Help your customer add an outdoor room

t\ ONSUMERS are expected to V spend $40 billion this year on residential additions and alterations, but many of your customers are probably looking for an inexpensive way to update or enlarge their present home.

"Add a deck" is usually the best advice you can give them for adding the most square feet of living space at the most economical cost. Compared to adding a room, a deck is an excellent buy. It is the most economical way to add extra living space and extra value.

There is no living space more readily adaptable to serving a multitude of changing family needs. All in the course of a single day a deck can serve as a breakfast room, an exercise room, a reading room, a sun room, a game room, a party room or a pleasant retreat.

Story at a Glane

Ways you can help your customer add space to a cramped house at budget prices and get your share of the $40 billion remodeling market.

The popularity of decks is confirmed by Qualified Remodeler Magazine which rates decks as one of the top five improvements that can be made in remodeling a home. In addition to better living benefits, the homeowner receives an estimated 800/o return on the investment, according to their figures.

llECKS such as these can add living space and a new look to an older home. Simoson Timber Co. in their new TooDeck redwood product line is marketing the most popular redwood decking grades and lumber sizes air seasoned, graded for decking use and available in 2 ft. increments ranging from 8-20 ft.

A deck project often allows a dealer to sell more than decking. Larger windows, French doors, wooden sliders, patio doors, railings, trellis, fencing and building materials such as hardware, nails, stain, paint and tools are needed to complete each project. Finishing touches including outdoor furniture, planters, garden containers, grass, plants and flowers are additional sales.

Dealers with deck design software packages can custom design a deck to fit each customer's special needs, providing plans and material lists. Those without computer design centers can help their customers modify existing deck plans if necessary.

Dealers also can recommend contractors to build decks, provide installation service or assist the do-ityourselfer. All are an incentive for a customer to buy materials.

In many areas there's plenty of time to complete a deck before winter. If not, it's not too early to plan for next spring.