Factors Contributing to High Construction Costs

1. Labor costs: Skilled labor is essential for construction projects, and a shortage of skilled workers can drive up labor costs. Additionally, wage increases, benefits, and overtime pay can contribute to higher labor costs.

2. Material costs: The cost of construction materials, such as lumber, steel, concrete, and insulation, can fluctuate based on supply and demand, transportation costs, tariffs, and other factors. Material shortages or price increases can significantly impact construction costs.

3. Regulations and permits: Meeting building codes, zoning regulations, and obtaining permits can add time and cost to a construction project. Compliance with environmental regulations, safety standards, and other requirements can also increase costs.

4. Land costs: The price of land for construction can vary depending on location, size, zoning, and other factors. High land costs can drive up overall construction costs.

5. Design complexity: The complexity of a construction project, including architectural design, structural requirements, and technological features, can impact construction costs. Custom designs, intricate details, and specialized materials or equipment can increase costs.

6. Market conditions: Economic factors, such as inflation, interest rates, and market demand, can influence construction costs. Fluctuations in the economy can impact the availability and cost of labor and materials.

7. Delays and disruptions: Delays in construction due to weather, supply chain issues, labor shortages, or other factors can increase costs by extending project timelines and requiring additional resources.

8. Overhead and profit: Contractors and subcontractors typically include overhead costs and profit margins in their bids for construction projects, which can contribute to higher overall costs.

Overall, construction costs can be influenced by a combination of factors, and it's important for project owners, developers, and contractors to carefully consider and plan for these factors to mitigate cost overruns.

Exposed vs Hidden Deck Fasteners, Which is Right For You?

Deck fasteners are crucial components in the construction of a deck, as they secure the boards in place and provide a clean, finished look. There are two main types of deck fasteners: exposed and hidden.

Exposed deck fasteners are screws or nails that are visible on the surface of the deck boards. They are typically installed through the face of the board, leaving a small hole where the fastener is inserted. Exposed fasteners are easier to install and replace, as they are readily accessible. However, they can detract from the overall appearance of the deck and may be more prone to rust and corrosion over time.

Hidden deck fasteners, on the other hand, are installed underneath or in the side of the deck boards, so they are not visible on the surface. This provides a cleaner, more seamless look to the deck, with no visible

screws or nails. Hidden fasteners can also help to prevent splinters and tripping hazards caused by exposed fasteners. However, hidden fasteners can be more difficult to install and may require special tools or techniques.

Ultimately, the choice between exposed and hidden deck fasteners will depend on personal preference, budget, and the desired aesthetic of the deck. Both types of fasteners have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to weigh these factors carefully before making a decision.

How to Attract a Quality Contractor

As a state certified contractor that works with a lot of homeowners there are many red flags that I look for during an initial meeting. While it is true that the client has the privledge of the final say about who does the work on their project, contractors also have a say in the matter. Here are some things you can do as a homeowner to attract a quality contractor to bid your project

Have a positive attitude when we show up to do the estimate. If we get there and immediately hear that you are on a fixed budget and need the project done for as low as possible, that's not a good start. That is a line that we have heard more times than not and doesn't affect the price that we give you for a project but what it does do is let us know that your apparent largest concern is the price and not the quality of work or the professionalism that comes with hiring a licensed and insured contractor.

Know what you want done. When we get to a project to give a bid we need some basic parameters to work within. We are more than happy to lend our professional expertise to what you want to have done but it's important that you know exactly what you would like to have done. Too many times have I went out to give a bid just to be told "we aren't exactly sure but we think we want this" just to try to figure it out with the homeowner and leave without any info to give a bid on.

Avoiding the above mention items will ensure that we get your bid out on a timely manner and look forward to working with you. Just like everyone else we enjoy being in a work environment where our hard work and knowlege is appreciated but unlike most we have the ability to pick our work environment and almost on a weekly basis disqualify possible customers because they appear to be a problem before the bid is even out.