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October 2025

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11 Tips to Avoid Common Contractor Scams

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Contractor scams are unfortunate, unethical, and they make all general contractors look bad. To say the least, I despise the character of any contractor, or person, that engages in unethical behavior to mislead or defraud any homeowner. With that being said, I have been in the industry for awhile, and over the years, I have heard of ridiculous schemes, shoddy workmanship, and nightmare scenarios that homeowners have unfortunately experienced, which is why I have put together a list of red flags, or warning signs, to help you avoid a potential contractor scam. 1. Low-ball Offer If you receive 3 estimates and one is oddly low compared to the others, then there is a potential for a scam. In this scenario, the “contractor” wants you – the homeowner – to make a decision solely based on price. Then, the “contractor” will ask for a down payment (which will probably be a larger amount than what is typical in the industry), and he will leave with your money and never return. How to avoid: Receive 3 estimates. If one is low, then ask why. If the reason is that the contractor missed items on the scope of work, then ask for a revised estimate. If not, walk away. 2. Large Down Payment At DDT Home Transformations, we use a progress payment schedule, which is usually divided into 3-5 payments, depending on the dollar amount of the project. The percentages are typically 30/30/30/10 (with the first 30% being the down payment). So, if your project is $10,000, then the down payment would be $3,000. A “contractor” attempting to scam a homeowner may ask for half or more of the total agreement amount. The only exception to this rule is if the project is less than $5,000 and takes a maximum of 3 days to complete; i.e., small roof, installing doors, etc. How to avoid: If you feel this is a good contractor, then ask for a revised payment schedule. If the contractor is unwilling to revise the down payment amount, then walk away. 3. Payment in Cash With technology helping to swing society towards a lesser dependency on cash, using traceable forms of payment is recommended. A “contractor” pushing for you to use cash is a large, red flag, screaming “STOP”. Specifically requesting payment in cash is abnormal for the residential remodeling community, since there are a plethora of payment options; i.e., check, debit, and credit. To avoid this scam, insist on using a non-cash form of payment. How to avoid: Don’t pay in cash. If a contractor is insisting on cash payments, then don’t proceed. Besides, check and debit card payment forms is the equivalent to cash. 4. No Permanent Office This is not a knock on all of the aspiring entrepreneurs who are bootstrapping their way to a successful construction company one day. If you are working with a young company, then the owner will have the capacity to confidently answer any questions pertaining to their “home” office. But, without a permanent location, scam artists pretending to be contractors will use this tactic to make the possibility of tracking them impossible. How to avoid: Review the business online. Have multiple conversations with the owner. If you feel comfortable, then proceed with a strict payment schedule. If not, don’t proceed. 5. Limited Time Offers You can’t beat a great deal! There’s nothing like getting something you want for almost nothing, unless the deal is too good to be true. Don’t be fooled by limited time offers. “Contractors” will position an offer in such a way that is almost impossible to say no to. Say, “NO”. It will save you a lot of frustration and money. Remember that these “contractors” have no intention of doing any work, they just want your money; so, if they offer a BOGO when nobody else is, then this offer is a NO-GO. How to avoid: The old adage is, “If it is too good to be true, then it probably is” applies to this scam. Do not be blinded by low prices. Honestly, abnormally low prices are indicators of inexperience and potential malfeasance. Politely decline the “limited-time offer” contractor. 6. Going Door-To-Door I don’t know a contractor who goes door-to-door; it could possibly be an effective marketing strategy since no one else I know is doing it. But, in this case, going door-to-door is nothing more than a non-digital phishing strategy. The “contractor” is looking for a homeowner that is gullible enough to take the bait, whatever it may be. However, a contractor that is working in the neighborhood may walk the surrounding area to hand out flyers or door hangers – this is acceptable. How to avoid: Don’t entertain offers from door-to-door, contractor salesmen. It is abnormal for the industry. Besides, if you want a project completed, you will solicit for estimates. 7. Lacks Professionalism Does the “contractor” have a shirt or vehicle with the company logo and information such as a phone number or website address? How was the contractor’s demeanor during the conversation or meeting? A person that is looking to take your money will not be this prepared or have this type of information readily available. If you are unsure about the contractor’s professionalism, then just conduct a simple, Google search, and you will find the company’s digital footprint that will include reviews, a website, etc. How to avoid: If the contractor has a bad attitude or lacks professionalism, you have a vote in his business’s long-term viability, and vote “no”. Do not proceed. He needs to respect homeowners and the profession as a whole before being given the reigns to operate as a contractor in this industry. 8. Contract Changes After the initial meeting, you decided that this was the right contractor for your project, but the “contractor” keeps changing the contract. In my experience, contract changes occur when there is additional work to be completed. However, I can usually inform the homeowner of where the changes will come from prior

