him use before he said, “I need you to sweep up all the loose stuff in this room where we chiseled. All the debris has to come up so I can take a diamond blade to the floor to get the rest of the glue up.”. Fine with me! I can sweep, I’ve swept lots of things. I happen to be a pretty proficient sweeper. AND it won’t hurt like the other job, right? WRONG. Ten minutes in of aggressively sweeping up this unruly debris had a new part of my back singing show-tunes! The hell is wrong with me? Luckily, I heard my name being yelled in the other room. “BLUMER! This trash isn’t going to pick up itself! You’re on trash duty too!”. Greg was having fun with me. And why shouldn’t he? I was in his world.
I hustled in there and started picking up flooring that had been accumulating since I last left. This meant multiple trips outside to the dumpster with bucket loads of flooring. Or, as I like to put it, a whole new way to feel pain in a muscle group I must not currently use at all in my lifestyle. For the next few hours, I swept aggressively and picked up trash franticly. That was my job. And I dare say, I was decent at it. Not great, but decent. Greg stopped yelling at me and even paid me a compliment about my clean floors when we were wrapping up. And it’s not that I didn’t already appreciate Jeff M. and Greg for the work they do on a daily basis, but I certainly gained some perspective. And perspective at my age is still everything to me.
Our day winded down and I staggered out to my truck. I had to head home and get ready to coach soccer practice where I was positive, I would feel every bit of what I did for the day. Through it all, I still can’t stop thinking about how these guys wake up and do this stuff every day. And this Remodeling Project wasn’t close to being finished. There’s still plenty more to do. I understand how some laborers out there might cut corners if it means finishing up quicker, but I assure you, our guys are working hard from start to finish on our job sites. This particular job site we are redoing everything a previous contractor had already done. We’re replacing new – and very poor craftsmanship. The customer trusts us to do it. That’s saying something.
One more thought about this experience. For some reason manual labor gets a bad rap sometimes. I don’t get it. Sure, it’s hard work. Sure, it’s not glamorous at times. But the heart our team has for the work they do I haven’t really seen in my other work experiences. They work hard, they make good money, and the sense of accomplishment they have when the job is done makes for a very rewarding occupation. If my son has any interest in being a skilled laborer, I surely won’t discourage him.
Coped Joint – Construction Term or Band Name?
The actual meaning: Cutting and fitting woodwork to an irregular surface.
Verdict: Pretty sure I saw this band out in Denver this summer. A mostly white Reggae band from Boise, Idaho with a firm grip on the political climate in South Africa...
Besides earning Gold for Inside Columbia Magazine's Best of Columbia's 2021 Home Remodeling Company, there's a lot to be excited about! TrueSon Exteriors | Interiors, Columbia Mo has been steadily growing! And with that growth comes brand new opportunity and new services including an in-house Interior Design Coordinator.
Tyler Kallenbach and his already stellar team added a new face with some fresh ideas to the mix! Meet Stacey Fitzpatrick. For Stacey, Interior Design is not just a job responsibility, but it has been her passion for as long as she can remember. She's most excited to meet with potential and existing customers to discuss project ideas. Stacey is the right balance of being able to help as much or as little as needed when it's time to remodel your Kitchen or redo your Master Bath.
Whether it's New Construction, Home Addition, Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel or a Whole-Home Remodel, Tyler Kallenbach and his team have the experienced professionals to help guide you through your project. Let us turn your vision of a dream home into a reality!
