Being a part of the Windsor-Essex small business center program gave me a window into the small business start-up world that helped me decide on exactly what my business should focus on.
I understood that there were I needed 3 things that I needed:
1. Above all, this business should feel like a hobby. I love building, I love designing and I enjoy the whole learning experience. This job never gets dull or monotonous. Every structure I build is unique in some way, along with every customer I deal.
2. There has to be a market to which you are catering for. The simple rule of supply and demand. You need to create/supply/service people with something of value to them.
3. Plan. Get a detailed business plan together and find everything there is to know about your industry. Get to know your competitors, find out what works and what doesn't. This plan will constantly so don't get to thinking that this is a one-time-thing.
There are a lot more pieces to the puzzle but this is a good starting off point.
Ryan
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Is my deck safe?
Whether you are planning on building a new deck or you're living in a house with a deck you need to make sure that your deck is safe and sound. Deck collapses have been the cause of serious injury and sometimes death.
I bring this up because I was called for a deck addition in late 2009 but wanted to make sure the initial construction was safe. I took a look around and right off the bat a red flag went up. The 5/4' deck boards had way too much flex because of their 24' OC joists instead of 16' OC.
The deck was screwed down with non-ACQ rated screws, meaning corrosion and bleeding was obvious and over time they would practically dissolve. There were no bolts used on the beams OR ledger board. The deck was basically held down by improper screws. It was obvious that this was not an experienced builder's work.
The home owners have been living at the house for 2 years and claimed that their realtor suggested an inspector for them to hire. The cost to repair the deck was so steep that they had to hold off on the addition.
Just goes to show you, a second opinion is always a good idea....
I bring this up because I was called for a deck addition in late 2009 but wanted to make sure the initial construction was safe. I took a look around and right off the bat a red flag went up. The 5/4' deck boards had way too much flex because of their 24' OC joists instead of 16' OC.
The deck was screwed down with non-ACQ rated screws, meaning corrosion and bleeding was obvious and over time they would practically dissolve. There were no bolts used on the beams OR ledger board. The deck was basically held down by improper screws. It was obvious that this was not an experienced builder's work.
The home owners have been living at the house for 2 years and claimed that their realtor suggested an inspector for them to hire. The cost to repair the deck was so steep that they had to hold off on the addition.
Just goes to show you, a second opinion is always a good idea....
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Nice to meet you
My name is Ryan and I'm in my 4th year of building decks and fences. My interest in the industry has been growing each day since I started and can't stop thinking about that next project I can add to my portfolio.
I started out working for a local deck and fence company as a summer job in my first year of university. I enjoyed it so much I continued to work for them well into the fall up until exam time came rolling around. At that point, I had still not developed the builder perspective since I was never in charge of jobs or had much responsibility.
The following summer I was asked by a friend to build a 1000 square foot pool deck, I jumped at the opportunity. This was the first time I was able to show myself as well as others exactly what I was capable of building. The project turned out great and still remains as my signature image for my company.
After have such a great experience with my first solo project, I began working small jobs for friends and family building fences. I knew I had a knack for the building side of it but still wasn't sure as to how I would be able to handle the business side of it.
The next summer I decided to take a leap and submit my business plan to my local small business center in hopes for funding in the form of a government student company grant. This was a great program for any student looking at opening a small business because they provided you with 'mentors' in your community and you had the opportunity to discuss business strategies with other student small business owners bi-weekly.
After a month into the program I knew I was off to a great start in comparison to my peers. I had clearly been the most profitable out of the other grant recipients and definitely the most driven. Although I would never suggest for anyone to compare themselves to their peers because I don't believe it to be a good measure of success. Set realistic goals, and then set dream goals so you always know that you have something you're working towards.
I started out working for a local deck and fence company as a summer job in my first year of university. I enjoyed it so much I continued to work for them well into the fall up until exam time came rolling around. At that point, I had still not developed the builder perspective since I was never in charge of jobs or had much responsibility.
The following summer I was asked by a friend to build a 1000 square foot pool deck, I jumped at the opportunity. This was the first time I was able to show myself as well as others exactly what I was capable of building. The project turned out great and still remains as my signature image for my company.
After have such a great experience with my first solo project, I began working small jobs for friends and family building fences. I knew I had a knack for the building side of it but still wasn't sure as to how I would be able to handle the business side of it.
The next summer I decided to take a leap and submit my business plan to my local small business center in hopes for funding in the form of a government student company grant. This was a great program for any student looking at opening a small business because they provided you with 'mentors' in your community and you had the opportunity to discuss business strategies with other student small business owners bi-weekly.
After a month into the program I knew I was off to a great start in comparison to my peers. I had clearly been the most profitable out of the other grant recipients and definitely the most driven. Although I would never suggest for anyone to compare themselves to their peers because I don't believe it to be a good measure of success. Set realistic goals, and then set dream goals so you always know that you have something you're working towards.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Welcome to my Blog!
Welcome to my Blog! With this blog, I will describe the industry from the business perspective as well as a builder perspective. I own ‘Decks and Fences by Ryan’ serving windsor and surrounding areas with custom decks, fences and pergolas. We believe in sharing knowledge, although the construction community has lots of work to catch up on in terms of web presence.
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