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4 Useful Benefits of Building Permits

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You planned out the project. You hired a contractor. You bought the material. Now, all you need is to get the proper building permit. But, what exactly is a building permit and why do I need one? A building permit is a document that is issued from your local building department that gives you authorization to start construction. In other words, if you want to build a deck, then you need a building permit to build it. As far as why, or the reason for building permits, for most projects, it’s the law. But, there are several benefits to obtaining a building permit, which I will discuss in more detail in this article. Ensures Safety The first, and foremost, purpose of a building permit is to protect the homeowner. Below is a fictitious story to help illustrate how building permits ensure safety. Bob is a local homeowner who decided to hire a contractor to build a beautiful, 500 sq. ft. wood deck. Bob didn’t want to bother with permits, so he never filled out the paperwork or obtained a building permit from the local building department. So he hired a “contractor” to build the deck and the “contractor” began constructing the deck. After 2 weeks, the “contractor” finished the project and the deck was aesthetically pleasing. About one year later, Bob took a job out-of-state, moved, and sold his home. The new homeowners moved in to the home and after a few months, they began noticing that the deck was shifting, railing was coming away from the deck, and deck boards were popping up; so, they asked a deck builder to take a look at the deck. What they found out was that the post holes were not dug to the proper depth of 42″ (below the frost line), so during the winter when water would freeze and thaw, the water got underneath the post and began pushing the deck upwards, skewing and contorting the deck. The homeowners also found out that the railing was not secured properly to the posts. And, they also discovered that the deck was built with undersized nails, which are only supposed to be used in the interior of a home. Unfortunately, the new homeowners had to have the deck removed and rebuilt properly. In this illustration, the homeowner may have been easily leaning against a section of rail and fallen to the ground because the rail was not secured properly. Or, the homeowner could begin to see damage to the patio door threshold, side of the home, or even see the deck collapse. These are horrendous outcomes and nightmare situations for homeowners. Especially since the all of the issues could have been avoided if the homeowner made sure to use building permits. In short, a building permit protects the current homeowner and a future homeowner. Adds Value Building permits are track-able and record-able; and, they are public record. This means that if you want to move and sell your home, then the new homeowner will have documentation, proving the work was legit and completed to local building code regulations. Also, your realtor will have the ability to market your home as a “home with extras”. In other words, if you purchased the home without a deck, but now the home has a large, Trex (composite) deck with a pergola, then your realtor can use the approved project as a tool to negotiate for a higher selling price. So, building permits add value. Keeps Contractor Honest Along with building permits, there are inspections. This is where a certified, building inspector inspects the project. Most projects have 2-3 inspections. For instance, a deck will have 3 inspections: In other words, a building permit ensures that the contractor’s work will be inspected and verified by a certified individual. So, you can rest easy knowing that the contractor you hire cannot cut corners or build an unsafe structure. Built-In Payment Schedule You don’t pay for a project in-full, up front; you pay in increments. As you meet a threshold; i.e., demo and post-holes complete, you make the next payment for the project to progress to the next phase; i.e., rough framing. So, the inspections that go along with a building permit provide an easy-to-follow payment schedule. For instance, if you hired a contractor to build a deck, and the permit has 3 inspections; e.g., post hole, rough frame, and final, then, you can ask for a payment schedule that follows the 3 inspections. For example, the first payment would be a down payment of 30% of the contract, then the second payment would be 30% and only initiated after the post hole inspection was passed. You can follow this pattern all the way to the end whereby passing the final inspection would initiate the final payment of 10%. In all, the payment schedule would be 30/30/30/10. So, building permits provide a “calendar” for a payment schedule. Building permits are good. They are good for safety, adding value, keeping contractors honest, and creating a payment schedule. If you are considering a home remodeling project, then your first step is to contact your local building department to find out if a building permit is required. If so, then hire a contractor and ask him or her to get it for the project. Your project is better with a required building permit than without. In all cases, your choice of deck color is important because composite decking is much longer lasting than natural high maintenance product! Visit our deck gallery and veiw some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule an estimate! #buildingpermits #construction #contractor #safety #remodeling

