Qualified Remodeler helps independent remodeling firms to survive, become more professional and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.
Issue link: https://qualifiedremodeler.epubxp.com/i/532719
upsell into a fuller, more developed solution — including furniture and deck boxes. AZEK Deck and TimberTech meanwhile have introduced a 3-D iPad App to give re- modelers and contractors the ability to simply drop a marker on the ground or existing deck and show clients photo-quality versions of their yard equipped with varying deck options and colors. "It is an easy way for contractors to collaborate with homeowners and guide them in product and color choices," says Shendow. Decking is clearly on a tear these days. And it is tough for remodelers to keep up. Ten again, the consumer is not slowing down either. So remodelers must keep pace or fall behind in what is a design and aesthetics arms race. | Steel has also entered the picture as a premium way to support outdoor living structures. Trex Elevations is a steel sup- port structure that brings commercial grade specifcations to residential applications. And the shady underside of well-supported decks are now served by rain shields that evacuate water that falls through decks, creating new spaces for entertaining or even storage, says Zambanini whose Trex RainEscape is one such solution. Design support for remodelers and deck builders also extends to a variety of propri- etary design tools. Trex has its own design tools for its TrexPro dealers. Te primary beneft is an ability to show capabilities and beautifcation of the railing systems and the entire surrounding of a person's home and their backyard. Tese items all still use treated wood for some of the foundations of these structures. So we have seen an expansion of the use of treated wood in almost every backyard." The industry standard in warranties on composites is a 25-year fade and stain warranty. Virtually all composite-decking manufacturers offer it. But there are signs that the ante is being upped. Deckorators recently added a "25-year removal and replacement warranty," says Camfferman. "From our standpoint being in the industry, we knew that we somehow had to stand out from the crowd," says Camfferman. "And that is when we offered the new warranty. We had very few claims because of the way we manufacture our boards. And we were typically, if there were issues, we were taking care of it. So why not get credit for it? That means if it fails due to an issue related to the manufacture of the board, we will pay to have it removed and we will pay to have it replaced. So homeowner confidence means installer confidence as well, because they are the ones who typically will have to handle the labor in those situations." The question is, will others follow suit? Only time will tell. A Word About Warranties VIANCE's EcoLife product offers high quality pressure-treated lumber to the market. Pressure treated lumber has an authenticity that many consumer still prefer. Circle 9 on inquiry card TREX has expanded its offering in tandem with the growth in demand for larger outdoor living spaces. It recently introduced outdoor storage, some with coolers. TREX Elevations, right, is a steel framing product that is gaining favor in fire-prone regions in the Western U.S. Circle 8 on inquiry card QualifiedRemodeler.com | ForResidentialPros.com QR June 2015 41