Author Archives: homesteadop
Deck Flashing Makes a Difference
July 28, 2021In fact, it can make a BIG difference when you consider that some contractors ignore this vital step in protecting their customers’ investment. The Problem While decking and railing materials continue to evolve, providing long-lasting curb appeal and low maintenance, the wooden foundations underneath them often fail to keep up. Even pressure-treated wood becomes prone…
Featured Homestead Outdoor Products Video—Decking: PVC vs. Composite
Ready. Camera. Action! In this video, Ken Burkholder explains the difference between PVC and composite decking. Watch today to learn the pros and cons of each and get tips for deciding which one will be best for your projects. Visit www.homesteadoutdoorproducts.com/videos to see this video and also to tune in to our other helpful videos—and…
Get Things Done—Step 3: Organize
“Organize” is the third step in the five-step process described in David Allen’s book Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. “Organize” involves taking all the information and to-dos you’ve collected in Allen’s first two steps (capture and clarify) and categorizing and prioritizing them. In other words, it means getting organized so that you…
Welcome Our New Inside Sales Reps
June 9, 2021We are happy to announce that David Batturs and Dave Wenrich have joined the Homestead Outdoor Products family. As inside sales representatives, a few of their responsibilities include writing material quotes and orders, researching and sharing information with employees and customers, and assisting our customers with their orders. David Batturs David has enjoyed a…
In this sign of the times: A Look at Lumber Prices in 2021
A Q&A With Superior Plastics: Why Are the Prices of Plastic Building Materials Rising?
The cost of materials has been on an upward trend. This Q&A with Superior Plastics explains why prices are rising and how contractors can help lessen the impact on their bottom line. Q1. What types of plastic building supplies are going up in price? Resin, which is the basis for all vinyl railing and fencing…
Get Things Done—Step 2: Clarify
In our last two newsletters, we introduced the five-step process in David Allen’s book “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.” IN THIS ISSUE, WE’LL TALK ABOUT “CLARIFY.” Clarify is a two-step process centered on sorting through all of the information and to-dos that come your way. It means reviewing what you have…
Product Spotlight: Porch Posts
March 26, 2021Did you know that we carry structural vinyl and aluminum porch posts in many styles from trusted brands, including Key-Link and Superior Plastic Products? No matter your customers’ design preferences, we have posts in many varieties and colors to enhance curb appeal while providing stability. Call us for more information! *Porch posts are not designed…
Three Communications Tips to Help You Satisfy All Customers
Every customer is unique in some way, with their own preferences and expectations when working with a contractor. Here are three tips to help you ensure customer satisfaction across the board. 1. Talk and, more importantly, listen to customers before starting a project. Communication takes time, but it’s necessary. Not only does it matter for…
A Focus on Deck Fasteners
Check out our new video that shares insight and pros and cons about three deck board-fastening methods: Fasteners through the surface of the board Fasteners through the side of the board Clips inserted into grooves in the board Visit www.homesteadoutdoorproducts.com/videos to see this video and also to tune in to our other helpful videos—and watch…