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A Short Guide on Installing Hardwood Floors

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Walnut, maple, Brazilian cherry, oh my! The variety of choices, starting from the domestic select-and-better, red oak to the exotic tigerwood, are endless (sarcastically speaking), but the install process is always the same. Rinse. Lather. Repeat. Hardwood flooring and kitchen remodels go hand in hand; they could be considered close relatives (in terms of interior projects). In other words, if you are considering a kitchen remodel, then you are most likely considering having your contractor install new, hardwood flooring. We will leave the installation details to another article, but knowing the process of installation will prepare you for your upcoming project. DEMO Out with the old and in with the new. Flooring remodeling projects always start with demolition. On this project, we removed all of existing flooring, removed a wall, relocated electrical as necessary, and hauled away the debris. Demo generally takes 1-2 days to complete. PREP The next step in the flooring install process is prepping the subfloor. This includes inspecting the subfloor for level and being intact. Pieces of the subfloor will be replaced as necessary. Also, a layer of underlayment will be installed. This process takes 1 day. In addition, between finishing demo and starting prep, you will want to have the hardwood flooring delivered and brought inside the home, so the hardwood can acclimate to the temperature of the inside of the home. This takes 3 days. Pro Note: After hundreds of residential remodeling projects, we have found that maintaining a neat, clean, and organized work environment is essential to a project’s speed. Plus, the installers and you – the homeowner – find the remodeling experience much more enjoyable. So, “keeping it clean” is a rule for us. INSTALL The final phase of the remodel is installing the hardwood planks. Natural hardwood (like 2-1/4″ red oak) is packaged in 20 square-foot bundles with varying lengths of planks. For instance, one plank may be 24″ and another may be 12″. When the install is finished, the varying lengths create a beautiful, random mosaic. Once the install is finished, the stain needs to be applied and a top-coat of poly as well. There are a myriad of stain color options available from dark walnut to cherry to natural oak. The stain colors the wood and the poly protects the wood from being easily scratched and damaged by water. The poly also provides a shine. The install, stain, and poly process takes about 5 days to complete. In all cases, your choice of deck color is important because composite decking is much longer lasting than natural high maintenance product! Visit our deck gallery and veiw some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule an estimate! #hardwood #kitchen #flooring #remodel #renovation #construction

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4 Great Projects for Your Tax Refund

