Homestead Post

Best Practices for Handling Two Common Issues With Railings

To help you navigate two challenges you might encounter with railings, we’re
sharing the following helpful tips:

Options for Handling Difficult Angles

Installing railings can get tricky when circumstances present something other
than straightforward 45° or 90° angles.
Here are some options for dealing with odd horizontal plane angles:

Poly blocks—These solid plastic blocks, which are available in colors that match vinyl railings, can be cut to accommodate any angle.
Painted PVC trim—By cutting a wedge out of PVC trim to meet the angle requirements and painting it to match the railing,
you can effectively solve the problem.

Surface-mounted post brackets—Rather than using the existing post, consider cutting it off and putting a surface-mounted post bracket on the deck. This will allow you to mount railing at any angle.

Aluminum as an alternative—If you’re not too far along in the process, switching to aluminum railing can simplify matters.
With aluminum railing, you can use swivel brackets, which make it easy to accommodate strange angles.

How to Avoid Gaps When Attaching Vinyl 2 x 4 Railing to a Rounded Vinyl 4 x 4 Post

In screened porch applications that require attaching a 2 x 4 vinyl rail to a rounded 4 x 4 post, an unsightly gap can
occur.

Follow the step-by-step guide below to avoid the problem:

1. Start with a 2 x 4 that is 1/4 inch over
   required length.
2. Cut to where the 1/4 inch radius begins.
3. Cut a 45° angle with a miter saw.
4. Finish fairing the curve with a rotary tool or utility knife.

Advantages of Decking Patterns

Advantages of Decking Patterns

When customers look for a contractor to install a deck, they may think of it as a commodity that any home improvement
company can tackle. But a deck doesn’t have to be “just a deck.”
Suggesting a decking pattern to your customer shows that a deck can be an attractive architectural feature and that you are a designer, not just an installer.
Fortunately, your team already has the skill set needed to build decking patterns.
With precise measuring and planning for some additional time to frame the deck, you can create a stunning deck with a design such as:

• Parquet
• Herringbone
• Basket Weave
• Diamond
• Diagonal
• V-Shape

How Decks With Patterns Benefit Your Customers

• Create a more interesting outdoor living space
• Minimize the appearance of gaps when boards expand and contract

How Installing Decks With Patterns Benefits Your Business

• Sets you apart from your competition
•  Adds revenue—decking patterns require more planning, materials (depending on the pattern), and labor

If you’re in a competitive-quote situation, consider suggesting a decking pattern to your prospective customers.
It will help them visualize that a deck can be far from ordinary, and it will demonstrate your versatility, creativity, and capabilities.

We’re happy to now be offering Wolf Endurance™, aluminum cabinetry that stands up to wear and weather. Available in ash, black, and white powder- coated finishes, Wolf Endurance makes a visually appealing and versatile addition to outdoor living areas.*

Homeowners will love how this cabinetry makes entertaining on decks and patios a breeze. It comes in a variety of options and seals out rain and moisture. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to configure and install. It’s lightweight, fully assembled, and customizable to fit any surface.

Want to learn more? Contact us for more information!

* Homestead Outdoor Products does not sell countertops and ranges. They must be purchased independently.

As warmer weather rounds the corner, homeowners are looking forward to spending more time outdoors. But sometimes they have difficulty grasping the full potential of their backyards. Their outdoor space can be so much more than what they might realize. With the right features and amenities, an outdoor area can become an extension of your customers’ living space—a favorite “room” for enjoying family time, reading a good book, or entertaining friends.

As a trusted advisor, you can help them imagine the possibilities.

Here are some questions to consider asking homeowners to discover what they need from their outdoor space.

1. In what seasons would you like to use your outdoor space?
2. What times of day will you typically use your outdoor space?
3. Do you want your outdoor space to let in or shield out direct sunlight?
4. What types of activities will you do in your outdoor space?
5. How many people will your outdoor space need to accommodate?
6. Do you have (or foresee having) pets that you want to keep on your property?
7. Would you like to increase your level of privacy?

Getting customers to answer these questions will help them realize what they want and need. And it will give you a better idea of what features (such as a screened porch, pergola, deck, arbor, fencing, outdoor kitchen, etc.) will help them live their vision.

For many contractors, sales is one of the least favorite aspects of running a business. But it’s an important issue because your success can depend on it. Even if most of your customers come to you through referrals, you still have parts of the sales process to deal with.

Keep the following tips in mind to help make your sales efforts successful:

1. Ask questions.
   Listen closely to what your customer tells you rather than jumping in with your thoughts and suggestions out of the gate. Ask questions to gather as much information as possible about your prospect’s needs and expectations before you propose ideas and solutions. This will also help you write more accurate estimates of time and costs for projects.
2. Follow up after you send your quote.
   If you haven’t heard from a customer in the time frame you expected, follow up.
   While you may be thinking the prospect will call you back, that person may be thinking the ball is in your court. By
   following up, you have an opportunity to answer questions and move the sale forward.
3. Set expectations.
   After a customer contracts you to do the job, explain your work process, schedule (as accurately as possible), and any other details that will help set clear expectations. This will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure customer satisfaction.