The Deck of Your Dreams

Here’s why homeowners across the region are finally enjoying the custom-designed decks they really want.

By: Ken McEntee
Date: 06/21/2009
When you plan a new home project, you might spend quite a bit of time imagining what it will look like when it’s all done. Sometimes the results aren’t quite what you’d envisioned.

That’s not a problem with a new deck by DeckCreator.

That’s because Fred Haun, owner of DeckCreator, not only will show you a no-cost, no-obligation 3-D rendering of your new deck before you place your order, but you will also work with him to create the project right on the screen of his laptop.

“Other contractors might provide a two-dimensional sketch of your project, and I know one other company that will show you a 3-D rendering, but I don’t know of anybody else who sits down and designs it with you,” Fred says.
Fred’s visit to your home begins with a discussion about your project.

“I listen to my customers to learn exactly how they will use the deck,” he says. “Is it a couple who is going to sit and relax, or do they plan to do a lot of entertaining? That helps in making suggestions about the design.”

Fred then takes measurements and does a look-see of the house and land to determine what will work and what won’t, then begins to design your dream deck on his computer while you watch.

“I’m able to make changes as we go,” Fred says. “We can look at thousands of options, like a variety of different rails, balusters, colors, hardware, even the shape of the deck.”

The process usually takes two to two-and-a-half hours, Fred says—including the disagreements between spouses.
“I am a marriage counselor, too,” he laughs. “The couples don’t always agree on the choices and the wife usually wins.”

Once the plan is finished, and you’re braced for the inevitable high-pressure sales pitch, don’t be surprised if Fred asks you to think about it and give him a call, then goes home.

“Of course I’ll be happy to make the sale right there,” he acknowledges. “But if it were my money I would want a chance to think about it. Nobody likes being pressured. I even encourage people to get other estimates.”

Fred started DeckCreator in 2001 after working in home remodeling for about 10 years.

“We’re a family operation,” he says. “My sister Christa answers the phones and my father helps build the decks.”
Craig Jones, a builder with 20 years of experience, rounds out the DeckCreator team.

“We don’t hire subcontracted labor,” Fred promises. “You always know who is going to be working on your project, you know that it’s going to be done with high quality and consistency, and you know we are going to show up when we say we are going to show up.”

DeckCreator features decks built with pressure treated wood as well as composite materials from four different manufactures.

“Each product has its own advantages,” Fred says. “I will review all of the options with the customer. “Because I’m a carpenter, not a salesman, I can answer all of the technical questions—not just tell people what they want to hear.”

All DeckCreator decks carry the manufacturer’s warranty on materials—usually 25 years—along with a one-year warranty on workmanship and a five-year structural warranty.

“We put everything in writing,” Fred promises. “One of the biggest complaints people have about contractors is that they say one thing and do another. It could be something as small as the color of the deck screws. So I try to cover every single detail.”

Along with new decks, DeckCreator also does deck repair, such as resurfacing on a solid foundation.
DeckCreator is booked about a month in advance, so there is still time to get your dream deck built to enjoy this summer. To set up your no-cost design and estimate, call 216-798-7114. You also can visit www.deckcreator.com.

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