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Somewhere between New Year’s Day and Valentine’s Day, we start thinking about tax refunds and all the things that we can do with the additional influx of income. A family trip to Disney? Pay off holiday debt? Maybe a new front door? The myriad options run through one’s head like a sleeping giant counting sheep. But, for those considering a home remodel project, this article provides the best small, yet impactful, project options. Oh, and by the way, they all have top-of-the-line ROIs. And, if you love coffee like me, you’ll appreciate the references. $500 – “Tall” Refund Project: Replace Entry Door – ROI: 101% That’s right, spend $500 and you will get $505 back in equity. In other words, you earned $5 in profit by replacing your entry door. Just make sure to select a door that is aesthetically appealing and a door color that complements your home’s exterior color scheme. Remember, in order to achieve equity, you will need someone to be interested in your home and purchase it. The featured door in the image is a 2-panel, pre-hung, steel entry door from Home Depot for $249 pre-tax. If your budget is $500, you will have plenty of room financially to afford the rest of the project. You will need to paint the door, both interior and exterior, which is cost about $50 in material, bringing the total to $325. That leaves you $175 to hire a handyman to install the door. The project would take about 1 hour for a handyman to properly install the door, assuming there is no additional prep work needed. A handyman would charge between $100 – $200 to install the door, which would bring the total right to $500. If you use your $500 tax refund to replace your entry door that returns 101% of your investment, you will definitely have the blessing of your financial advisor. As a matter of fact, once you tell him how great the project worked out for you, he’ll probably replace his door, too. #smallyetpowerfulproject $1,500 – “Grande” Refund Project: Replace Garage Door – ROI: 88% Imagine its March and its still pretty cold outside. You pull into your driveway, see your brand new garage door, press the opener and drive into your warm garage. And ever since you replaced your garage door, neighbors have been driving by, saying how great it looks. “How good it feels…” is what you think as you turnaround to glance at your beautiful new garage door. And, it cost you next to nothing – just one tax refund. For this project, you need to purchase a garage door, a garage door opener, and hire a company to install them. The good news is that Home Depot can do all of this for you. The garage door in the picture is an insulated, single entry, painted steel, wood-look garage door with insulated, double pane windows. The door also includes a 1/2 hp, chain-operated, Chamberlain garage door opener with one wireless keypad and one wireless key remote. For all material and install, the pre-tax total is $1,524.52. The after tax price is around $1,675.00. With an 88% ROI, you will receive $1,474 in equity. In other words, even if you pay $175 out-of-pocket, you will still get all of your money back after your tax refund covers the majority of the costs. This is a great project that you will get to enjoy looking at everyday. $3,000 – “Venti” Refund Project: Replacing Windows – ROI 77% Even with a venti-sized refund, replacing all of your windows without additional funds is not possible. However, the good news is that you can purchase all of the material needed for the project with your tax refund. The material includes: With installation, you can expect for each window to cost between $150-$200. So, if you have 8 windows, then you can estimate that install would cost between $1,200-$1,600. In all, if the material for your windows cost $3,000 and the labor cost $1,600, then the total project will cost $4,600. With a $3,000 tax refund, you will only have $1,600 to pay. With 77% ROI, you will receive $3,542 in equity (definition: the dollar amount considered to be able to add to the sale price of your home). So, the $1,600 you pay upfront will be recouped if you sell your home. Plus, assuming you install energy efficient windows, you will save $100+ each year on heating and cooling expenses. $6,000 – “Quadruple Shot Latte” Refund Project: New Trex Deck – ROI 70% Now, if you receive a large tax refund like $6,000, then you will need to change your thinking in regards how the influx of income will be used. For instance, with the 3 previous projects, the idea was to use the tax refund to fund most, if not all, of the project. With a large refund, think large project such as $10,000+ to complete. Normally, large projects require saving and financing. A large tax refund helps curb the need for lots of financing. For instance, a 300 sq. ft. Trex deck with a new substructure, deck boards, railing, and stairs will cost $15,000. If you save $5,000 and use the $6,000 tax refund, then you only need $4,000 in financing. Plus, a Trex deck is a long-term investment; it won’t need replacing for at least 25 years, which is typically longer than a homeowner normally stays in one residence. In conclusion, use a large tax refund to fund a large project that will be a long-term investment. These type of projects include: a new Trex deck, replacing kitchen cabinets, installing new hardwood floors throughout the first level, and installing new siding. In all cases, your choice of deck color is important because composite decking is much longer lasting than natural high maintenance product! Visit our deck gallery and veiw some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule an estimate! #remodel #construction #homeimprovement #contractor #basementremodel #kitchenremodel #taxrefund

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The Pros & Cons of a Pressure Treated Wood Deck

