Settling for Mediocrity

With the winter we just "suffered", if you're not an winter sports person, why would we just allow anyone to create our outdoor summer atmosphere. It really is a simple answer. We are all settling for mediocrity. We all want that TV show deck, but do not want to put that investment. So we settle, for anything that resembles some sort of outdoor living space. We look at our neighbours and say, "that's so boring" or "that's not us", and then we go out and do the exact same because creativity cost money. 

So if creativity cost money, do you think it may also make money? If you are selling your house, do you not think that being creative will make your house stand out before your neighbours. So why make it look like your neighbours. Your outdoor living space should be a reflections of the homes energy and your family dynamics. If you spend your summers eating outside with your family and friends, a 10 foot by 10 foot deck will seem cramped, and your enjoyment will be lower. If you want to see your yard and kids from your deck, wood picket rails may not be for you. So why look at basic deck prices from companies that can only supply what you do not want. If they cannot get a read of your vision maybe try finding the company that can. 

If it comes down to getting what you want and thinking you can change later, yes this is definitely possible but we often just learn to accept what is put in front of us. The cost of upgrading now before construction is likely far lower than what it will cost to replace and adjust everything later. We may not be your deck builder, but if you have any questions as to products and designs feel free to send them our way. 

Spring??? is almost here! Freezing rain storm April 12th??

SO for the second day in a row, I sit at home thinking will spring ever get here or are we trapped in winter. But I know when we get to it it will be awesome! Patios and decks all summer. Lets not waste it this year, after this incredible long winter. I last wrote over two years ago about spring being almost here and likely when I wrote that we had nicer weather than today. We have prepared ourselves this year to offer some of the trendiest deck designs and materials available. When mother nature throws you a curve, why not throw one right back with a space saving design with an arched front? Like to see your children unobstructed try glass panes as your rail(we work with some awesome products that are affordable and look amazing, even available tinted.) What about decking materials you ask? Engineered materials look amazing but are not always budget friendly, simple try upgrading your floor and rails to cedar to give it a more sophisticated  look, With a great clear coat, the natural cedar colour with last for years.
Also, look into permits and locates for utilities well before you plan to tackle any project. One call can do your locates and are a free call away at1-800-400-2255. Remember when dealing with a contractor get everything written and verified before work begins, including access to your property(times and restrictions), what they are going to cover for guarantee, Price, and materials. You are only as protected as you make yourself. Ask for references, if they are truly as good as they talk they will have people lining up to tell you!

Spring is almost here!!! Time to get ready for outdoor living

Its that season everyone looks forward to. Spring. With winter on the way out the door for eight months its time to start thinking of your outdoor living plans. Whether you plan on spending it on your favourite patio with friends or want to create your own backyard retreat, just thinking about it makes you feel better.

If you are a do-it yourselfer make sure to check with local building codes before tackling any project generally above 2 feet from grade(most areas allow to build without permit if below 2 feet from grade). If you are looking for a contractor to build your deck, look two months ahead of time so proper design and reports can be generated for permits and inspections. Also gives you the homeowner a chance to go over what you want and makes changes before work is completed. If you are looking for the sleek glass and steel railing system, in some areas they need an engineers report and connection details before they are installed.

Time to start planning!

Outdoor storage, if you are looking for some outdoor storage, there are many options. Need a shed built, they can be tricky but usually if under 100 square feet they can be done without permits. A new option for your shed is a pre-finished siding panel, looks like vertical siding and can painted easily. Installs easily with galvanized nails and eliminates crawling around after to put siding on walls. Remember when planning a shed to include shingles, commonly forgotten when pricing out materials and run from $25 a bundle and up depending on quality and style.

If there are any of these projects you need help with, we have experience with all projects and can help with design and plans for permits to get your project going.

Happy and Safe New Year and all the best in 2011

As we all get set to celebrate the coming of a new year, I would like to thank those who have made 2010 at great success for Kopher Wood Contracting. To my family and friends who give me support all year round and to my wife who has sacrificed so much this year as we get this company moving off the ground and higher.

To all those who have helped with small and large projects this year a special thank you as we could not have begun with this amount of success without you. A special thank you to Mr Reiter of RTS Homes ltd. who chose to hire Kopher Wood as his regular framing company and may we develop a great working relationship through 2011 and beyond.

With winter in full swing now, outdoor projects are not to far away to be planned for. But, what you may consider is what needs to be done in your home to make it your dream home. Not all dream homes have 7 figure price tags. We can help create the extra living space or find more living space in your home.

Happy New Year and best of luck in 2011

Kopher Wood Contracting

Do some background work on you contractor!

Not to say I am the best contractor out there, but to those who say there are able to do work well below cost, you are only injuring the entire industry. You may ask how can this be. But lets lay out the facts. If the below cost contractor is selected, they will use cheaper quality materials therefore giving a poor result in there quality. Home owners may not realize the problem until after they have paid the contractor and he has disappeared. After paying this contracting they may not have the money to do repairs necessary to fix contractors work.

For example, you hire "Brian" from an online ad to finish your basement. He has said it will take approximately 1-2 weeks and will cost roughly $19 a square foot. When going over your request he constantly changes items you want to fit less expensive and easier to install. He offers to do all electrical and plumbing required(very rare if Brian has his electrical and plumbing license). Also, rare if he takes out necessary permits for the work involved. When project is complete you are lwondering if this is what you wanted and if you got what you paid for. Changes are now costly because of finished walls and ceiling and hidden electrical and plumbing.

In reality, a finished basement should start roughly around $35 square foot, that would include framing, minor electrical, and some flooring. For complex and fully finished basements the price can quickly climb for things like bathrooms, bedrooms, custom lighting and insulated flooring.

Great work results in Great referrals and references, another great reference will come from home improvement stores and good contractor will usually deal with sales people at these stores directly, others will have no relationship with anyone, ask for one sales rep reference as well.

I hope this helps future projects for many people out there, I would love to be able to help everyone with there dream projects, but to everyone there is a great contractor out there who fits the situation. Please let me know if there are any projects that you are looking at completing in the near future.

John Street Renovation/Addition

If you knew the house before, you certainly wouldn't recognize it now. With the New stone going on and framing complete the house definately has been updated. Minus one piece of timber over the front porch and top gable the house has really come together. But, with that being done it's right on the the next project in New Hamburg. Along with all of those who are waiting to have projects done in the near future. He are a few pictures of what John Street looks like.

Perfect Time for that Outdoor Project

With the official start to the summer over, time to start thinking about those summer projects. Don't get stuck in a bad place like new customer who had to call Kopher Wood to correct what his deck builders had left undone and not acceptable to building code. Save both your time and money when you get the job done properly the first time. Deck isn't required this summer, how about some extra storage. With plenty of designs and prices ranges a new shed maybe what your looking for. Built right and water tight, can be used for storage year round with out the worry of water damage.
Shed Not big enough! how about a garage or addition to your existing home. Many ways to go about building either. Don't worry about finding all the trades, we have the connections through years of building to get qualified trades people to take care of your dream project. Let us know how we can help make your project come to life.

Kopher Wood Contracting
Your Dream, Your Inspiration, Our Standards.