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Pressure Treated Wood Decking If you are in the market to replace your existing deck or build a brand new one, you will encounter 3 main types of deck material that you will have to consider using for your new deck. With each type of material there are pros and cons, which is why we have started with the most common type – pressure treated wood, and we have listed the best and worst characteristics of the material. What is Pressure Treated Wood? Pressure treated wood is Southern Yellow Pine (abbreviation ‘SYP’) that has been chemically treated to increase rot resistance and prevent damage from insects. Where is Pressure Treated Wood Used? Just about everywhere that wood will be exposed to moisture or to the outside environment. Generally, pressure treated (aka ‘PT’) wood is used in the construction of decks, pergolas, and sheds. Typical Dimensions of Pressure Treated Wood? Varies, but specifically in regards to deck material, here is a general list: There are many more sizes, but these are the typical sizes used for deck construction. Pros of Pressure Treated Wood? Cost-Effective: In comparison to cedar and composite material, PT wood is the most cost-effective option with a price of $15-$20 per square foot for installation, substructure, and decking. Rot Resistant & Repels Insects: The chemicals used to create pressure treated lumber prevent rot resistant but they also act as an insecticide; so, with PT wood, you receive a 2-for-1 deal. Ground Contact: In most cases, PT wood (that you would find in Big Box stores) is now ground contact approved (based on newly revised guidelines), which means that the lumber will have twice the treatment and decks that are low to the ground (6″ or below) can use PT wood for the fascia, joists, beams, and decking. Warranty: The good news is that most lumber manufacturers offer a long-term warranty, which generally covers fungal decay and termite infestation. The bad news is that most consumers don’t know it. Cons of Pressure Treated Wood? Harmful: Even though industry standards have changed, the chemicals applied to treat lumber are harmful to the environment. Discoloration: Wood is a natural product, so it is going to be affected by the elements, specifically, exposure to the sun. There’s a scientific process called photo-oxidation that causes the surface of the boards to gray, but, the process can be slowed through the application of stain or paint. Checking: If you live in the Midwest, then you experience seasons; i.e., Summer, Winter, etc. Well, for products that live outside all year; e.g., wood decking, the industry calls material seasons – freeze-thaw cycles. In other words, during the Winter we have ice and during the Summer we have rain. What happens to the wood during this time is that water enters the pores of the wood, causing the wood to expand and contract as the water enters and leaves the wood. This process causes splits (or ‘checking’) in the wood (which occurs with every wood deck). But, applying water sealant will decrease the effects of this natural process. Upkeep: The biggest downside to PT wood decks is the upkeep. PT wood decks can withstand weather and stand strong for 30+ years, but they must be maintained regularly. This includes applying water sealant every year, staining the deck every two years, and pressure washing the deck twice a year. In all, you will spend approximately 20 hours and $250 every year to maintain a deck. Over a 30 year period, that is 600 hours (or 30 weekends) and $7,500 maintaining a wood deck. Conclusion In all, pressure treated wood, like anything, has its good qualities and its not-so-good qualities. But, with excellent features such as its resistant to fungal decay and termites as well as its attractive price-point, pressure treated wood is an outstanding choice to use for the construction of your deck. In all cases, your choice of deck color is important because composite decking is much longer lasting than natural high maintenance product! Visit our deck gallery and veiw some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule an estimate! #lowmaintenance #longlasting #newdeck #compositedeck #deckresurface #deckcontractor Deckingcontractorhome improvement

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3 Reasons Fall is a Great Time for a Kitchen Remodel

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Late Summer through early fall is an ideal time for your kitchen remodel! From ideal weather to better deals, August through mid October present several great reasons to start your project now. Listed below are a few of the reasons there is no better time than now to get the wheels turning on your kitchen renovation. Weather Let’s start with the obvious.. Your kitchen is going to down for a bit, so take advantage of the great temps and minimal rain to enjoy some outdoor living! What a great time for grilling and sharing a meal on the deck or patio. Not a grill master? Not to worry, head to your favorite restaurant and grab everyone’s favorites for a picnic or maybe just enjoy a meal dining on their patio. All are a great change of pace for most and great for family time. The lack of rain will also minimize wear and tear on your property. Holiday Ready What’s better than hosting the family for the Holidays? We think hosting in a brand new kitchen ranks up there pretty high. Beat all the folks who thought about this renovation around Halloween and had no idea there choices wouldn’t arrive in time! There are alot of moving parts in any big renovation. Allowing plenty of time is always wise. Get it done now and handle those delays in stride. You’ll be free and clear long before the Turkey goes in the oven! Late Season Deals Early year trends have been around some and manufacturers may have reduced pricing some. Look around, the deals are out there and the difference just my drop your choices into the budget. As well, contractors aren’t as busy as earlier in the season so they tend to be more competitive on pricing. Grab the best contractor, they may be available now and you might still save some dollars. So if your kitchen has seen better days, take a minute and give the pros at DDT Home Transformations a call for your free estimate and take advantage of this great time of year for your renovation! 630-200-3945 https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ #remodel #kitchen #HolidaySeason #kitchenremodel

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3 Qualities to Look for When Choosing a Kitchen Designer

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Remodeling your kitchen can be a fun and exciting upgrade to your home. It can also be expensive, so you want to be sure your Kitchen Designer is experienced, knowledgeable, and involved beyond simply selling you the products. When interviewing a potential designer, be sure to touch on the following 3 facets of the kitchen planning experience: Experience: A person does not need to have a degree to become a Kitchen Designer. Ideally, however, your designer would have a degree from a National Kitchen & Bath Association accredited program and have or at least be working towards an NKBA Certification in kitchen Design (AKBD or CKD) and have several projects under her belt, but many successful designers learn the trade in the field. A reputable cabinet dealer will have a website with pictures of projects completed by their designer and / or installers. Never assume that because a designer works in the kitchen department at a home store that they’ve been properly trained. Ask to see before and after pictures of their projects. Ask for references. Although it’s nice to have a big-name company backing their employees to ensure that mistakes are corrected, it’s better to avoid the mistakes in the first place by trusting an experienced Kitchen Designer. Product Knowledge: How well does the designer understand the products that they offer? In order to create the best design for your space, the designer should be able to recommend a cabinet line, for example, that has all of the options to meet your needs and current trends. The designer should also be able to speak thoroughly about the cabinet line’s customer service. What happens if a cabinet arrives damaged? What if a hinge breaks 2 years from now? Will the designer help you with any issues that arise? Your designer should be able to give you peace of mind in your investment. Involvement: What will the designer’s role be before and after you’ve made your purchase? This is important for both DIY kitchen remodelers and those hiring a contractor. A Kitchen Designer should be actively involved during the project. Look for a designer who will come to your home and be present when measurements are taken. This is an attribute of an accountable designer. She wants to be sure the measurements are accurate to avoid costly mistakes which she would be responsible for. This will help avoid the delays, caused by reordering product, that keep you out of your kitchen! A kitchen is made up of several components and sometimes it isn’t clear where a piece was meant to go or how it was meant to be used. Will the designer be on site for the installation to guide the installers or at least be available by phone? Your designer should be available to you or your contractor to go over the design before you make your purchase and during the actual installation. A great Kitchen Designer is experienced, knows the products they recommend and sell, and will be there through every phase of your project to make sure that you love the result. In all cases, your choice of deck color is important because composite decking is much longer lasting than natural high maintenance product! Visit our deck gallery and veiw some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule an estimate! #lowmaintenance #longlasting #newdeck #compositedeck #deckresurface #deckcontractor

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4 Tips for the DIY Kitchen Remodeler

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Let’s begin with what type of cabinets you want to buy. Cabinets which come fully assembled will cost more, but they usually have a better warranty and save valuable time during a remodel. If you have a contractor you plan to use, installation costs are considerably less for assembled cabinets. Ready-to-Assemble cabinets, also known as RTAs or Knock Downs, will generally be less expensive, but can require a lot more work as well as a much larger risk of having a finished product which is damaged, out of square, or improperly assembled before it ever gets to the wall. Regardless of which type of cabinet you choose, read and follow the installation guide from the manufacturer. No one wants a voided warranty due to improper assembly or installation. Cabinet construction matters, know your options. Standard construction is the basic option where the face frame and doors are wood or wood veneer and the cabinet box is made from furniture board with a matching melamine finish on the cabinet interior and sides. Furniture board cabinet sides will fade or discolor over time and will not age with the cabinet doors and face frames. Furniture board also swells when it comes in contact with water. All-Plywood-Construction is an upgrade offered by most middle to high end cabinet brands. This is the strongest option. The sides of the cabinet will age at the same rate as the doors and face frame (if applicable), plywood shelves hold heavier items without sagging, and plywood is more resistant to water damage than furniture board. Some cabinet brands offer a mid-level upgrade in which the cabinet sides are upgraded to plywood This adds strength to a cabinet box and allows the cabinet sides to age with the doors and face frame. It’s important to buy from a reputable dealer. It is possible to save money by purchasing cabinets from an online store, but if you’re considering this, it may be helpful to hire an Interior Designer who specializes in kitchen designs to help you. Some online cabinet retailers offer design help, but you are relying on a person who’s never seen your kitchen and has no way to verify your dimensions. There’s peace of mind in ordering cabinets from a dealer. A reputable cabinet dealer will verify your dimensions for you and have you work with a designer to make sure your kitchen is functional and to reduce the chance of errors. These services are generally included in the purchase of the cabinets. Always work with an experienced kitchen designer. If you’ve installed cabinets before and acted as your own designer, you may be comfortable creating your own layout and installing your kitchen without advice from a designer. If it’s your first DIY kitchen remodel, it wouldn’t hurt to purchase your cabinets from a designer you can call with questions. For tips on how to choose a designer, see our previous blog entry, “3 Qualities to Look for When Choosing a Kitchen Designer”. https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/single-post/2018/11/16/3-Qualities-to-Look-for-When-Choosing-a-Kitchen-Designer #remodel #renovation #kitchenremodel

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Low Voltage Lighting Adds Warmth to Your Composite Deck

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There are 2 main types of lighting that are commonly used on decks. Low-voltage lighting and Solar lighting. Low-voltage lighting is reliable and consistent. It requires a transformer which plugs into a standard wall outlet (GFCI) and converts your home’s standard 110 volts to the required 12 volt level. Low-voltage lighting can be used with timers or sensors to customize your usage. It’s best to install low-voltage lighting during the construction of the deck so that the wiring can be hidden properly. Solar lighting is simple and cost effective. They require little or no wiring, using a solar panel to collect sunlight and convert it to energy stored in batteries which run the lights. Solar fixtures use a photocell which turns lights on as daylight decreases. Solar lighting is a great option for existing decks. Post Cap Lights are a great way to light the perimeter of your deck and add a bit of flair to your posts! They’re available for wood posts, aluminum posts, and composite posts and will enhance any deck railing. Side Mount Lights add a soft glow down your deck posts. These are a great option for decks that have cocktail handrail or any other handrail that is continuous and doesn’t utilize post caps. Under Rail Lighting is very discreet lighting that accents railings at night with little presence during the day. It can be used continuously around an entire rail or section of railing or placed intermittently for a less dramatic affect. Stair Riser Lighting is both beautiful and practical. Not only does it add interest to the architecture of the deck, it makes stairs more visible and safe to navigate. In all cases, your choice of deck color is important because composite decking is much longer lasting than natural high maintenance product! Visit our deck gallery and veiw some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule an estimate! #decklighting #lowvoltagelighting #postcaplights #sidemountlights #underraillighting #stairriserlighting

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5 Details to Consider When Designing your New Deck

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There are several ways to make your new backyard deck great for entertaining, but what to do if you really want the wow factor? Here are 5 ways to really take your deck to the next level! Lighting: Lighting is the easiest way to upgrade your decks appearance. It’s best to have lighting added during the construction process to allow the electrical workings to be properly installed and hidden. Deck lighting can include post cap lights, railing lights, riser and fascia lights, and landscape lights. Lighting is a great way to accent your new deck! Inlays: If you’ve chosen to go with a composite deck, such as TREX, you have many color options to choose from. Try using 2 or more colors in your deck design! Accenting with color can be as easy as using a complimentary perimeter board color or it can be even more extraordinary by having your deck designer / builder include a pattern in the boards! Curves: Another unique touch that can be added to your new composite deck is the use of curved boards! TREX makes a Custom Curve machine that allows deck builders who have it the ability to heat up the boards, making them pliable! This allows for some very interesting deck design options! Pergolas: A pergola can add beauty and a bit of shade to a new deck in a sunny location! It can also be used, on a large deck, to create a visual separation between sections by placing the pergola on one area, while allowing the other area to remain open to the sky. Pergolas can be designed as single or double layer protection from the sun and provide an interesting option for placement of privacy block such as lattice or decorative screening. Custom Stairways: A stairway does not have to be straight or plain! A stairway is great place to incorporate one or more of the options listed above! A flared staircase which starts at a given width at the top, opens up to a wider base at the bottom! Curved steps look amazing on a flared staircase! And don’t forget to add riser lights to those treads! If your staircase has to be straight, talk to your deck designer about tread design such as a picture frame tread with an accent color! Your new deck will add function to your backyard. Make sure it also adds beauty! Having a well-designed, unique deck will add aesthetic to be enjoyed for the lifetime of your deck! In all cases, your choice of deck color is important because composite decking is much longer lasting than natural high maintenance product! Visit our deck gallery and veiw some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule an estimate! #postcaplights #stairriserlighting #decklighting #lowvoltagelighting #newdeck #curveddeck

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